By Carol Naughton
In a world where communication is paramount, accessibility can often be taken for granted or, worse, overlooked. However, for the past decade NCRA member Lois Boyle, RMR, a freelance court reporter and agency owner from Newport News, Va., and founder and executive director of the not-for-profit company Access Virginia, has made it her mission to bridge the gap between the spoken word and the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. As Boyle and Access Virginia celebrate ten years, it’s not just a milestone for the company, but a triumph for the thousands who have benefited from the services provided.
“The need for what I do came from my experience with a woman [Angela Hill] who was profoundly hard of hearing and wanted to attend church services and needed the accommodation of CART,” said Boyle in an interview with Greater24.com. “I was able to provide this service for her at church, and she was absolutely elated.”
Pictured here is Angela Hill with Boyle at “The Lion King” in 2010. Hill had asked Boyle to provide CART services for her so she could attend the performance. The experience was so rewarding for them both, hence the vision for Access Virginia was born.
Ten Years of Empowerment and Inclusion
Recognizing a vital need, Boyle founded Access Virginia ten years ago with one main goal: To make communication in the live entertainment sector accessible to everyone.
Witnessing firsthand the barriers that the deaf and hard of hearing communities face daily, Boyle embarked on a mission to provide open captions for live performances at theatrical venues in the Hampton Roads, Va., area.
Open captioning is an accommodation service for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Using CAT (Computer-Aided Transcription) software, Access Virginia has led the way in integrating captions seamlessly into various platforms, such as using a speech-to-text display of the spoken word that is output to an LED board near the theater stage or even to a mobile device where attendees can read what is being said — and also sung — by the actors on stage. Access Virginia’s open captioning also includes environmental sounds, making the theater experience immersive, enjoyable, and inclusive to all.
“Imagine hearing and then having your world go silent. Imagine that you can’t enjoy a Broadway show with the marvelous singing and dancing,” Boyle said, giving more examples such as plays, sporting events, and even children’s school events like football games and school plays. “Imagine not being able to hear your child recite their line in a school play. This is what the hearing-loss and vision-loss population experience. The services that Access Virginia provides open doors for them so that they can participate in events and go and see an entertainment show, things that we in the hearing world and in the vision world take for granted.”
Through the gratitude and appreciation of the audience, Boyle realized the success of open captioning, and her vision and commitment to service broadened to become even more inclusive. Boyle increased accessibility by researching and then providing audio description to the visually impaired community.
Audio description provides access to the key visual elements of theater and other performance arts for people who are blind or otherwise visually impaired. It is a narration service provided to describe what a sighted person takes for granted, i.e., the costumes, the scenery, facial expressions, characters, and even mood lighting.
Access Virginia’s Ten-Year Anniversary Gala
Access Virginia celebrated its ten-year anniversary this summer in full scale at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va. There were hundreds in attendance including local news talent as the master of ceremonies of the event; Boyle’s daughter, Tiffany Boyle, who serves as Commissioner of Revenue in Newport News; and many other stakeholders and supporters of the work of Access Virginia. The event featured a large silent auction, an elegant dinner, a performance by students who attend Access Virginia’s “Dramatically Able” theater sensory workshops for students with vision loss, and an extensive award presentation including an award for NCRA member Kimberly Heiser, RDR.
Access Virginia Honors NCRA Member Kimberly Heiser
Kimberly Heiser started open captioning with Access Virginia in 2017 and has demonstrated a strong dedication to making theater accessible to persons with all stages of hearing loss.
“Her commitment was evident,” Boyle said, “during the rehearsals for the play ‘Between Sound & Silence’ — our Drama Workshops for the deaf and hard-of-hearing program in partnership with Virginia Stage Company at Wells Theatre — where she provided captions consistently, even sacrificing time with her young son to ensure accessibility for those in need.”
Heiser has earned the highest certification from NCRA, the Registered Diplomat Reporter (RDR), demonstrating her expertise in technology, industry practices, and ethical standards. “Her achievements have elevated her to the elite ranks of court reporters,” said Boyle. In recognition of her hard work, dedication, and passion, Access Virginia honored Heiser with the esteemed 2024 Open Captioning Service Award.
Lois Boyle presents the 2024 Open Captioning Service Award to Kimberly Heiser
“It is an honor and a pleasure to provide open captions for Access Virginia, helping to bring theater into the lives of people who perhaps didn’t feel they could enjoy theater anymore because of their hearing or visual limitations,” said Heiser. “I’ve always loved theater, and as a service provider for Access Virginia, I get to see so many amazing shows. It’s a great perk!”
Looking Ahead — A Future of Continued Advocacy
As Boyle and Access Virginia celebrate this significant milestone, they are far from resting on their laurels. Boyle and her team are more committed than ever to continuing their work and expanding their reach.
“Access Virginia’s vision is implied by its name,” she said. “We plan to expand our services beyond Hampton Roads. We are creating a Train-the-Trainer Program to teach organizations how to make their shows or services accessible for persons with hearing and vision loss.”
A Decade of Accessibility, Dedication, and Inspiration
Over the past decade, Boyle has demonstrated what a modern-day pioneer she is and has brought a profound awareness to the importance of accessibility to these communities. Access Virginia has not only provided a vital service, but has also played a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of accessibility that serves as an inspiration to other organizations and a reminder that making the world more inclusive is not just a goal – it’s a responsibility.
I’d encourage you to visit their website at www.accessvirginia.info to learn more about the difference they’re making and explore the many ways Access Virginia is giving back.
Carol Naughton, RDR, is an official reporter from Virginia Beach, Va. She can be reached at cartnaughton@cox.net.
