When we go to the movies, most of us combine the picture with the sounds to fully understand and appreciate the film. But, if you are visually impaired, the movie is an incomplete piece. Cinema is after all primarily a visual art. So what to do about it?

One idea, which has been growing in popularity around the world, is endeavouring to help blind and visually impaired people enjoy stage performances, films and TV. Audio description (AD) is a commentary for people with sight problems. “It describes what is happening when there is no dialogue or in short gaps in the dialogue. Description includes facial expressions, costume, scenery and actions so that anyone with a sight problem can follow the plot independently”, Sheena Guz, chair of Audio Description Association Scotland (ADA), explains.

Audio description began in Washington in 1980, and although a lot of places now offer it, it is not a feature included in 100 per cent of performances, TV programs and movies. Sheena discusses further that at present at least 10 per cent of TV in the UK should be audio described, but its growth depends on people expressing a need for it. “Ofcom may raise this if visually impaired people let them know they wish for more AD on television. If a show in a theatre doesn’t have AD, they should ask them why not. It is only by constantly lobbying for AD shows that the number of performances offering the service can be increased”.

Scotland has the Audio Description Association, which was formed in 1999. However, the first described performance in the UK was at a small family run theatre in 1986, Sheena says. The number of theatres offering AD grew slowly, but it took some time before organisations were formed. “The RNIB set up a steering group to survey describers and find out their needs and views. From this ADA Scotland was formed in 1999. This Association brings together visually impaired people and describers”.

The idea of ADA is promote audio description, train new describers and they also operate a moderation service. Moreover they have a newsletter which goes out quarterly, informing their members of what is happening in theatres across Scotland.

A good idea

Audio description helps to follow the plot. Describers even describe what the actors look like and give details about the set so that it is easy to imagine what is taking place on stage and what is happening in general. The AD works without interrupting the performance. “The trained describer sits in a soundproof booth in the theatre and speaks into a microphone to explain what is happening on stage.  They will view the performance in advance several times and prepare a script to ensure they have enough time so that their comments do not interfere with the actors' dialogue. Visually impaired patrons (known as VIPs) are given a headset, which picks up the commentary. Different theatres use different equipment. Some use an infrared system. Others use radio”.

In movies, most of times, the audio description is pre-recorded.

This feature is a little more typical. More and more commercial movies, for example, are being audio described. Nevertheless, Sheena explains that quality of the description varies and not all films are described by a trained audio describer. Even though, it is an option to choose and try.

A question

Where can users find audio descriptions?

“All theatres should offer one AD performance of a show where possible. Some shows have a short run and it is not possible to prepare a script. The Lyceum in Edinburgh offers two AD performances, one in the evening and one during a matinee. The theatre in Pitlochry will offer AD on demand. Pantomime may also offer two AD shows because they are on for a long period. If you contact your local theatre they can tell you which shows are audio described. Our website has information. Access Scottish Theatre has an e-bulletin and a magazine that lists AD shows. It must be remembered that it is difficult to provide complete listings as some details change”.

Some cinemas have the option to look for only movies which are audio described.

Be a describer

Among the skills a describer should have are; a clear speaking voice, which should not intrude on the actor’s performance, but provide essential background information. Another important skill is the ability to prioritise, because the describer has to choose what elements are essential to understand the plot. It also helps, Sheena continues, if the person can think quickly as not all live performances go to plan. The last thing is practising and studying.

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