Audio Description for Accessible Media

Have you ever stopped to think about how much we rely on visual cues to understand the world around us? This is especially true when it comes to consuming media, such as movies, TV shows, and even video games. But for people who are blind or have low vision, these visual cues can be a barrier to enjoying these forms of entertainment.

This is where audio description comes in. Audio description is a technique that provides narrated descriptions of the key visual elements of a piece of media. These descriptions are inserted into natural pauses in the dialogue or soundtrack, allowing viewers who are blind or have low vision to follow along and understand the story.

The Audio Description Project (ADP) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to making media accessible through audio description. Their website offers a wealth of information on the benefits of audio description, as well as how to find audio described media. They also list organizations that provide audio description services.

The Benefits of Audio Description

Audio description is not just about making media more enjoyable for people who are blind or have low vision. It can also have a number of cognitive benefits. For example, studies have shown that audio description can help people with visual impairments to remember information better and to develop a deeper understanding of the characters and plot of a story.

In addition, audio description can also be beneficial for people who are learning a new language or who have difficulty processing visual information. For example, audio description can help viewers to focus on the auditory elements of a piece of media, such as the dialogue and the soundtrack.

How to Find Audio Described Media

There are a growing number of media outlets that offer audio described versions of their programming. These include:

  • Television networks and cable channels
  • Streaming services
  • Movie theaters
  • Online video platforms

When searching for audio described media, you can look for the AD symbol or the words "audio described" in the description of the program.

Here are some movies that the Vision Australia Audio Description team recommends.

  • Mamma Mia – the Movie: A young woman about to be married invites three men to her wedding, each one potentially being her father. She keeps this a secret from her mother, Donna Sheridan, who used to be the lead singer of Donna and the Dynamos. Starring: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Dame Julie Walters, Christine Baranski.
  • School of Rock: Dewey Finn, after being kicked out of his rock band, becomes a substitute teacher at a private school. He forms a rock band with his students to compete in a local contest. Starring: Jack Black, Adam Pascal, Chris Stack, Sarah Silverman, Joan Cusack.
  • AnniePlot: A 10-year-old foster child in Harlem is taken in by a billionaire with mayoral ambitions, turning a PR stunt into a personal relationship.Starring: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhane Wallis, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Cameron Diaz.
  • Barbra: the Music, the Mem’ries, the Magic!: Barbra Streisand's concert film featuring special guests and a journey through her life's work. Starring: Barbra Streisand with guest appearances by Alec Baldwin, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, and James Brolin.
  • Pitch Perfect 3: The Bellas reunite for an overseas USO tour after their World Championships win, making music and questionable decisions one last time. Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Elizabeth Banks, John Michael Higgins, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Hailee Steinfeld.
  • Grease 2: Sandy's cousin Michael transforms himself to win the attention of Stephanie, the leader of the Pink Ladies, at Rydell High. Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Maxwell Caulfield, Lorna Luft, Maureen Teefy, Alison Price.
  • Homecoming: A film by Beyoncé: A behind-the-scenes look at Beyoncé's 2018 Coachella performance, showcasing the emotional and cultural journey. Starring: Beyoncé with guest appearances by Solange, Kelly Rowland, and Pharrell Williams.
  • Springsteen on Broadway: The final performance of Bruce Springsteen's Broadway show, featuring intimate storytelling and music. Starring: Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, and band members.
  • Paddington 2: Paddington tries to buy a unique pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday, but it gets stolen, leading him and the Browns on an adventure to catch the thief. Starring: Ben Whishaw (voice), Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville.
  • Shrek: Shrek, an ogre, teams up with a loud donkey to rescue Princess Fiona, leading to unexpected love and secrets revealed. Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel (voices).

You can consult the complete list in PDF at the following URL: https://www.visionaustralia.org/sites/default/files/Audio

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