Video Description Schedules

In addition to the fine listing of described TV shows provided by Sebastian Andrade-Miles, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is now providing an online service customized by zip code and service provider.  Start on their Described TV Listings page, enter your zip code, then choose your service provider on the next page, along with date and start time.  You can then narrow your choice by Children's, Movies, or Other.  There is a link for feedback to the AFB on this new service on the first page.  (Posted Mar 12)

Audio Description Public Service Announcements

Recently Arts Access, based in Raleigh, NC, was able to get a local NBC affiliate, WNCN, to put together a 30-second PSA (Public Service Announcement) promoting live audio description.  The spot features clips from NC Theatre's production of Broadway's Spamalot, with a voice-over by audio describer (and ADP webmaster) Fred Brack, description by describer Paula Marston, and a brief appearance by Fred's wife, Kathy, obtaining a receiver from equipment manager Thom Haynes.  View the PSA.

The American Foundation for the Blind has also produced a PSA featuring TV host Jeff Corwin, but that one discusses video description.  Watch the AFB PSA (or alternate MP4 format).

It's always surprising how many people with visual impairment know nothing about audio description or video description, so hopefully these spots will encourage others to work with local TV outlets to promote the availablity of description!  (Posted Mar 5)

Rick Jacobson, Audio Describer

Rick Jacobson is an audio describer from the Twin Cities area.  Averaging over 20 shows described each month, the area needs good audio description, and an article in the Pioneer Press tells us what a great job Rick does!  This is excellent reading for all audio describers.  (Posted Jan 15)

2013 Audio Description Awards

Nominations are now open!  This is your chance to nominate individuals and organizations for the 2013 annual Audio Description Awards in one of six categories.  For reference, you can take a look at the 2012 ADP AD Award Winners.  TO NOMINATE SOMEONE:  use our online nomination form.  To READ ABOUT the awards or print a hardcopy nomination form, visit the 2013 Awards document.  (Posted Feb 20)

The 2013 Audio Description Institute

Wanna be an audio describer?  If you are one now, do you want to improve your skills?  Join the Audio Description Institute at the ACB's Annual Convention in Columbus on July 10-12.  Read more about the AD Institute.  (Posted Feb 5)

Audio Described DVDs & Blu-ray Discs

The latest audio described videos are Parental Guidance, Lincoln, Les Misérables, and This is 40. 

Previously announced 2013 described videos are:  Zero Dark Thirty, Life of Pi, Rise of the Guardians. Playing for Keeps, Wreck It Ralph, Chasing Mavericks, Monsters Inc (Ultimate Collector's Edition), Flight, The Man With the Iron Fists, The Sessions, Skyfall, As Goes Janesville, Paranormal Activity 4, Hotel Transylvania, To Rome With Love, Won't Back Down, Taken 2, and Frankenweenie.

The complete list of the 86 described videos released last year can be found on our 2012 Described DVDs page.

You'll find ALL the DVDs and Blu-ray discs released with audio description since 2001 by clicking the DVDs link at the top of each web page.  Join us on Facebook to receive announcements that way, or use the page-change notification link above.  (Updated March 26)

Sign the Movie AD Petition

Want more audio described DVDs and Blu-ray discs?  (For instance, Warner Bros, Lionsgate, and Anchor Bay have NONE.)  Sign the petition - please!  (Posted Jan 2)

Reference

• How Do I Receive Video Description on TV?
• Described Video TV Guide for CANADA
• The Video Description Research and Development Center (VDRDC)
• Samples of Audio Description
• International programs for audio description (a great resource if you are traveling)
• 2012 ADP AD Award Winners
• Previous AD News Articles