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The Audio Description Project

Welcome to the Audio Description Project!

AD Logo:  The letters A and D followed by three soundwavesHere you will learn everything about Audio Description, from what is it, to samples, to who does it, to what titles are available in various media.  Join our online discussion, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or InstagramWe are:  adp.acb.org.


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Featured Articles

Zoom MeetingDon't Miss the ADP Conference

The ADP Conference is taking place virtually from Thursday to Saturday, June 22–24. There are seven panels, covering serious topics like the CVTA and AD certification, and slightly more light-hearted discussions of AD for kids, AD across the arts, and AD around the globe. Visit the ADP Conference page for complete details on all the panels and how to listen.

A SpotlightADP Conference Panel Spotlight: The CVTA Explained

The ADP Conference begins next week! Check back every day for details on each of the seven panels, visit the ADP Conference page for information on registration, and join us virtually June 22-24 for the audio description action.

The conference opens on Thursday, June 22, at 11:30 AM (CDT) with a panel discussion of the CVTA moderated by Kim Charlson, Co-Chair of the ADP and Co-Chair of the FCC Disability Advisory Committee. Panelists include: Blake E. Reid, Clinical Professor, Colorado Law, Counsel to TDI; Karen Peltz Strauss, National Disability Advocate and Historian, Communication Service for the Deaf; and Clark Rachfal, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs.

The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) would update existing regulations to ensure better and easier access to a variety of technology for people who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind. Panelists will discuss the writing of the bill and what improvements it promises.

A SpotlightADP Conference Panel Spotlight: More from the Streaming Services

The ADP Conference begins next week! Check back every day for details on each of the seven panels, visit the ADP Conference page for information on registration, and join us virtually June 22–24 for the audio description action.

On Thursday, June 22, at 2:30 PM (CDT), moderator Carl Richardson, Co-Chair of the ADP, will be in conversation with representatives from all the major streaming services to discuss how their organizations make their programming accessible now and what they've got planned for the future. Listen in for answers to all your AD and streaming questions! Invited Streaming Services include: Apple+, Disney+, HULU, HBO Max, Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount+, and Showtime.

A SpotlightADP Conference Panel Spotlight: ACVREP Certified Audio Description Specialist (CAUDES) Update

The ADP Conference begins next week! Check back every day for details on each of the seven panels, visit the ADP Conference page for information on registration, and join us virtually June 22–24 for the audio description action.

On Friday, June 23, at 1:00 PM (CDT), get an update on audio description certification from a panel moderated by Kim Charlson, Chair, ACVREP Certification Subject Matter Expert Committee. Panelists include: Kathie Zeider, ACVREP Executive Director; Joel Snyder, ACB Audio Description Project Founder and Senior Consultant; and Martin Wilde, Vice-Chair, ACVREP Certification Subject Matter Expert Committee Presenters will provide background details and an update on the progress of the work to create a certification process for audio description professionals.

A SpotlightADP Conference Panel Spotlight: AD Across the Arts

The ADP Conference begins in one week! Check back every day for details on each of the seven panels, visit the ADP Conference page for information on registration, and join us virtually June 22–24 for the audio description action.

On Friday, June 23, at 4:00 PM (CDT), ACB Friends in Art co-sponsors a panel moderated by Tabitha Kenlon, Audio Description Project Coordinator. Panelists include: Leigh Jackson, Director, IDEA Programming, People's Light; Lisa B. Lewis, Founder, Executive Director, Omnium: A Bold New Circus; and Mark Osborne, Director, Visitor and Volunteer Services, Holocaust Museum Houston

While film and tv might be the most well-known audio described art form, many arts and entertainment venues use AD as well. Live theatre and dance performances, museums, parks, and even the circus provide AD to increase accessibility. Panelists will share some of the challenges and the excitement of bringing all the arts to life for people who are blind or have low vision.

A SpotlightADP Conference Panel Spotlight: Audio Description Research

The ADP Conference begins next week! Check back every day for details on each of the seven panels, visit the ADP Conference page for information on registration, and join us virtually June 22–24 for the audio description action.

On Saturday, June 24, at 10:00 AM (CDT), moderator Dr. Joel Snyder, ADP Founder and Senior Consultant, will be joined by international academics to discuss the latest AD research. Panelists include: Pilar Orero, PhD, Professor, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona; Rosiana Natalie, PhD Student, Singapore Management University; and Joselia Neves, PhD, Professor and Associate Dean, Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

The academic community has embraced audio description (AD) as a form of audiovisual translation and within other disciplines, particularly in countries outside the U.S. Join us to learn the latest in efforts to examine AD through survey-based research as well as lessons learned from professional practice.

A SpotlightADP Conference Panel Spotlight: Audio Description for Kids

The ADP Conference begins this week! Check back every day for details on each of the seven panels, visit the ADP Conference page for information on registration, and join us virtually June 22–24 for the audio description action.

On Saturday, June 24, at 11:30 AM (CDT), learn about audio description for kids with  moderators Carl Richardson, Co-Chair of the ADP, and Tabitha Kenlon, Audio Description Project Coordinator. Panelists include: Jason Stark, CEO, Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP); Jamie Aznive, Audience Services Manager, Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University; Matt Kaplowitz, President, Bridge Multimedia; and Sam Gould Esq., Open Door Theater and Founder, Think Outside the Vox

Whether kids are relaxing with a book or movie or doing a homework assignment, audio description provides vital opportunities for engagement with the world of ideas. Panelists will discuss resources to help parents and teachers integrate audio described content into the lives of their children and students.

A SpotlightADP Conference Panel Spotlight: Audio Description Across the Globe

The ADP Conference begins in two days! Check back every day for details on each of the seven panels, visit the ADP Conference page for information on registration, and join us virtually June 22–24 for the audio description action.

The final session is Saturday, June 24, at 2:30 PM (CDT). Co-sponsored by ACB International Relations Committee and moderated by Dr. Joel Snyder, ADP Founder and Senior Consultant, the discussion includes panelists Martine Abel Williamson, Audio Description Advocate and President, World Blind Union; Sonali Rai, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB); Jonathan Marshall, Research Assistant, RNIB; and Shakila Maharaj, Audio Description Producer and Consumer Advocate, Shazacin.

Several years ago, ACB collaborated with the World Blind Union in a survey of audio description practice worldwide. This panel will highlight AD activity in New Zealand/Australia, South Africa, and in the UK.

Announcement Call for Nominations for the 2023 Audio Description People's Choice Award

The Audio Description People's Choice Award is now open for nominations! This is a unique opportunity for fans to get involved by showing their support for the audio description they love the most.

The selection process for the Audio Description People's Choice Award takes place in two phases. First, ACB will accept nominations in two categories, film and series, from June 6 through June 26. Second, the top titles in each category will compete for the grand prize during a two-week voting period from July 25 to August 8.

Nominee selections must follow the nomination criteria to be eligible for the finalist vote. Then use the Audio Description People's Choice Award nomination form to submit your nomination. To submit your nomination by phone, call (202) 596-7041.

The Audio Description Awards Gala celebrates inclusivity and recognizes the entertainment industry's role in providing access to film and television through audio description for people who are blind or have low vision. Join us at the 2023 Audio Description Awards Gala for an exciting evening featuring celebrity guests as we applaud audio description! Learn more at the Awards Gala website. (Posted Jun 6)

BADIE ContestBADIE Winners Announced!

The ADP's BADIE essay contest received dozens of entries from students across the country. Our judges were impressed by the writing skills and the engaging critiques of audio description in educational and entertainment media. We thank everyone who submitted an essay. Read the complete list of winners and learn more about the BADIE contest. (Posted May 26)

new Pride, Audio Described

Celebrate Pride Month with movies about the joys, sorrows, challenges, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. With compelling plot-lines and engaging characters, these films and series demonstrate diversity, unity, and humanity. We can't list all the great LGBTQ+ movies here, but these should get you started.

The text "Audio Description Project" in a circle surrounding "American Council of the Blind" and the letters A D P followed by a soundwaveAnnouncing the ADP Conference Schedule

The ADP Conference is taking place virtually from Thursday to Saturday, June 22–24. There will be seven panels, covering serious topics like the CVTA and AD certification, and slightly more light-hearted discussions of AD for kids, AD across the arts, and AD around the globe. Visit the ADP Conference page for complete details on all the panels, and mark your calendars now! (Posted May 19)

A flat screen TVWhat TV is Like for the Visually Impaired

'"It was … a totally different program," he says. "It's just so good."' That was Thomas Bryan's experience having watched a show in a motel room without audio description, then seeing a recording of the same show back home with audio description. Read about Thomas' experience. (Posted May 23)

Stylistic representation of Zoom meeting ADP Update - EXPIRED

The Audio Description Project has multiple committees working hard to advocate for more and better audio description throughout the arts, education, and government. Every month, the ADP Steering Committee and all committee chairs meet to discuss their achievements and goals. From now on, we'll be posting a brief summary of the committee reports so you can stay up to date on what the ADP staff and volunteers are working on. Visit the ADP Updates page for our first such update, and return monthly to get the latest! (Posted May 12)

The Poster House Logo: an open pair of lips in blue on white Vibrant Verbal Description Tour: Art Nouveau - EXPIRED

Every month, Poster House in NYC offers virtual Vibrant Verbal Description Tours via Zoom specifically for community members who are blind or have low vision. Their tours allow you intimate access to the items in their current shows and permanent collection. The next tour will be May 23rd from 4-5pmArt Nouveau. This free event will be held over zoom.  To RSVP for this event, visitors can email [email protected] or call 914-295-2387.  You will be emailed poster images for reference as well as information about accessing Zoom the day of the virtual tour.  (Posted May 9)

Did You Know?Website Tip:  Showtime on Paramount+

Paramount Global intends to merge Showtime with Paramount+ later this year. In the meantime, they are making all of Showtime's content available to Paramount+ users in a "bundle" for just $2 extra each month. We are now listing Showtime programing which has AD in the Paramount bundle with the regular Paramount+ titles, but we tag each one with "(Showtime)" as a comment, AND we provide a button to just list the Showtime titles. The independent listing of Showtime app titles with AD (which is not the same as under Paramount+) will go away soon.  (Posted June 2)

Reference

Feature Your Organization Here

AD Logo Patron getting AD receiver What do YOU do for audio description?  Do you provide services professionally?  Are you a non-profit which has been providing description for local theaters for years?  An independent?  A theatre or museum which provides description?  We'd like to hear from you.  Send us a write-up about your work, and we'll consider it for publication here!  Use the Webmaster link at the bottom of the page.

Support Us!  Making Holiday Purchases???

Shop on Amazon to Support the ACB/ADP Please support the cost of this website by initiating any Amazon purchases via our link to the right, or just remember to type this address:  adp.acb.org/amazon.  As an Amazon Associate, the ACB receives a small commission from each referred sale.

SUPPORT the ADP Website!  (please ...)

The ACB/ADP Amazon.com Associate LinkIF you make purchases via Amazon, you can help support the expenses associated with the Audio Description Project and this website.  If you shop online by clicking our "Shop Now!" link (which is always on this main page), any and all purchases you make from Amazon will result in a commission to the ACB (American Council of the Blind), our parent organization.  Purchasing videos via our DVDs page counts, as do additional purchases made while buying a DVD.  PLEASE remember this and help us out!  THANKS!  (And of course you can also click the DONATE button at the top of every page!)

Audio Description News

new Tom Hanks Films with Audio Description

Start your summer with a splash! Break out your cloud atlas, hop the Polar Express, or go on a Hawaiian vacation. Whether you're saving Private Ryan or Mr. Banks, cracking the Da Vinci code, or fighting Charlie Wilson's war, Tom Hanks will get you through anything that's extremely loud and incredibly close, including sleepless nights in Seattle and on Apollo-13. So if it's not a beautiful day in the neighborhood, escape the inferno and the news of the world, tell your troubles, "catch me if you can," and enjoy these audio described Tom Hanks movies. (Posted Jun 9)

new frndly TV Now Offers AD

frndly TV is a family-friendly live TV streaming service with 30 channels including 3 Hallmark channels, History, Lifetime, A&E, CuriousityStream, and the Weather Channel for $7 per month ($2 more for a DVR). They now support audio description on select channels, including Hallmark and History. Some networks offer on-demand streamed content. (Posted Jun 9)

DVDs and Blu-ray discs DVDs and Blu-ray discs New DVDs & Blu-ray Discs with AD

Of the over 1500 described DVDs available, the following were released this year.  Here are the newest ones (last two weeks):

NOTE: The next update to this list won't be until June 22.

SAP Feature New Audio Described TV Series

NOTE: The next update to this list won't be until June 22.

Fall Schedules (as published or updated, not all w/AD):

  • CBS
  • NBC
  • ABC and Fox TBD
  • NOTE: Writer's strike may affect these dates!

The word max in lowercase letters in blue against whiteHBO Max Becomes Max

On May 23, 2023, HBO Max merged with discovery+ to become Max. The new service will provide more than 6,500 hours of audio described content, including favorite lifestyle brands like Magnolia, TLC, and HGTV, as well as HBO Originals and Max Originals. Each show's content details page will indicate whether audio description is available, and the Audio Description Library makes it even easier to find shows with AD. For more details about subscription plans and improved accessibility features, such as screen reader, color contrast, and magnification support, read the official announcement from Max. Additionally, users can access Max's Search function and the Max Audio Description Collection to find both new and old shows. Our listing of Max AD Titles is now fully updated with over 900 titles, over 160 of them new. (Updated May 25)

Feature Your Organization Here

AD Logo Patron getting AD receiver What do YOU do for audio description?  Do you provide services professionally?  Are you a non-profit which has been providing description for local theaters for years?  An independent?  A theatre or museum which provides description?  We'd like to hear from you.  Send us a write-up about your work, and we'll consider it for publication here!  Use the Webmaster link at the bottom of the page.

Help With Promoting Audio Description Locally

AD LogoIf you have the opportunity to promote audio description locally to an organization you belong to or are asked to speak to, we have developed a ONE PAGE document that you can customize as necessary for your area.  It explains briefly what description opportunities are available:  live theatre, TV, DVDs, and internet streaming.  It then points readers to our site to learn more (like specifically what shows, movies, or TV series have description).  Download your own copy for customization by right-clicking the following link:  Audio Description: What's Available?

Looking For a Described Movie or TV Series?

Master AD Video CountIf you are looking for a movie or TV series with description in the USA, please consult our Master AD List.  It includes all TV series on FCC-mandated networks, those in syndication with streaming services, plus original offerings from Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, and Prime Video.  All commercial DVDs ever produced with description are also listed, plus every described movie on the eight streaming services plus the transactional services:  iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.  There's nothing like it anywhere else in the world! 

Shop on Amazon to Support the ACB/ADPSupport Us!

Please support the cost of this website by initiating any Amazon purchases via our link to the right, or just remember to type this address:  adp.acb.org/amazon.  As an Amazon Associate, the ACB receives a small commission from each referred sale.


The ACB/ADP Amazon.com Associate Link You can support the ADP website by initiating any purchases you choose to make from Amazon by clicking the link to the right. The ACB is an Amazon Associate, and we would make a small commission from your purchase.

The Audio Description Project's website collects and provides information on audio description in all its forms: live theatre, television, movies, DVDs, streaming services, and more.  Started in 2002 by AD International, funding and direction for this website has come from the American Council of the Blind's Audio Description Project since 2009.  Read more about this site...

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.  Read more about audio description...

Based on his doctoral thesis and teaching audio description around the world, ADP Project Founder and Senior Consultant Dr. Joel Snyder's book, The Visual Made Verbal: A Comprehensive Training Manual and Guide to the History and Applications of Audio Description, is available in print (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Chinese, and Russian), for Kindle, on Bookshare, and in braille and as an audio book from NLS libraries.  Read more details about Dr. Snyder's book.

Dedicated organizations around the world facilitate the offering of audio description for movies, videos, live theatre, and television.  This website attempts to expose their fine work to as many interested viewers as possible. Thank you for visiting!