Audio-Reader receives 3 awards, honorable mention from the International Association of Audio Information Services
LAWRENCE — The Audio-Reader Network, based at the University of Kansas, received three program awards and one honorable mention during the International Association of Audio Information Services 2026 awards ceremony in June.
Audio-Reader, a nonprofit audio information service, offers programming for persons who are blind, visually impaired and print-disabled. It is part of the International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS). Each year, member services from across the organization nominate their top programs and audio recordings for consideration for these annual program awards.
“The IAAIS program awards highlight the incredible dedication and creativity within our community,” said Kim Wardlow, president of IAAIS. “The winners demonstrate exceptional quality and commitment to making the world a more accessible and inclusive place for everyone. We are immensely proud to honor their impactful work.”
Audio-Reader received three awards and one honorable mention for programming in the categories of Newspapers, Magazines, Books and Short Story, and the Now Hear This category for short works.
The Magazines Award
The Magazines Award category was a tie between Audio-Reader and Nashville Talking Library. On the Audio-Reader side, volunteer Michael Gier’s talents were recognized along with staff members Colin Halliburton, audio engineer, and Nick Carswell, producer.
Gier is a retired educator who began volunteering for Audio-Reader in 2023. He created a weekly show called "The Children’s Hour" along with fellow volunteer Betty Kline. Together they create programming aimed at children and lifelong learners focused on science and nature one week and literature and short stories the next.
Book or Short Story Programs
This award was given to Audio-Reader for the production of “Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News,” by Bill Kurtis; read by Kurtis and produced by Carswell.
Kurtis is a longtime journalist and former host of "Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!," NPR’s news quiz show. Having recently completed his memoir “Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News,” and as a KU alumnus himself, Kurtis worked with University Press of Kansas to publish the print version and Audio-Reader for the audio version. Kurtis also stopped by the IAAIS annual conference on June 10 as a guest speaker.
Now Hear This Award
This unique category includes submission of outstanding audio clips that are less than one minute. Audio-Reader volunteer Carl Graves tied for first place for his promotion of his "Fabulous Fifties" program, which began airing on Audio-Reader in January 2026. Graves, a retired history professor and volunteer with Audio-Reader since 1997, curated 52 hourlong episodes dedicated to bringing the past into the present, reminding and educating listeners about a decade of musical revolution, unique styles, emerging technology and major historical events.
The Newspapers Award (honorable mention)
Audio-Reader received an honorable mention in the Newspapers category for volunteer Doug Heacock’s reading of "The Sunflowers Dailies," with audio engineering by Halliburton and produced by Carswell. Heacock became a volunteer reader for Audio-Reader in 2024 and reads the weekly program "The Sunflower Dailies," fills in for fellow readers as needed and voiced the book “Big Boys Don’t Cry,” written and published by Robert Phillips, an Army veteran, local author and Audio-Reader listener.
About IAAIS
The International Association of Audio Information Services connects and supports organizations for people with disabilities worldwide. IAAIS is a volunteer-driven membership organization of services that turn text into speech for people who cannot see, hold or comprehend the printed word and who may be unable to access information due to a disability or health condition. IAAIS represents audio information services and developing services across the United States.
Read the full list of awards on the IAAIS awards webpage.