Our Mission

Our Mission is to provide, upon request, free audio recorded versions of print material, which give persons with vision impairments or other disabilities access to lifelong learning choices.

About PAL-Reading Services Inc.

PAL-Reading Services Inc. (“PAL”) was founded in 1975 with a small federal grant. Originally named “Periodical Audio Library”, PAL was the idea of Jim Hamilton, a blind student at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, now part of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT).  At that time, no other agency offered an audio recording service for print-challenged students who needed academic journal articles recorded quickly enough to meet weekly study deadlines.

What sets us apart?

• We respond to immediate, individual and unique requests
• We record using real voices for richness and depth, and an accuracy unavailable with current electronic voice technology
• We have a team of dedicated staff & volunteer readers who produce high quality recordings
• We read in multiple languages

 Our goals?

• To provide print-challenged clients with customized audio materials on demand, at no cost to them
• To allow our clients to expand their knowledge and interests on subjects of their choice - education, hobbies, job related and more
• To ensure each print-challenged client can enjoy a high quality of life, and...
• To enrich the lives of our clients

Our results?

Since 1975 we have served over 1200 print-challenged individuals and many of our clients continue to use our services year after year.

In 2017 we provided 2500+ hours of recorded material (an estimated 47,500 pages).