Audio description is vital for blind and partially-sighted
Since mid-September audio description services have been unavailable on Channel 4 programmes due to technical issues. Here Ansley Workman, director of RNIB Cymru, explains why it’s such a vital service for blind and partially-sighted people
LET’S face it, we all love a bit of telly. Whether you’re keeping up with the latest exploits of the Carter clan on EastEnders or you’re bingeing Bake Off, we all have our own “go-to” programmes. Television can inform us, make us laugh, make us cry and help us to understand other people’s lives.
But for thousands of blind and partially-sighted people in Wales and across the UK, their enjoyment of their favourite shows is dependent on the availability of audio description (AD) services.
Most major TV channels and streaming services supply this service on their programming. This, along with accessibility features like subtitling and sign language, provide a vital service to people with sensory loss.
Unfortunately, since mid-September many of these services, including AD, have been completely unavailable on Channel 4 programmes. A technical issue has meant that the channel will not be able to resume many of these services until mid-November. This is a huge blow to fans of the channel with sensory loss, who rely on this service.
So what is AD and why is it so important? AD gives blind and partially-sighted people access to the programmes we all love.
It gives extra commentary that explains what is happening on screen, including nuances like body language, facial expressions and movements.
Channel 4 actually pioneered the service, ensuring that AD made the 2012 opening ceremony of the Olympics more accessible. People who use the service have their favourite audio description artists because being able to translate visuals on screen into audio commentary is a real skill.
To see the difference this makes to blind and partially-sighted people, just listen to your favourite programme next time.
You might be surprised by how many vital bits of information are conveyed visually and how much crucial content you could miss.
That’s not the only reason AD is such a vital service.
It allows people to be a true part of our communities. It unifies us. It allows blind and partially-sighted friends, family and colleagues to feel included in conversations and participate fully in society. For those who are isolated and rely on television to give them that vital connection to the outside world and companionship, this is even more devastating.
But even once Channel 4’s programme is fixed, there are still big gaps in the AD provided. For example, many of BBC Wales’ programmes only currently qualify for this service if they are broadcast UKwide.
We also would love to know how much of ITV Wales and S4C’s content features AD.
Often this home-grown content just isn’t accessible to blind and partially-sighted people living in Wales, leaving them even more isolated from the communities and stories that are closest to them.
Since its inception RNIB has worked tirelessly to make sure blind and partially-sighted people can fully participate in society.
From producing the first-ever audio books on record, to campaign
ing to ensure AD is more widely available to all, we will continue our work to make sure society is more inclusive of blind and partially-sighted people at every level.
In the meantime, please keep the Bake Off spoilers to a minimum until later in November.