Missouri Alternative Communication Resource Directory

Description - Audio and Video

There are two types of description, audio and video. Each vocally narrates the visual content of a live performance (audio) or film (video) and includes descriptions of people, physical actions, scenes and graphics. Description also takes into consideration script, voice quality of descriptor, concentration of details, cultural information and much more. These descriptions are heard in the natural pauses between existing dialogue or music. The use of audio and video description creates accessibility for people who are blind or visually impaired and can also enhance the understanding of performances and videos for individuals who have difficulty processing complex visual information.

The use of audio description during live performances requires a trained audio describer and the use of an assistive listening device. An assistive listening device is commonly used by hard of hearing individuals for communication access (e.g., theaters, large auditoriums). The components of the assistive listening device used for audio description are a transmitter with a microphone (worn by the audio describer) and a receiver and headset worn by the listener. For privacy of audio description, a portable system not connected to the existing PA system is needed.

In video description, the voiced narrative of the visual content is added to the film in one of two ways. One option is to mix the descriptive video with the original sound tract. The second option makes use of the second auditory program (SAP) which keeps the narrative separate from the original sound track and can only be accessed by opening the SAP. Access is possible through a stereo television or a stereo video cassette recorder (VCR).

Descriptive Video Resources

The following list of resources is not meant to be all inclusive but will provide a starting point for entities to access descriptive video resources.

Wolfner Library is a public library for persons unable to use standard print due to a physical disability. Wolfner offers materials on recorded audio cassettes and will loan cassette players for use with the recorded materials; provides free mail library service to user's homes; has more than 375,000 fiction and non-fiction books and magazines, for all ages; answers reference questions and provides research for users by telephone, mail, FAX, TTY, or in person; and provides children's summer reading programs and other programs for children, including services to schools.

Descriptive Video Service