Audio description is the verbal translation of visual information to make theater, television, films, museum exhibits, and events more understandable to people with low vision. The describer carefully weaves concise descriptions of the key visual elements of a performance or movie into the natural pauses of the dialogue. Audio description is generally delivered via an FM or infrared system, operated on a unique channel from the venue's ALS for patrons who are hard of hearing.
Introduced at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. in 1981, audio description was developed and pioneered by Margaret and Cody Pfanstiehl of the Metropolitan Washington Ear. In 1990, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded Margaret Pfanstiehl an Emmy for "leadership and persistence" in pioneering accessible TV for people who are visually impaired.
Now, The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) proposes accessibility standards for electronic and information technology covered by section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. Section 508 requires the Access Board to publish standards setting forth a definition of electronic and information technology and the technical and functional performance criteria necessary for accessibility for such technology. Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, they shall ensure that the electronic and information technology allows Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of information and data by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.
Click here to go to VSA arts of Texas' calendar of described events.
The describer talks via an internal microphone system to listeners anywhere in the audience. Speaking softly during pauses in the stage dialog, the trained describer verbally pictures actions, body language, lights, costumes, scenery and other aspects of the production not conveyed by voices from the stage. For theatre patrons with low or no vision, audio description provides visual accessibility.
Docents trained in audio description who develop specially prepared scripts help assist visitors who are blind to experience the exhibits. Depending on the museum's resources, description can be provided live or via audiocassette.
Televised described shows are designated with the symbol DVS, which stands for Descriptive Video Service. The viewer's television set must have a SAP (Second Audio Program) Channel in order to hear the descriptions, or they may purchase a special box that plugs into their TV and allows them to receive the descriptions. DVS is currently offered in select movie theaters.
Audio description is as unique as the individual delivering the service. These training materials are designed to help individuals learn the general principles and techniques of audio description, and are not intended to replace professional instruction.
Using video and workbook examples, the materials provide an opportunity to apply these skills in the arts, the classroom and the workplace.
Audio Description - The Fundamentals
Fifteen-minute video introduces audio description and provides testimonials from patrons who are blind and have low vision.
Audio Description - The Arts and Entertainment
One-hour video presents principles and techniques for arts and other cultural events. General description guidelines are outlined, with specific instruction for theater, dance, movies, opera, museum and touch tours. Workbook included.
Supplemental Video One
Thirty-minute video provides practice clips to accompany the workbook activities.
Supplemental Video Two
Thirty-minute video provides museum and other touch tours for participant review and practice description.
Audio Description - The Classroom and the Workplace
One-hour video offers general information about blindness and the importance of conveying visual information in the classroom and the workplace. Workbook.
Thanks to a generous grant from Texas Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired the complete set can be purchased for $60.00
Audio Description International (ADI)
www.adinternational.org
Betty Siegel, Director of Accessibility
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20566
(202) 416-8727 (V)
kennedy-center.org/accessibility
Bill Patterson
110 Lincoln Way W
New Oxford, PA 17350-1314
(717) 624-4860
Deborah Lewis, Director
The ELA Foundation
2460 N. Lake Ave PMB128
Altadena, Ca 91001-2442
(626) 398-8840
Craig Dunn, Director
VSA arts of Minnesota
528 Hennepin Ave., Suite 305
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-3888
(612) 332-0132
mn.vsarts.org
Theater Vision
RP International
P.O. Box 900
Woodland Hills, CA 91365
(818) 992-0500
(818) 992-3265
www.theatrevision.org
ArtAbility
4225 N. 36th Street 321
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 364-0291
(612) 332-0132
National Arts and Disability Center
nadc.ucla.edu
Celia Hughes, Director
VSA arts of Texas
3710 Cedar Street, #7
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 454-9912 (V)
(512 454-1944 (Fax)
www.vsatx.org
Damon McLeese, Director
VSA arts of Texas
909 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
303.777.0797 (V)
303.777.0798 (TTY)
co.vsarts.org
Jesse Minkert, Director
Arts and Visually Impaired Audiences
212 Harvard Ave. E. #402
Seattle, Washington 98102
(206) 323-7190
www.artsvia.org
Judy Burke
Cultural Access Consortium
50 Franklin Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Email Cultural Access Consortium
www.culturalaccess.org
VSA arts of Texas is always looking for people to join us in our goal of assisting arts organizations to achieve maximum accessibility.
Contact VSA arts of Texas for more information on how you can help.