Summary
Art Spark Texas story of audio description and their continued efforts to make performances accessible to low vision and blind communities.
What is Audio Description?
Audio Description is a narration service that provides verbal descriptions of key visual elements in media and live performances, making them accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
The Beginning
In 1996, Art Spark Texas (started as Access Arts Austin) was founded with a bold vision: to make the arts more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The organization was established by Betty Siegel and Audley Blackburn, who was deeply involved in the American Council of the Blind. From the start, they understood the transformative power of audio description (AD) and its potential to break down barriers in performing arts, film, and educational materials.
Back in those early days, audio description services were sparse and largely underdeveloped. Art Spark Texas sought to change that by training audio describers and advocating for Audio Description to be included in major events like South by Southwest. Their efforts set the stage for a broader conversation about accessibility in the arts and media.
Expanding Audio Description Beyond the Theater
Initially, audio description was primarily used in theater settings, allowing blind audiences to enjoy plays, operas, and musicals. But Art Spark Texas soon realized that the need for accessibility extended beyond live performances. They became pioneers in the field, producing some of the first audio description training tapes and later expanding to provide live descriptions for feature films.
Their advocacy extended to movie theaters, where they pushed for the inclusion of audio description, and their campaign to bring captioning to Austin was a major victory. Art Spark Texas also became involved in the Audio Description Coalition, working toward standardizing Audio Description training across the industry.
Overcoming Challenges in Audio Description
As with any pioneering effort, there were significant hurdles along the way. Copyright issues, the need for professionalization, and a general lack of awareness about Audio Description all posed challenges. Many in the industry mistakenly equated audio description with captioning, failing to see the unique and essential role it plays for blind audiences.
Art Spark Texas played a key role in the formation of the Audio Description Project and in advocating for the 21st Century Video Accessibility and Communication Act. This legislation marked a turning point, setting legal precedents that required audio description in various forms of media. Additionally, innovations like the Smart Player, developed by Kevin Early, opened new doors by providing audio description for educational materials.
Training the Next Generation of Audio Describers
Education has always been at the heart of Art Spark Texas’ mission. Recognizing the need for skilled audio describers, the organization developed training and mentorship programs to ensure quality Audio Description services. Their training, often completed in two days, emphasizes hands-on practice and continuous improvement through feedback.
Beyond training describers, Art Spark Texas has been involved in developing national guidelines for Audio Description certification. Now in its sixth year, this initiative seeks to create a standardized approach to Audio Description, ensuring consistency and quality across different media platforms.
Bringing Audio Description to Museums and Beyond
Museums represent another frontier for accessibility, and Art Spark Texas has made significant strides in this area. By training docents and conducting workshops internationally in places like Taiwan and Hong Kong, they have helped museums create more inclusive experiences for visitors who are blind or visually impaired.
Some of their trained describers, such as Martin and Bridget, have gone on to work on high-profile projects like the Democratic National Convention. Meanwhile, Art Spark Texas continues to collaborate with government agencies like the National Park Service to expand Audio Description services across public spaces.
Enhancing Entertainment Through Audio Description
Entertainment is a fundamental human experience, and Art Spark Texas has worked tirelessly to ensure that blind audiences can fully participate. Traditional advertising methods often failed to reach blind theater-goers, so the organization sought new ways to promote audio description services.
The Future of Audio Description at Art Spark Texas
Looking ahead, Art Spark Texas is committed to growing its audio description initiatives. Plans include forming a group of blind individuals who will incorporate Audio Description into their own activities, further empowering the community. Additionally, increased engagement with schools for the blind and partnerships with theaters and museums will help expand accessibility efforts.
One of the most exciting developments is the integration of technology, such as QR codes that link to audio descriptions of photographs. These innovations continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in accessibility.
Here's to Audio Description
Audio description has come a long way since Art Spark Texas first began its journey in 1996. From pioneering training programs to advocating for legislative change, the organization has played a key role in shaping the future of Audio Description. Their commitment to accessibility in the arts ensures that people who are blind or visually impaired can fully participate in and enjoy creative experiences.
As Art Spark Texas continues its mission, one thing is clear: accessibility is not just about inclusion—it’s about creating richer, more meaningful experiences for everyone.