On this page are answers to questions frequently asked about audio description. If you have a question that isn’t answered here (or elsewhere on the ADP site), please Contact Us. For more information about the redesigned ADP website, access this article [article and link to come].
What is audio description?
Audio description (AD) makes visual elements of media more accessible to people with visual impairment and other disabilities. AD describes actions and/or images in recorded films and tv shows, live broadcast events, live performances, and art. AD guides the listener through concise, objective descriptions of visual components that are crucial to understanding the creator’s intention.
Who uses audio description?
Although the primary audience is people who are blind or have low vision, many others find AD useful. AD can clarify fast-paced scenes for people with cognitive difficulties, and it can also help language learners improve their skills. Turning on AD enables anyone to multi-task and enjoy a movie while cleaning the house, taking the dog out, or resting screen-weary eyes.
How do I access audio description?
Please visit our media-specific pages:
Films/TV (includes television, streaming, DVD, and movie theaters)
Performing Arts
Museums and Parks
Education
Is audio description available in my area?
Access AD Resources / Legislation for details on laws and policies related to the provision of audio description on broadcast and cable television.
For a list of theatres that have a history of providing audio description, visit Where To Find AD / Performing Arts. (Note that the list might not be comprehensive.)
For a list of museums that have a history of providing audio description, visit Where To Find AD / Museums. (Note that the list might not be comprehensive.)
Do I have to pay for audio description?
Patrons should never be charged extra for audio description, which is an accessibility aid.
How do I find an audio describer?
Please consult our Audio Description Professionals Directory to find people and organizations that write, narrate, record, and edit audio description.
How do I become an audio describer?
Please visit our AD Training page foor information on opportunities to learn more about writing and narrating audio description.
Does the Audio Description Project provide audio description?
The ADP compiles resources and advocates for audio description, but we do not create AD. Please consult our Audio Description Professionals Directory to find people and organizations that write, narrate, record, and edit audio description.
How do I use the Film and Series Title Directory?
There are multiple ways to find films and series with audio description. From any page on this site, you can type a title or keyword into the search box located in the banner below the main menu (just start typing - the cursor is automatically in the search box; you can also skip the typing and simply hit the Enter key to be taken to the directory page). Or you can navigate to Where to Find AD and select Film/Series Title Directory. On this page, you can filter to find the movies and shows that interest you. Once you’ve got results, you can click on headings in the result table to sort by release year or type (movie or series). The results will be displayed alphabetically by title, and you can reverse that order by clicking on “title.”
You can search and then filter your results, or you can start on the Filters panel. In the Filters panel on the left, there are five options:
- Provider: how to access the title; i.e., the name of the TV network or streaming service, whether it's in movie theaters or on DVD, etc.
- Genre: lists the most popular genres (comedy, drama, horror, documentary, etc); at the end of the list, click “more” for additional choices. At the end of that second list, click on "even more" for the final few options.
- Rating: most movies are rated using the MPAA structure (G, PG, PG-13, R, etc); TV shows and some streaming providers use different systems, so there might be occasional discrepancies. Most movies and shows produced before rating systems were introduced have not been rated (typically indicated by “NR”).
- Media Type: Both films and series will appear in your search results unless you select either Movies Only or Series Only.
- Language: English-language titles will appear in search results unless you choose a different language. If you prefer another language, check the appropriate box; only one language can be selected at a time.
Why are there so many different ratings?
Movies, TV shows, and unique content on some streaming services are rated using different systems. To streamline the search process, you’ll find the following rating groups on the ADP site:
- G, TV-G, TV-Y, ALL
- PG, TV-PG, TV-Y7, 7+
- PG-13, TV-14, 13+
- R, NC-17, TV-MA, 16+, 18+
- NR
Which streaming services have audio description?
Numerous streaming platforms have content with AD, though the number of titles varies. Access the Film and Series Title Directory to search for a specific show or filter by provider. Note that most of the services below provide the ADP with lists of their audio described titles, but some do not.
The following platforms offer AD: Apple TV, Apple TV+, Apple TV Store (iTunes), BroadwayHD, CBS, CuriosityStream, DirecTV Stream, Disney+, Fandango at Home, friendly tv, Google Play, Hulu, MagellanTV, Max, MGM+, Netflix, Paramount+, PBS Video, Peacock, Philo, Plex, Pluto TV, Prime Video, ReelAbilities Stream, Roku Channel, Tubi, Vimeo, and YouTube TV.
Do streaming services provide lists of titles with audio description?
Some services do, but most do not. The easiest way to discover titles with audio description is to access the ADP Film and Series Title Directory [insert link]. (If a service is not listed below, they offer no listing and do not use the AD icon to identify titles that have audio description.)
- Apple TV+: Almost everything is audio described, so there is not a separate listing. The AD icon is used.
- AppleTV Store: Within the AppleTV Store app, select Movies and Store; there is a link on the right side labeled "Movies with Audio Descriptions.” The AD icon is used.
- Disney+: No listing. The AD icon is used.
- Fandango at Home: A listing can be found on this Fandango page. The AD icon is used.
- Google Play: A listing is available on this Google Play page. The AD icon is not used. Click "About this movie," and AD will be indicated under "Audio Language."
- Hulu: A listing is available at this Hulu page. The AD icon is not used.
- Max: A listing is available on this Max page. The AD icon is used.
- Netflix, A listing is available on this Netflix page. The AD icon is used.
- PBS: Many shows are available to stream on PBS.org; access the catalog here. The AD icon is used.
- Peacock: No listing. The AD icon is used.
- Prime Video: A listing is available on this Prime Video page. The AD icon is used.
How do I contact a streaming service if I need help with accessibility?
Most providers have dedicated accessibility pages on their websites, and many also have specific email addresses and phone numbers for patrons with questions about accessibility features.
Apple TV app
Accessibility Features
Disney+
Accessibility Features
Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu)
support@vudu.com
Hulu
Audio description for shows and movies on Hulu
888-631-4858
Max
Accessibility features on Max
phone: 855-442-6629
email: accessibility@max.com
Netflix
Report a Problem
phone: 844-505-2993
Paramount+
What Accessibility Features Does Paramount Offer?
Contact Us
Peacock
What Accessibility Features Are Available on Peacock?
email: ADFeedback@nbcuni.com
Pluto
Accessibility Contact Information
Prime
Accessibility Features on Amazon Prime
email: audio-description-feedback@amazon.com
Roku Channel
Accessibility
Spectrum Access (free AD app)
email: SpectrumAccess@Charter.com
Tubi
Audio Description on Tubi - Tubi Help Center
email: feedback@tubi.tv
Can I access audio description on airplanes?
Some airlines do provide audio described content on their in-flight entertainment systems, including American, ANA, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa, United, Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Australia. Such services would only be available on flights offering individual screens on seat backs or those that support using your own device (like a tablet or laptop). Note, however, that most services do not offer audio catalogs, so sighted assistance might be required to select a movie with AD.