What is audio description?

Audio description is a live verbal commentary delivered during an event that provides blind and visually impaired people with access to live theatre performances.

Prior to a live performance, audio describers prepare an audiotape that describes the sets, props, scenery, actors and costumes of the play or event. This is sent to the blind or visually impaired person to listen to in advance of the play to give an idea of the background to the play.

Live audio description captures in words during pauses in the actor’s speech, key visual elements such as actions, movements, gestures, facial expressions, sets, props and costumes. The live description is provided through discreet headsets, worn by the audience member during the performance.

Audiences

In Northern Ireland a ‘Survey of Activity & Limitation (2007) and Population Projections’ by the office for National Statistics/NISRA quotes the prevalence of visual impairment as 46,735. This figure is broken down as follows:

• 11,295 aged 16-44
• 6,420 aged 45-59
• 11,100 aged 60-74
• 17,920 aged 75+