About Us

Mission

Virginia Voice is a non-profit audio reading and information service for those who are unable to read for themselves because of vision impairment or other disability. Virginia Voice broadcasts daily an organized program of readings of current printed material, including newspapers, magazines, books, and publications of various organizations.

How It Works

The readings are broadcast by way of closed circuit, utilizing sub-carriers of public radio stations WCVE-FM in Richmond and WHRO-FM in Norfolk. For reception of the service, Virginia Voice provides specially-manufactured radios on a loan basis to individuals with print disabilities who live within the broadcast areas. The readings are also accessible online at www.virginiavoice.org.

Service Area

In Central Virginia the programming is available to people living within a 40-mile radius of Richmond. In Hampton Roads the service is available throughout a 40-mile radius of Norfolk. The service is also accessible by way of the Internet throughout Virginia and beyond.

Volunteers

Volunteers are a critical component of Virginia Voice’s service. More than 200 volunteers serve as readers, radio deliverers and studio operators. One week of programming requires at least 100 readers. The organization has a rotating 21-member volunteer board of directors.

Funding

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Virginia Voice is funded by contributions from public and private sectors and receives some funding through its affiliation with the United Way.