Accessibility

Audio Description

What is Audio Description?

Audio Description is the descriptive narration of key visual elements of live performances, 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.(text courtesy of Audio Description International Website)

For live performances, trained audio describers use a microphone and transmitter to broadcast concise, objective pictorial verbal description of visual details during pauses between dialogue or other auditory cues, enabling patrons (using small receivers and ear pieces) to seamlessly experience the full content of a given show.

 

Braille and Large Print Programs

Provide your patrons with alternative programs to increase your accessibility.

Large Print Programs

According to The American Printing House for the Blind (APH),each large print user should have access to:

* 1. A font that is at least 18 points in size.
* 2. X-height and t-heights of at least 1/8 inch.
* 3. A typeface without serifs.
* 4. Spacing between lines of print of at least 1.25 spaces.
* 5. Headings and subheadings that are larger and bolder than regular large print text.
* 6. Paragraphs that are block style and use 1 inch margins.
* 7. Printed materials with no columns or divided words.
* 8. Black print on white, ivory, cream, or yellow paper with a dull finish so as not to promote glare.
* 9. Print that is not used over a background design or other graphical material.
* 10. Graphics that are not only enlarged, but maintain the same contrast, clarity, and appropriate coloration as those prepared for their sighted peers.
* 11. Graphic materials, such as maps, graphs, and charts, which also adhere to type size, font, and other large print guidelines. (Guidelines for maps are under development.)
* 12. Full-color or high-quality black line art rather than gray-scale or shaded drawings.
* 13. Books that weigh no more than 32 ounces and are no larger in dimension than 9 inches by 12 inches by 2.5 inches.

Braille Programs

Creating Braille Programs is a suprisingly inexpensive way to expand your audience and provided more patrons with your literature.

VSA arts of PA can put you in touch with Braille program printing services that are both excellent and affordable.