The Ministry With Persons With Disabilities in the Diocese of Wichita is ensuring that everyone, including the blind and visually impaired, has access to the Catholic Advance newspaper. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with KU Audio Reader, a free information service for the blind, visually impaired, and print-disabled individuals in Kansas and western Missouri.

Jessica Lopez, the director of the ministry, emphasized the importance of the Catholic Advance in helping individuals and families stay informed about events in the diocese and the world. She stated, "The Ministry with Persons with Disabilities believes that all persons should have access to this wonderful resource, which prompted a partnership with KU Audio Reader. The special aspect of this program is the community it creates."

Martha Kehr, the Communications and Listener Outreach Coordinator for Audio Reader, explained that the service caters to individuals with various disabilities, including visual impairments and print disabilities like dyslexia. Audio Reader provides accessible audio editions of newspapers, magazines, grocery store ads, and special requests. The information is available through radio, the internet, telephone, and smart speakers, 24 hours a day, free of charge.

Kehr highlighted the different ways individuals can access the service. Closed circuit radios, provided for free after approval, allow listeners to tune into the 24-hour broadcast. Special requests, such as the Catholic Advance, are available through podcast sites, the Audio Reader website, and various podcast services. The service can also be accessed through Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, including the Echo Dot, which offers more flexibility and additional services.

Additionally, Audio Reader offers a telephone reader service, supported by Lions Clubs throughout the state. This service allows users to call in and directly access the publication, skipping ahead to specific articles. Kehr mentioned that Amazon's Alexa is the fastest-growing option to access Audio Reader due to its widespread availability and on-demand listening capabilities.

While the exact number of listeners is unknown, Kehr shared that in the previous year, over 2,000 radios and 50 Echo Dots were sent to listeners in Kansas and Western Missouri. Additionally, approximately 1,000 individuals enabled the Audio Reader on their Alexa devices. The service relies on the dedication of over 250 volunteers who read about 14,000 hours of content each year.

In 2022, the Lions Telephone Reader Service received over 11,000 calls, with an average listening time of 25 minutes. The service's website also received around 4,500 visits. Kehr mentioned that all programs are archived for up to one year, and an updated program guide is sent quarterly in braille, larger print, or email.

Furthermore, Audio Reader collaborates with eye care professionals to raise awareness about their services among individuals diagnosed with conditions resulting in loss of sight. They also reach out to eye doctor associations, senior resource agencies, and independent living services to promote accessibility for the visually impaired.

The efforts of the Ministry With Persons With Disabilities and the partnership with KU Audio Reader have made the Catholic Advance accessible to a wider audience. Through their dedication and the support of volunteers and technology, the diocesan newspaper can now reach individuals who were previously unable to access it.