The WHRO Voice continues to receive a growing number of requests from the community for information on how to listen to Voice programs or how to become a volunteer reader. Each week, volunteer reader Kathy Sugar processes requests for special “subcarrier” radios from qualified individuals who are blind, visually impaired or unable to read normal printed matter due to disability. In addition to the free radios, new listeners also are told how they can receive high quality signals from our internet web stream, the WHRO App or by using a “smartspeaker” such as the Amazon Echo. On other occasions, readers like John Delaney have visited the residences of listeners to deliver radios or assist with technical issues. Later this month, radios will be delivered and installed at Marian Manor Retirement Community in Virginia Beach.
There has also been significant community interest from people asking to read for The WHRO Voice. The volunteer program has received more than 15 inquiries from people over the past months, many of whom have completed applications and will be participating in upcoming orientation sessions. Our thanks to those Voice readers who have helped orient new volunteers during their “first read.” Increased interest in the Voice has, in part, been the result of last month’s ad in Dimensions and a television public service announcement which appears regularly on the four WHRO TV outlets. The Voice continues to rely primarily on prospective listener referrals from the Virginia Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired which also provides major funding for the program.
Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers for your ongoing support!
Listen to The WHRO Voice online.