FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
April 05, 2011
VIRGINIA G. PIPER CHARITABLE TRUST GRANT MEANS “UPGRADE TO INDEPENDENCE”
FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE VALLEY
Sun Sounds of Arizona to offer digital radio upgrade to existing members
Tempe, AZ - (April 05, 2011) - Sun Sounds of Arizona is pleased to announce the award of a $60,000 grant from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable
Trust which will help to fund the “Upgrade to Independence” project, an outreach effort to increase listenership to the statewide radio reading and
information access service.
Sun Sounds of Arizona serves anyone who finds it difficult to see, hold or understand printed material due to a disability. Members of Sun Sounds
use the service to hear daily local and national newspapers, magazines, books, grocery ads and other local information read aloud.
Currently, members tune in on special, analog FM-subcarrier (SCA) radios that receive the private broadcast. An SCA signal is less powerful than an
FM radio signal and is subject to greater interference. Thus, many listeners endure scratchy, static-washed signals just to hear their daily newspaper.
After more than 30 years of using analog SCA radios, the “Upgrade to Independence” project allows Sun Sounds to replace traditional SCA units with
specially-designed HD radios. Reclaimed and refurbished SCA radios will be redistributed to new members outside of the HD broadcast area. Sun Sounds
broadcasts on HD 89.5-3 in the Phoenix metro area.
In accordance with the goals of the project, increasing disabled members’ access to current print information facilitates independent living,
personal
choices, and life-long learning.
David Noble, Sun Sounds of Arizona Development Director, said, “HD radio is an exciting, new technology. Right now the cost of HD radios remains
high and out of reach for the Sun Sounds audience. This grant helps to provide the highest quality signal available for people who otherwise would be
unable to take advantage of the technology.”
Cost is a barrier for people with disabilities who, according to national statistics, are under-employed or unemployed. “To provide HD radios at low cost or no cost, and give listeners access to information in the clearest possible signal, is truly a gift,” Noble continued. “We are grateful to the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust for its commitment to Arizonans with disabilities.”
Of this most recent group of recipients, Judy Jolley Mohraz, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust president and CEO, commented, “These are a group of
projects to watch unfold in our community. Several of them have the potential to move the needle in addressing the needs of children and older adults,
two groups often at risk in our community."
For additional information about this release, contact:
Heidi Capriotti
Marketing Coordinator
Sun Sounds of Arizona
480-774-8300
