Oh, I see what you’re saying! How audio description brings the world to life
So much of what we enjoy in our leisure time is visual: TV, films, theatre, art and sport. If you are living with sight loss, you might think this is now something you can’t enjoy. However, the development of audio description (AD) has become a valuable tool to make the arts and sport more accessible.
In the 1960s, efforts emerged to improve TV enjoyment for blind and partially sighted people by the creation of audio cassettes to listen to whilst viewing.
By the 1970s, US radio stations began broadcasting narrated cinema films, while in 1981, Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl pioneered live theatre description in Washington, DC. Today with the rapid development of technology and increasing awareness of equality, AD events are much more commonplace.
Audio description is, in essence, the service of narrating key visual information. It might be a description of what’s happening in a film, TV show or live performance, often given in between dialogue, or a verbal description of an image, object or other live action.
Theatre
At a performance, AD is live and describes all the action taking place on stage, as well as details about costume, the set and any visual effects. Usually, these performances are described to audience members through infrared headsets, hearing loops or smartphone apps (currently on trial in the UK). In many venues, touch tours also take place before the performance. These sensory tours allow you to explore the set and touch key props and costumes.
Enjoying Art
In many art-related venues, such as galleries and museums, you may see events listed as “audio described”. These events are where a curator or artist will offer a detailed description of an artwork or exhibit and then encourage questions and comments that enable everyone to bring forward their own perspective. Sometimes the artist will give permission for participants to be able to handle the object or specific materials that have been used in its creation.
TV
You can enable AD on your TV; it is available on many TV programmes. This can mean you don’t miss out on what is happening on screen. Our Advisors can offer you information on how to use this.
Sporting events
Sport can also be enjoyed with the addition of AD. Commentary services are offered at professional football and rugby league clubs, as well as some non-league clubs. Information is available from Level Playing Field on 01923 545 370.
For cricket lovers, at Lord’s Cricket Ground, spectators can enjoy commentary on every ball and boundary, with advance headset booking recommended on international match days. Call 020 7616 8500 for their Ball by Ball commentary service.
Another option is to use radio stations such as BBC Radio 5 Live, who along with local stations, frequently cover games, allowing fans to listen to commentary on their phones or portable radios whilst at a live match.
Different venues will offer different services, so it is important to check what is available. You can find information about local AD events in our monthly What’s On e-newsletter. But many venues, especially those with live performances, are dependent on the production company for how the performance is described, so providing feedback is a helpful way of supporting and developing these services.
Audio Description Association
The Audio Description Association (ADA) is a charity dedicated to advancing and enhancing audio description services. Through training sessions, venue consultations, quality monitoring, workshops and informative content, ADA actively promotes accessibility for the visually impaired community. Their website is a valuable hub of resources.
For those interested in contributing to training and evaluation efforts, ADA would love to hear from you. Email them at info@audiodescription.co.uk