This Month's Symbol: Audio
Description
Audio description (AD) is simply spoken descriptions
that explain visual (non-audio) portions of performances to people
who are blind or have low vision and need accommodation to have equal access.
The AD symbol lets people know that this service is available. For example,
the June theater festival Fast Fest 2006 (see Events section) is
offering AD to anyone who registers in advance and specifically requests
it. They could use the AD logo on their registration information
as well as at the festival itself.
Audio Description International
describes AD as “the descriptive
narration of key visual elements of live theatre, television, movies,
and other media to enhance their enjoyment by consumers who are blind
or have low vision. AD is the insertion of audio explanations
and descriptions of the settings, characters, and action taking place
in such media, when such information about these visual elements
is not offered in the regular audio presentation. Thanks to
the work of dedicated organizations around the world, audio description
is now offered in selected movie theaters, videos, live theatre,
and television programming, and is making its presence felt in a
variety of new venues.” Source: www.adinternational.org
Access Press wishes
to encourage all of its readers and advertisers—individuals,
corporations, nonprofit agencies and private companies—to incorporate
disability access symbols into the services they provide. It is good
business to let the public know how you are accessible.
For more information about disability access symbols, or to download
electronic TIFF copies, please visit the Graphic Artists Guild at
www.gag.org/resources/das.php. To obtain Mac or PC floppy disk copies
of all the symbols, contact the Graphic Artists Guild Foundation
at 212-791-3400.
