In a recent episode of our podcast, Adventures in Accessibility, we had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Cyrille, an actor, voiceover artist, audio describer, and disability advocate dedicated to promoting inclusion and authentic representation in the entertainment industry.
She shared how providing detailed descriptions of visual media can ensure that people with visual disabilities can experience content in the same way others do, increasing accessibility, removing barriers and promoting inclusion.
Nicole also shared how her work is especially important in the disability community, as individuals like her are critical to increasing representation, particularly in roles like audio describers and in the field of audio description itself.
What is audio description?
Imagine trying to watch your favorite show but find you are missing out on key visuals that bring the story to life. Or imagine being at a live performance without the ability to see. It would be difficult to grasp what is happening if you were to miss out on important details that are typically conveyed visually (think gestures, actions, etc.) that can be more impactful than what is being said aloud. This is where audio description comes in to play and fills the gap for people with visual disabilities.
Audio description, sometimes referred to as video description, provides audible descriptions of the various visual elements of a program or performance. This can include the actions, settings, facial expressions, and scenery in a video so that it can be enjoyed by those that are blind or have low vision. Without it, viewers who cannot see the screen or performance are unable to visualize what is happening and cannot experience it more fully.
Audio descriptions are regularly used for pre-recorded material (e.g., video tutorials, video resources, and instructional videos). They can also be used for live performances such as awards shows.
For example, during a silent portion of a film, an audio describer might say:
“A cozy dining room with a wooden table set for four. A mother in a mint green blouse places a bowl of soup in front of her daughter, who is wearing a purple sweater. The father, in a plaid shirt, passes the breadbasket to the table. The table is covered with a white tablecloth and a floral arrangement acts as a centerpiece.”
This description conveys visual details to the audience that can allow someone who cannot see the scene to imagine the setting and actions happening.
What are some audio description types?
There are three types of audio descriptions:
- Closed audio description: With this, users can turn the audio descriptions on or off.
- Open audio description: With this, audio description is played automatically, and users are unable to turn the audio description on or off.
- Real-time audio description: A trained audio describer provides live commentary or narration (usually in live theater or live performances).
Benefits of Audio Description
Having audio description is important under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) because it ensures equal access to visual content for people who are blind or have low vision. Providing spoken narration that describes visual elements of media helps meet the ADA’s requirement for accessibility and non-discrimination in public accommodations and services.
Not only that, but audio description may be the only way some participants can understand a video’s content. Having this opens content to users who might not have been able to access it otherwise. It provides an accessible video experience for all audiences, a better experience for people who have visual disabilities and creates a space for people who have autism.
How to Add Audio Description to Content
According to an article published by Digital Gov, there are three methods outlined to create audio descriptions.
- Building descriptions into video: One of the easiest ways to create audio descriptions in a video is to have subjects identify themselves and their surroundings, rather than just showing their names on screen. Everyone can benefit from knowing who is speaking, however, sometimes this is not always possible if people are speaking while the text is being shown on screen.
- Multiple videos: Some video players do not support the option to toggle audio descriptions on or off, so it is recommended to have two versions of a video: one with audio description and one without. In one copy, an editor can remove the audio track and add a new one with the describer’s audio description of the visual information, which can then be integrated with the original audio track. These two video types can be labeled appropriately for users.
- Adding additional audio tracks: With this option, a video can have more than one audio track attached, so the user is able to select which one they would like to play. This feature is available if video players support the addition of extra audio tracks. However, many multimedia players do not offer that support.
How to Access Audio Description
Depending on what device you are using, audio descriptions are typically accessed via the accessibility section of a device’s settings. The following gives examples of popular streaming platforms:
Netflix
According to the Netflix Help center, most Netflix original titles, certain TV shows and movies provide audio description options. To find out which ones are available, check out this list of all titles available with Audio Description. To learn more, visit the Netflix Help Center page to learn more about how to access audio description.
Hulu
According to the Hulu help center, there are over 60 shows and movies that support audio description, including most Hulu Originals. To see which ones are on the list, visit the audio description hub to learn more. Visit this help center article to learn how to use audio description.
Apple TV
Apple TV provides audio description for its movies, TV shows, and workouts on Apple TV. To learn how to use it, visit this guide on the Apple website.
Subtitles vs. Audio Description
It is important to note and differentiate between subtitles and audio descriptions and know that they both have different purposes. Subtitles are designed to help people understand a video that is in a different language or to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing understand a video, while audio descriptions help people understand the context of a video in a language they usually speak.
Conclusion
Creating accessible media, through tools like audio description, can help ensure compliance with the ADA. It can also provide equal access to public services and accommodations to help people who have visual disabilities and beyond experience content fully.
Popular streaming platforms like the ones mentioned in this post can also help promote inclusion by making content accessible to a wider audience. Providing verbal descriptions of visual elements also allows people with visual disabilities to fully experience media, promoting independence and participation in entertainment, education, and cultural events. This service also benefits other audiences, such as those with autism or auditory learning preferences, fostering a more inclusive environment for all.