In Memoriam:  Barry Levine

Barry was the initiator of this website and former President of AD International.
The Audio Description Project dedicates this follow-on website in Barry's memory.

[ Read Barry's Obituary Notice in the Chicago Tribune ]

Colleagues:  It is with an extremely heavy heart that I let everyone
know of the sudden passing of Barry Levine last evening [4/29/09]
of a heart attack at his home in Illinois.  As many of you know, Barry
had a counseling practice and was extremely active in literacy and
library-related matters.  It is ironic that he died while reading,
one of his favorite pastimes.

I asked Barry to assume the role of ACB-L list moderator a year or so ago
and while initially reluctant to do so, he took it on and to my mind, did an
outstanding job of overseeing an active list with diverse points of view on
many issues.

I got to know Barry Levine better during our most recent Midyear Board
meeting and as it turned out, we shared similar opinions and perspectives on
many issues.  I will personally miss him and I'm sure that everyone who knew
him sends our heartfelt condolences to his family...

Mitch Pomerantz, President
American Council of the Blind

What a tragic loss for the field of audio description.  Barry was the
highly-respected moderator of the Audio Description listserve, administered
by the American Council of the Blind (ACB).  He was not only an avid
description user in both media and performing arts; he served so many
others as the President of Audio Description International.  Most recently,
Barry had agreed to chair the Standards Committee for ACB's
Audio Description Project and was leading several other description efforts.

Barry was a trusted friend and valued mentor; the nation has lost a
forceful and impressive advocate for audio description.

We all miss him; and we will remember him this summer at ACB's
First Annual Audio Description Project Conference when we award the
Barry Levine Memorial Career Achievement Award in Audio Description.

Joel Snyder
Director, ACB Audio Description Project
President, Audio Description Associates

A TRIBUTE FOR A FRIEND AND ADVOCATE

Barry Levine, a member of the Media Access Group’s Consumer Advisory Group,
and a long-time supporter of and advocate for greater access in general,
and more described media in particular, passed away quite suddenly on
Wednesday evening.  Barry loved going to described movies near his home
in Chicago, and worked towards the goal of all description tracks following films
from theatrical release onto DVDs and online distribution platforms.
That work continues, and he will be much missed.

Mary Watkins on behalf of
WGBH Media Access Group

From the ACB 48th National Convention Program, July 2009