What is Audio Description?

Put simply,  audio description is the verbal description and narration of visual events.

Media Access Australia explain in more detail:

“Audio description is the auditory narration of visual representations such as television programs, films and live performances. During gaps in dialogue, it describes visual elements such as scenes, settings, actions and costumes. It is particularly beneficial to people who are blind and vision impaired and people with print, learning and physical disabilities.”

A clear demand exists for this service. The 2016 National Eye Health Survey reported that more than 453,000 Australians are living with vision impairment or blindness. This is a large number, even before you count people with other conditions who would also benefit from audio description.

Audio description is a vital accessibility feature for Australians with vision impairment and others.

Streaming video provider Netflix and some online and pay TV providers offer audio description, however many Australians are unaware of how to access the limited services available.

This website aims to raise awareness of audio description, promote existing services, and campaign for its addition to broadcast television in Australia. We have had success in this venture so far, as national broadcasters ABC and SBS have started audio describing select content in 2020.