The Dominion Energy Christmas Parade will have some new attendees this year as CBS 6 welcomes Virginia Voice listeners to be its guests for a live audio-described experience. The parade will kick off in front of the Science Museum at ten in the morning on Saturday, December 2.
Virginia Voice, which connects individuals with blindness and other disabilities to news, information, arts, and culture through the use of technology and the human voice, will bring the parade to life through vivid descriptions of the floats, costumes and vehicles as they pass by. Community Engagement Coordinator Sharalyn Garrard, said, “What a great way to provide a new treat for our listeners. We are always looking for new ways to enhance our listeners lived experiences, and what better way than a parade!”
According to Virginia Voice CEO, Yvonne Mastromano, “We are grateful for the investment that CBS 6 makes in our local community. Because of their support, for the first time, Virginia Voice will have the unique opportunity to ensure that our friends and neighbors who are blind can enjoy this iconic event in the same way as their sighted peers.”
What is Virginia Voice?
For forty-five years Virginia Voice has provided access to the written word to its listeners via its 24/7 radio broadcast. Throughout central Virginia and Hampton Roads, 11,000 listeners can hear newspaper and magazine articles on a variety of subjects, read by one of 120 volunteer readers. Live Audio Describing is a tool Virginia Voice uses to describe the visual elements of cultural events for individuals who are blind or have other disabilities. This program was implemented in 2017, and has grown to include, plays, films, sporting events, and museum tours. If you or someone you know is in need of Virginia Voice’s services, or for further information about becoming a Reader or Live Audio Describer, go to virginiavoice.org. Virginia Voice is committed to offering all services free of charge to those who need them. If you would like to support the Virginia Voice mission and learn more, please visit our website, virginiavoice.org.
