Imagine not being able to read the words on this page. For many people throughout Central Ohio, this is their daily reality.“Newspapers had become a blur,” said Marian W. of Columbus, whose sight diminished due to stroke and macular degeneration. Thanks to VOICEcorps reading service, Marian and others like her now have a lifeline to the things that most of us take for granted.

VOICEcorps connects visually-impaired listeners in 21 Ohio communities with important news and information 24-hours a day, seven days a week through live radio broadcasts and their website. At VOICEcorps over 250 volunteers read national and community newspapers, popular magazines, book excerpts, comic strips, recipes, the weather and much more. “VOICEcorps is my lifeline and helps me keep in touch with the world and with reality. VOICEcorps is a very important part of my life,” said Marian.

VOICEcorps is the only service of its kind in the central Ohio area. In 1975, three central Ohio blind men learned of a similar service in Minnesota. The men traveled to Minnesota to learn more and upon their return, they knew they needed to start a similar service in central Ohio to help others as well as themselves.

VOICEcorps became a member of Community Shares of Mid Ohio because they recently lost their funding from the United Way of Central Ohio. As a member of Community Shares, VOICEcorps will join workplace giving campaigns throughout central Ohio. As a member charity of Community Shares, employees at workplace campaign locations can donate directly to VOICEcorps from their paychecks.

VOICEcorps provides listeners the same news and information that the general public receives while offering a unique volunteer opportunity.

“I like the idea that I am bringing something to someone’s day that they might not otherwise get…contact with the world. And, it’s fun to volunteer at VOICEcorps, too,” said Debbie S. a VOICEcorps volunteer reader.

Along with the regular volunteers, VOICEcorps hosts celebrity read-ins where prominent people from the central Ohio government, news media, and businesses can volunteer their time by reading on the air. All of the volunteers are advocates of the idea that news and other information should be accessible to all members of the community.

Many people volunteer regularly because they love the opportunity to give back and have fun doing it. “I have a good time volunteering at VOICEcorps. We’ve made nice friends here, and I hope we bring some humor and brightness into people’s lives,” said Kevin D. who hosts the Critic’s Corner show at VOICEcorps. VOICEcorps is always looking for volunteers to read on-air or to assist with office support during lunchtime hours. For information on how to volunteer or how to refer someone you know to the service visit: www.voicecorps.org or call 614-274-7650.

Learn more about VOICEcorps reading service by viewing their profile.

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