Audio Description is a translation of images to words—the visual is made verbal—principally used to provide access to the wide range of media and arts for people who are blind or have low vision. In the United States, there are over 21 million people who are blind or have difficulty seeing even with correction (American Foundation for the Blind, 2008).
This interactive and lively session will provide an overview of the “Fundamentals of Audio Description” (developed by Dr. Snyder) and access awareness. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will know/experience:
– who are “the blind”?
– the history of Audio Description
– Active Seeing / Visual Literacy
– how to develop skills in concentration and observation
– the art of “editing” what you see
– how to use the spoken word to make meaning
Dr. Joel Snyder is known internationally as one of the world’s first “audio describers,” a pioneer in the field of audio Description, making theater events, museum exhibitions, and media accessible to people who are blind. Since 1981, he has introduced audio description techniques in over 40 states and 51 countries. Dr. Snyder has made hundreds of live theater productions accessible; his company, Audio Description Associates, LLC (www.audiodescribe.com) also enhances a wide range of media projects including network broadcasts, DVDs, feature films, and museum exhibits. He serves as Director of the American Council of the Blind’s Audio Description Project (www.acb.org/adp).