Audio description is a feature that has been around for a while but is often overlooked as an important accessibility tool. In this article, we will explore the top five reasons why audio description is a must-have feature, especially for those with visual impairments.
What is Audio Description?
Audio description is a service that provides descriptions of visual elements in media for people who are blind or have low vision. It can be used for movies, television shows, live theater, and other forms of entertainment.
Audio description services are typically provided by a narrator who describes the action and scenes while they are happening. The narration is typically mixed in with the existing audio track so that it does not interfere with the overall experience.
5 Reasons Why Audio Description is a Must-have Feature
1. It Ensures That Everyone Can Enjoy the Same Content
Audio description allows everyone to enjoy the same content, regardless of their visual impairment. This is especially important for those who may not be able to see the screen clearly or at all.
2. It Improves Comprehension
Audio description can help improve comprehension for those with visual impairments. By providing descriptions of the action, audio description can help fill in the gaps for those who may not be able to see everything that is happening on screen.
3. It Enhances the Overall Experience
Audio description can enhance the overall experience of a movie or TV show. By providing more information about the visual elements, audio description can help people with visual impairments feel like they are getting the full picture. Many TV shows are support audio description with the understanding that it makes the content more accessible and enjoyable for all.
4. It Allows People to Follow Along with Fast-paced Action
Audio description can be especially helpful for those with visual impairments during fast-paced action scenes. By providing a narration of the action, audio description can help people keep up with what is happening on screen.
5. It Provides an Alternative to Traditional Captioning
Audio description can be used as an alternative to traditional captioning for those with visual impairments. Captioning can be difficult to read for some people, and audio description can provide a more natural way to follow along with the action.
Can Audio Descriptions Enabled on Smartphones?
Yes, there are a few different ways to get audio descriptions on smartphones. One way is to download a one of the apps that can enable audio descriptions on smartphones, that can read aloud PDFs, eBooks, and web pages with audio descriptions.
Another way to get audio descriptions on smartphones is to use a screen reader. Screen readers are software programs that can read aloud text on a screen that are typically used by those who are blind or have low vision. There are a few different screen readers available for iOS and Android.
The demand for audio descriptions among smartphones users is increasing, as the technology becomes more accessible. In the past, audio descriptions were only available on TV and movies. However, with the rise of streaming services, many shows and movies now offer audio descriptions as an option.
You can find out if a show or movie has audio descriptions by checking the options menu or searching for “audio description” in the settings. Some examples of shows that offer audio descriptions on Netflix are Stranger Things, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage.
Conclusion
Audio descriptions are a must-have feature for those with visual impairments. They ensure that everyone can enjoy the same content, improve comprehension, and enhance the overall experience. Additionally, audio descriptions can be used as an alternative to traditional captioning for those with visual impairments. Their popularity is growing and they are now available on many smartphones.
Taylor is a freelance SEO copywriter and blogger. His areas of expertise include technology, pop culture, and marketing.
