Audio Description International (ADI)

Attention ACB Members and All Audio Description Enthusiasts!

In pursuing one of its objectives, ACB's Audio Description Project has developed a set of standards for the production of audio description in its various formats. These standards, that will hopefully be acknowledged as a national guide for audio description producers, were culled from a variety of already existing excellent documents that address aspects of the process as it's practiced around the world. Not wishing to "reinvent the wheel", we culled from these documents – pulled together the "best of the best" – and now we want to have description users and providers offer comments on this unique compilation of material. We feel that this approach will best reflect a broad diversity of opinion, process, practice and involvement.

Visit the Audio Description Standards Wiki to review the current draft and make any edits or changes that you feel are necessary. (If you just want to view the draft, you can open a Word version or a PDF version.) We look forward to your input. Please note: the site will be open for your comments through July 3. Registrants for the Audio Description Project Conference will meet from July 6 to 8 as a part of the ACB Convention in Orlando; a part of Conference activity will involve the review of the comments received. We invite you to join the Conference.

Thank you for your interest in audio description and ACB's Audio Description Project. See you in Orlando!

Kim Charlson
First Vice President, ACB
Chair, ADP Committee

First Annual Audio Description Project Conference

It's almost here: July 6-8, Orlando, FL. The conference is open to everyone interested in audio description (AD) and includes the announcement of national AD standards and a certification program for describers.

Read the conference announcement.

View the agenda. 6/28

Preregistration for the conference at this point is closed. TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE, just "show up" and register Friday-Monday, 8am to 7pm, or Monday after 8am. The ADP Conference starts at 1pm Monday.

Read about a "Virtual Attendance" option. You can sign up anytime. 6/29

Audio Description Institute

A three-day intensive workshop on audio description will be held in conjunction with the ACB/ADP Conference.

Read the Institute announcement.

Video Description

WGBH Media Access Group solicits your experience with video description following the June 12th transition to digital television. View their request.

The Miracle Worker
Now Available on DVD

For the first time ever, the 30th Anniversary Edition of The Miracle Worker (the one based on the 1979 TV remake starring Melissa Gilbert as Helen Keller and Patty Duke as her tutor) has been released on DVD and it includes audio description and closed captioning (produced by the ACB's ADP project). Be sure you order the correct edition! (Watch an excerpt.)

Your purchase of this DVD via this website will directly benefit the American Council of the Blind. Order by clicking either image link.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001LRL4XS/audiodescriin-20"> Order from Amazon</a>

Rep. Markey Introduces 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act of 2009 to make Broadband More Accessible. Read about the Act. - posted June 29

We've made the transition to digital TV (on June 12). If you need more information on how the change affects video description, read our status report. Read also: Access Denied: The Blind or Deaf Can Feel Left Behind As the Tools of Technology Advance. - posted June 13

COAT writes HULU requesting complete captioning and expanded video description. Read the HULU letter. (HULU is an online service for recent TV shows.) - posted May 18

The Kennedy Center's 2009 LEAD Conference registration materials are available. There are 3 pre- and post-conference audio description workshops. - posted April 21

Disney World in Florida adds audio description to many attractions. Read an article about AD at Disney. Read the Disney Press Release. - posted April 17

Detailed audio description information BY USA STATE has been added to the Organizations and Services page. This information is being updated daily, as a request for updates has been sent to nearly 60 project representatives! - posted April 11

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has announced a new Audio Description Initiative called the ACB Audio Description Project, to be led by Joel Snyder. Read the announcement. In conjunction with this announcement, the ADI Forum has switched hosts from Yahoo Groups to the ACB. All existing subscriptions should have been moved automatically, but from now on you must send your submissions to AD-International@acb.org. - posted January 9

Six DVDs with audio description soundtracks were released in 2008 -- a record! During the year, 71 first run movies were released with audio description, also a record. See our list of audio described DVDs.

Click above to order!

Watch an audio described excerpt from the DVD!

The Audio Description International (ADI) website collects and provides information on audio description in all its forms: live theatre, television, movies, DVDs, and more. Starting in March 2009, funding and direction for this website come from the American Council of the Blind's Audio Description Project.

Audio Description (AD) is the descriptive narration of key visual elements of live theatre, television, movies, and other media to enhance their enjoyment by consumers who are blind or have low vision. AD is the insertion of audio explanations and descriptions of the settings, characters, and action taking place in such media, when such information about these visual elements is not offered in the regular audio presentation.

Dedicated organizations around the world facilitate the offering of audio description in select movie theaters, videos, live theatre, and television programming, and this website attempts to expose their fine work to as many interested viewers as possible.

Please use the navigation bar at the top of each page to visit our site, or select from the Site Map below. Thank you for visiting!

In Memoriam
Barry Levine

On April 29, we lost a dear friend and advocate of audio description, Barry Levine, former president of ADI and original owner of this website.

PLEASE SUPPORT the cost of this website by initiating any purchases from Amazon that you choose to make by clicking the following link.

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