Everything you need to know about audio description(AD) and where it is available.
What is audio description?
Like a narrator telling a story, audio description (AD) is an additional commentary describing body language, expressions and movements. AD gives you information about the things you might not be able to see, meaning that you can keep up with the action.
Where can I get audio description?
Television
Audio Description on TV is available on digital television via Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media and certain Freeview devices.
Audio description campaign
Currently, UK law sets a target for all main TV channels to provide audio description for at least 10 per cent of programmes. RNIB believes this target is too low.
Ofcom, the organisation which regulates TV, has decided to consult on three alternative options for the future of audio description. This consultation is open until 5pm on 12 November, 2009. This is a major opportunity to improve the accessibility of TV programmes for thousands of blind and partially sighted people.
Visit our TV campaigns page for more details on the Ofcom consultation and how you can respond.
DVD
Many audio described films are available on DVD. Whether renting or buying films and whatever your preference, from the latest blockbusters to old classics, why not try an audio described film?
Cinemas
Many cinemas across the UK are now equipped with a system that delivers audio description through a headset.
Theatres
Audio described theatre performances are available at over one hundred theatres around the country.
Try audio description
Try audio description for yourself by watching clips from Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Tarzan. You can also play a sound-only version of the BBC's Blue Planet.
Advice for professionals
We offer advice to professionals about using audio description to improve access to services by blind and partially sighted people.
We can offer advice to:
Award winning RNIB team
RNIB's Media and Culture Department was presented with the 2009 award for International Organisational Contribution for Audio Description from the American Council of the Blind (ACB).
It was awarded for its outstanding contributions to the establishment and continued development of significant audio description programmes.
Leen Petre, Principal Manager Media and Culture said, "This is fantastic news and a great credit to all of us in the Media and Culture Department and others in RNIB who have worked so hard on audio description promotion, delivery and quality over the years."
More information
For more information on audio description email audiodescription@rnib.org.uk or telephone 020 7391 2398.