The Visuals Into Words Project

The Visuals Into Words Project was created on the premise that "A deeper understanding of how images are transferred into words is still needed."  Accordingly, they created a free 15 minute film (translated to several languages) that anyone can use to study "how audio description is approached by different describers in diverging cultural environments and also how end users receive the audio described content."  Even a present describer may find it useful with which to practice their own description techniques.  Take a look!  (Posted Sep 27)

Audio Description in Theatre

The number of audio describers for live theatre continues to grow.  Here's a great video report about one of them at the Metropolitan Washington Ear:  These Volunteers Are Bringing Plays to Life For the Visually Impaired (NBC). 

And here's another great piece from our friends "down under," highlighting the value of a tactile tour:  I love theatre and I’m blind. Here’s how that works.  (Posted Sep 20)

FCC Public Notice Re Accessibility
of Cable/Satellite Receivers

On August 2, the FCC released a Public Notice to remind covered manufacturers and multichannel video programming distributors (cable, satellite, and more) about the approaching December 20, 2016 compliance deadline for two new requirements:

1. Appropriate built-in functions on digital apparatus (such as play back or display of video programming) must be accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, if achievable. Such equipment with built-in closed captioning or video description capability must include a method that is reasonably comparable to a button, key, or icon for activating closed captioning and video description.
2. The on-screen text menu and guides provided by set-top boxes and other navigation devices must be audibly accessible in real-time upon request by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Also, such navigation devices must include a method that is reasonably comparable to a button, key, or icon for activating the closed captioning.

A compliance guide is available to help small entities comply with the new rules.  For more information about the new requirements, please see the Public Notice.  (Posted Aug 3)

ACB Survey:  More Audio Description Needed!

Survey says ... only 2% of people with visual impairment feel they are getting enough audio description.  That's part of the preliminary results of the recently concluded ACB survey.  And when compared to the accommodation for the deaf community, it is an "injustice when captioning can exceed such a wide breadth of coverage across broadcast channels, while the blindness community is relegated to a handful of hours each week during prime time."  Read more about the ACB Survey.  (Posted Aug 2)

Audio Described DVDs and Blu-ray Discs

There were four new Audio Described DVDs released on September 27 and two on September 20:  Central Intelligence, Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates, The Shallows, Warcraft, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows.

2016 Recent:  Central Intelligence, Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates, The Shallows, Warcraft, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows, Captain America: Civil War, The Conjuring 2, De Palma, Pop Star: Never Stop Never Stopping, The Meddler, Money Monster, A Bigger Splash, Me Before You, Jungle Book, The Case of the Three Sided Dream, The Huntsman: Winter's War (Extended Edition), Maggie's Plan, The Nice Guys, Ratchet & Clank, The Angry Birds Movie, God's Not Dead 2, The Bronze, Keanu, Barbershop: The Next Cut, The Boss, Criminal, Hardcore Henry, more ...

See Also:

• All described DVDs released in the USA in 2016 or 2015
• Alphabetical list of all commercially described USA DVDs
• Children's Described USA DVDs (rated G or PG)

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New Audio Described TV Series

  Six shows started audio description starting last week!

premiered Speechless on Wednesdays.

is premiered the following shows with audio description:  Lethal Weapon on September Wednesday, Pitch on September Thursday, The Exorcist on Friday, and Son of Zorn on Sunday. 

premiered description on the second season of Superstore on Thursday.  A new show, The Good Place, airs on Thursdays.

will air reruns of Bob's Burgers starting September 30.

will premiere Falling Water on October 13.

See our page describing what's described on TV and how to get it and/or view the current schedule of described TV shows.   (Updated Sep 27)