Time is Running Out!
Young Described Film Critic Contest

Once again we are soliciting entries for the Young Described Film Critic Contest, and we rely on YOU to find those young critics and let them know about the contest!

Young people with visual impairments ages 7 to 18 can enter in 3 age categories and win prizes.  They simply type or record their review of any described movie.  (How about one of the described DVDs to the right???)  Complete instructions can be viewed and printed on our site, and entries can be made online at the Listening Is Learning website.  Go find those young folks NOW!  The deadline for entries is June 8.  Hurry!  (Updated May 22)

Audio Description Institute:  Describer Training

One of the rare opportunities to learn how to be an audio describer arises in July as part of the ACB's Annual Conference in Louisville, KY.  The Audio Description Institute will be taught by Joel Snyder, who has taught audio description all over the world (most recently in Iceland!).  Read all about the Institute and join Joel this July in Louisville.  Alternatively, there is another opportunity for training at the LEAD Conference in Boston in August.  (Updated Apr 26)

2012 ADP Award Nominations Solicited

It is time once again (for the fourth year in a row) to make your nominations for individuals and organizations worthy of being recognized for their contributions to audio description over the years.

There are SIX categories:  Achievement in AD in Media, Performing Arts, Museums, and International; the Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl Memorial Achievement Award in Audio Description - Research and Development; and the Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description.  You can see the previous award winners in the Award Description, where you will also find the criteria for each category.  Self nominations are permitted.

Read the Award Description and Nomination Form
and/or
Complete Your Nomination Online

So don't delay!  Discuss the matter with your colleagues, if you wish, but do submit nominations soon.  The deadline for entries is June 25.  (Posted March 6)

Reference

• Audio Describer Training Apr '12
• Educational Description
• Samples of Audio Description
• Best Practices for Audio Description in Digital Environments
• 2011 Audio Description Awards
• International programs for audio description (a great resource if you are traveling)
• Previous AD News Articles

Art Never Seen

An art gallery in Poland has shown an exhibition featuring only audio description of artworks. The exhibition is intended to reveal how visual art is made accessible for people who are blind or vision impaired and celebrate audio description as an art form in its own right.  Visitors to the gallery find only headphones hanging on the wall!  Read more ... and watch a video ... (Posted May 15)

Audio Described DVDs in 2012

The most recent audio described DVDs are This Means War, Red Tails, and The Devil Inside.  The complete list of DVDs released so far this year follows:  This Means War, Red Tails, The Devil Inside, Chronicle, The Vow, Underworld Awakening, Covert Affairs Season Two, Contraband, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, War Horse, We Bought a Zoo, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, Hop, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Muppets, The Sitter, The Descendants, Young Adult, The Adventures of Tintin, Puss in Boots, Jack and Jill, Footloose, Like Crazy, Hugo, Johnny English Reborn, Tower Heist, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, Anonymous, The Big Year, Dream House, In Time, The Thing, Real Steel, Paranormal Activity 3, The Ides of March, Moneyball, and What's Your Number?.  All 78 DVDs from 2011 have been moved to their own page, just like the 48 2010 DVDs were.  All 36 prior to 2010 fit on one page of their own.

You'll find ALL the DVDs and Blu-ray discs released with audio description since 2000 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 May 22)

Universal Commits to AD on Rental DVDs!

In response to a complaint from the Audio Description Project, Universal Pictures has agreed to include audio description tracks on rental DVDs when they are also available on retail DVDs.  Specifically, Universal said:  "DVS will be added to all new-to-market DVD and Blu-ray rental releases that are specifically Universal Pictures productions."  Up until now, the AD tracks were omitted from rental copies, which has been a huge source of irritation and disappointment to blind and low vision renters.  Universal's commitment begins in mid-July.  (Updated May 4)