Raising awareness over the airwaves Announcer downplays disability to encourage, educate others.(Neighbor)

0 Comments | Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), May, 2005 | by Vogel, Stacy

Byline: Stacy Vogel Daily Herald Staff Writer You may not know his name, but you've probably heard his voice, talking over the credits of your favorite NBC show or hosting radio programming in the wee hours of weekend mornings. What you may not realize is that the man behind the golden voice, Bill Jurek, can't even see the microphone in front of him.

The 55-year-old Long Grove resident makes no secret about his blindness, at least not anymore. In the 10 years since losing his sight to glaucoma and retinal problems, Jurek has used his positions as staff announcer for NBC and radio personality/ director of community affairs with WLIT Lite 93.9 FM to promote awareness of visual impairment and general disability issues in the Chicago area. "I'm not afraid...