frequently asked questions
Please note: We can only accept broadcasters that have their own in-house recording facilities. thank you.
gatewave relies on the dedication of its many volunteers to provide 24-hour streaming content to its local and national audio streams. By reading aloud, you can bring a world of print to those who are visually impaired or unable to read print. volunteer readers must have access to a recording studio or home recording system.
You are reading: Volunteer to read books for the blind
how to volunteer to read
Before you are eligible to become a volunteer gatewave broadcaster, you must take and pass our read-aloud audition. The audition includes a 100-word pronunciation test and several short reading extracts from newspapers and magazines. the reading test takes about 15 minutes. Since our broadcasts are produced as a “live” reading, we ask that you do not audition in advance. Further audition instructions will be provided to you once you have submitted your application.
time requirements for readers
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We request a minimum one-year commitment of two to three hours once a week throughout the year, except for vacations or illness. this helps us reduce the amount of turnover and the time spent bringing in and training new volunteers.
age requirement
the minimum age is 21 years. many of our listeners prefer to hear adult voices reading materials out loud. Also, with class schedules changing each quarter or semester, high school and college students are often unable to meet the one-year requirement listed above.
what am I going to read?
Volunteers are assigned specific posts based on our needs and your schedule.
what do I need to provide the recording?
You can record at home as long as you have a quiet place to record. you will need a “home studio” setup. you can download our “home recording tips” pdf to find out how to create a home studio.
reading skills requirements
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Volunteer readers should be able to read aloud without prior preparation and with a high degree of accuracy and clarity. Auditions are judged on the following criteria:
- diction is clear, distinct, and easily understandable.
- reading is free from disturbances such as coughing and frequent hesitation.
- reading is appropriate for the material being he presents himself, nice but not exaggerated, restrained but not forced, attentive to the meaning of the material. the reader is adept at adding proper emphasis and demonstrates knowledge of how words fit together for good verbal expression when reading aloud, especially with respect to meaning.
- reading communicates accurately convey the thoughts and ideas conveyed in printed material.
- reading demonstrates fluency and ease.
- reading brings material to life, making the listener want to hear more. the reader exhibits a sense of timing and the ability to express nuances of emphasis.
- the reading has a quality that draws the listener in. the reading style exhibits assertiveness and self-confidence and, without being assertive or condescending, grabs hold of and dominates the listener.
- the reading maintains a pace that is appropriate to the material.
- reading avoids following patterns and being monotonous.
- the reader is able to follow directions exactly.
- volunteer readers must be able to pronounce words like these with at least 90 percent precision:
how to apply
If you are interested in becoming a reader and have been able to successfully pronounce 9 of the above 10 words correctly and confidently, and if you can provide a recording environment, please complete and submit the application form.
We will contact you within two weeks of receiving the request with more information.
Thank you for your interest.
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