Quick Facts
Founded: 1978
Listeners:
- 1,400 in Central Virginia
- 700 in Hampton Roads
- 85 percent are blind or visually impaired.
- 15 percent cannot read due to a physical disability.
Volunteers:
- More than 200
- Need 100 readers for one week of programming.
Program Schedule:
On the air seven days a week, 365 days a year.
- Monday, 7 a.m. to Saturday, 2 a.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 midnight
- Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Funding:
80 percent of the organization's revenue consists of contributions from:
- individuals
- service/civic groups
- churches
- corporations/foundations
- churches
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Mission
Virginia Voice is a non-profit radio reading service for those who are unable to read
for themselves because of a visual 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 subcarriers 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 print disabled individuals
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. Programming is also provided by way of Cable FM throughout Central Virginia. 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.
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