The Gift of Audio Description

With all of the high-impact visuals abundant in TV and movies now, getting to the audio description (AD) is paramount to having an entertaining time. What I’d like to do is provide a quick and easy way to get to the AD content on the various platforms out there. But wait, there’s more, as you will see later in this article. Audio Description is out and about so I’m going to help you use it to the max!

Note: much of my information has been put together from the ACB and their Audio Description Project. They have been updating this info for years, and it’s thanks to them and their efforts that we have information abounding about audio description, so thanks, guys! And now… Our feature presentation!

Performing arts

Today, many theatrical companies enlist trained audio describers to improve the theatre experience for people who are blind or have low vision. The describer occasionally speaks “between the lines” to describe entrances, exits, actions, and key props to people who cannot see them. Often, before the show and during intermission, a describer “sets up” for the performance by detailing the stage layout, props, characters, and costumes. There is never any charge to the theatre patron for the use of audio description, although the theatre may pay a fee for the service.

The typical scenario for using description would be to locate a table in the theatre lobby where description equipment is being handed out. You will usually be given a small hand-held receiver with an on/off switch, a volume control, and a jack for a headset. You may even prefer to bring your own headset. Put the headset on and turn on the receiver as soon as you get seated, as you may find someone is describing the stage or characters for you already.

If you don’t find description offered for a favorite theatre or for a specific production that you would like described, call and ask for it! Advocate for your own needs!

Find out more about AD for the performing arts where you live

Audio description on your TV

TVs are all different, cable boxes are all different, and of course programming… flip a coin because it’s difficult to tell.

To help you through the maze, the ACB has a guide on various TV providers, cable boxes, accessible interfaces for TV programming, getting AD with antennas, channels with AD, shows with AD, terminology, and even how to get your bill in an accessible format from your TV provider.

Find out how to get AD on your TV

Movies

Audio description is now available for almost all first-run movies, and more and more movie theaters are being built or renovated with the necessary equipment to offer the description track to patrons. In fact, the law now requires them to upgrade to include description equipment.

Find out about AD for movies in theaters and on DVD

Audio description for streaming services

When you start talking about audio description for streaming, you may think of Netflix. However, this just scratches the surface. Most major streaming services now offer audio description, including Apple TV+, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock. You also have adapters that can plug directly into your TV, such as the Apple TV or the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Audio description has expanded significantly since I first wrote this article. Most new original content on major streaming platforms now includes AD tracks by default.

Find out more about AD for streaming

If you are thinking about cutting your cable cord, check out this guide to cord cutting and AD.

Audio description at museums, parks, exhibits, and more

Audio description at a museum, park, or exhibit is not the same as an audio tour or a docent-led tour. Audio description has a different focus: describing the actual object, rather than addressing its creator or history. A true audio description tour of a museum would actually assist in leading you from exhibit to exhibit, and the emphasis would be on size, shape, color, texture, detail, and so on.

For an example of museum description, check out this audio description of a museum painting. See also the Verbal Description Database by Art Beyond Sight’s Museum Education Institute.

The UniDescription project is seeking to describe the world starting with national parks.

Find out more about AD for other venues

FAQ

What is audio description?

Audio description is a narration track that describes visual elements, like actions, expressions, scene changes, and on-screen text, during natural pauses in dialogue. It helps people who are blind or have low vision follow along with movies, TV shows, theatre, and more.

How do I turn on audio description on my streaming service?

Most streaming services have an audio track or language option where you can select the audio description version. Look for “English – Audio Description” or “AD” in the audio or subtitle settings for the title you are watching.

Is audio description available on all movies and shows?

Not all, but coverage has grown enormously. Most new original content on major streaming services includes AD. For movies in theaters, most first-run films now have AD available.

Does audio description cost extra?

No. Audio description is included at no extra charge on streaming services, in theaters (where the equipment is available), and at performing arts venues.

The end: fade to black

In conclusion of this tour of AD, I have to say that with the advances being made in technology, along with so much research and consumer demand for AD services, I think the future is looking good. Enjoy AD wherever you happen to be cruisin’ or jettin’!

Qapla!