KU News Release

Audio-Reader to offer recordings of veterans publication

George Norton reads a copy of Veterans Voices for Audio-Reader.

LAWRENCE — For the first time, blind and disabled veterans will have access to an audio version of Veterans Voices, a Kansas City-based therapeutic publication for veterans sharing personal experiences and emotions, thanks to the University of Kansas’ Audio-Reader Network.

A military veteran who volunteers at Audio-Reader, KU’s reading and information service for blind and print-disabled individuals, is recording the magazine.

First published in 1952 by Theta Sigma Phi, now known as the Association for Women in Communications, Veterans Voices is a national outlet of the History of Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project. The project’s writing program is designed to acknowledge military veterans’ experiences and build self-esteem through creative expression and possible publication of original stories and poems. An all-volunteer staff produces three editions annually in March, July and October.

“We’re really excited to have this collaboration, and we appreciate the opportunity to make this available to our veterans who need it in another format. I think it’s great, ” said Priscilla Chansky, the writing project’s administrative manager.

For Audio-Reader volunteer George Norton of Lawrence, recording Veterans Voices was a meaningful experience. “It moved me to tears in some respects. It was emotionally difficult, but it was also very inspiring, ” he said.

A 22-year military veteran, Norton embraced this assignment as a special way to contribute to fellow veterans and also serve Audio-Reader’s mission of making printed materials accessible to the blind and print-disabled.

“I’m very proud to be able to share this experience with veterans who are sight-challenged. It’s one more way to continue to serve those who have served their country. I feel a commitment to do that,” Norton said.

Audio-Reader is offering Veterans Voices on CD, cassette tape or online by request. Anyone who would like to obtain free access to a recording of Veterans Voices should contact Audio-Reader at 1-800-772-8898. The magazine is also available by touchtone phone on the Audio-Reader Lions Telephone Reader service. A six-minute demo recording of the spring edition of Veterans Voices is accessible by dialing 1-800-335-1221, then entering code 5887; select group 1 publications, press 4 for regional publications and then enter 31 for the two-digit category number.

For more information about Audio-Reader, call 1-800-772-8898 or visit the organization’s Web site. Audio-Reader’s services are available free of charge, but donations are welcome.

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