Blind and Physically Handicapped/TBBS Grants
Blind and Physically Handicapped/TBBS Grants support Illinois Radio Information Service stations’ daily local-news broadcasts for residents unable to use standard print, helping them stay informed and connected.
Funder: Illinois State Library
Due Dates: April 30, 2027 (Grant application)
Funding Amounts: $353,422 awarded to 9 stations in FY 2023
Summary: Supports daily local-news broadcasts for Illinois residents who cannot read standard print or handle reading material because of visual or physical limitations.
Key Information: Only designated Illinois Radio Information Service stations are eligible to apply.
Description
The Secretary of State and the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service fund grants that expand access to information, equipment and programs for Illinois residents with visual or physical limitations who cannot read standard print or hold or turn pages. The grants support Illinois Radio Information Services’ daily broadcasts of local news and information not generally heard on regular news broadcasts.
Listeners can access broadcasts through a free program-issued radio receiver, a password-protected internet stream or secondary audio programming on local access television. Several stations also offer broadcasts through Amazon Alexa. The program aims to help residents stay informed and connected to their communities.
