Audio Description Project
Audio Description Project
IntroductionSince 2016, the Audio Description Project (ADP) has held an annual Conference in conjunction with the ACB Convention. In 2020 and 2021, the ADP Conferences were entirely virtual, and the 2022 to 2024, sessions were held virtually, in-person, and in hybrid format. Panels offer a range of topics related to audio description, including scholarly research, national parks, streaming services, and even the circus.
Join us for a range of panel discussions on audio description, from high-tech AI and gaming to the timeless art of dance. We’ll also take a trip around the world to explore AD options in other countries and get sporty to understand the excitement of live AD for athletic events.
Note that all sessions June 26-28 are virtual, while some of the July sessions are hybrid and others are in-person only at the ACB Convention. For more information about the ACB Convention, visit https://www.acbconvention.org/.
All times are Central. Links to listen on ACB Media TBA.
1:00pm – 2:15pm
Audio Description Best Practices in Movie Theaters
Did you know that most theatrical releases are audio described? Learn from a blind movie goer, AMC Theaters, the National Alliance of Theater Owners (NATO), and others on how to make your visit to the movie theater a successful one by enjoying the magic of cinema with the help of audio description.
Moderator: Carl Richardson
Presenters: Alex Howard, Kathleen Eubanks, Prospector Theater, Ridgefield, CT, AMC, and NATO
2:30pm – 3:45pm
Writing Audio Description with AI Tools
A discussion and demonstrations of audio description AI writing and assessment tools and how they work on their own and with essential human collaboration.
Moderator: Renee Arrington-Johnson
Presenters: Accesshound.com: Brett Oppegaard, PhD
11:30am – 12:45pm
Audio Description in Sports
Panelists discuss and explore how audio description for sports events is different from play-by-play on radio and what is being done in other countries with AD for sporting events.
Moderator: Clark Rachfal
Presenters: Rhys Lloyd, Studio Head, Descriptive Video Works, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Sonali Rai, Senior Manager, Media Culture & Immersive Technologies, RNIB, UK
4:00pm – 5:15pm
“Telephone” Film Screening
A documentary on Audio Description and Dance Produced by Krishna Washburn, Artistic Director, Dark Room Ballet
Moderator: Kim Charlson
Presenter: Krishna Washburn, Dark Room Ballet
11:30am – 12:45pm
Using Your Phone and Smart Glasses to Describe the World Around You
Learn from experts how to use smart phone apps to help describe images, photos, and videos. Several apps will be demonstrated, including Ally, Gemini, PiccyBot, Seeing AI, and more.
2:30pm – 3:45pm
Audio Description: A Global Happening
Several years ago, the Audio Description Project partnered with the World Blind Union to conduct a survey that revealed that audio description exists in more than 70 countries. Dr. Joel Snyder was the author of that survey; in this session, he will interview blind consumers of audio description who will offer their perspectives on audio description in their corners of the globe. Co-sponsored by ADP and IRC.
Moderator: Joel Snyder, PhD, President, Audio Description Associates, LLC, Takoma Park, MD
The 2025 ACB Convention: July 4-11 in Dallas, Tx
10:30am – 11:45am
Hybrid Event
Audio Description People's Choice Awards: Final Voting Kick-Off
The nominations have been counted and it's time to vote for the best audio description of the last year. Come experience clips of each nominated film and series, and then cast your vote for the two you like most. Learn more about the awards at adawardsgala.org. (You don’t have to be present to vote – check the Awards Gala website for instructions.)
4:00pm – 5:15pm
In-person Only
Audio Description & Gaming Accessibility
Learn from gaming accessibility experts about the current state of access for gaming, including audio description, for blind and low vision individuals.
Moderator: Aaron Spelker, Chair, ACB Audio Description Project Gaming Sub-Committee, Natick, MA
5:30pm – 6:45pm
In-person Only
Audio Description & Gaming Accessibility
Your opportunity to have hands-on time exploring gaming hardware consoles and other accessories so you can make a more informed decision about joining the accessible gaming community.
Moderator: Aaron Spelker, Chair, ACB Audio Description Project Gaming Sub-Committee, Natick, MA
7:30pm
In-person Only
Wicked film screening
Enjoy the Academy Award-winning film Wicked (Best Costume Design and Best Production Design) with open audio description. Misunderstood because of her green skin, Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a fellow student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths. Exceptional music and great audio description – you are in for a real treat!
