Since 1996, Art Spark Texas has provided Audio Description services for a wide variety of cultural events and organizations, including: live performances, educational and independent films, museum exhibits, and other events as requested. Audio Description can take many forms, as you consider the diverse needs and interests of people with and without vision. We consider all of these variabilities when developing and providing audio description services and training.
For more information about Audio Description, or to book a description or training, please contact Art Spark Texas at [email protected], or call 512-454-9912 or toll free 1-866-489-8412.
What is Audio Description?
Audio Description is the verbal translation of visual information for people who are blind or have low vision, or anyone with a reading or visual comprehension difficulty.
Fact: It also helps individuals successfully complete their household chores while watching their favorite movie, as it fills in the gaps of information created by onscreen visual content
Description Services
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Art Spark Texas provides audio description services for theatre, dance, festivals and more in performance venues across Texas. Audio description provides an equivalent audience experience of the visual performance aspects through live description of the show, including pre-show notes offering significant set, costume and character details.
FILMS
Art Spark Texas provides audio description for independent and educational films. Audio description (AD) for entertainment and enjoyment offers visual information using the natural pauses in the dialogue, and when lengthly scenes offer content without any dialogue or narration.
AD for educational content requires an Extended Description, when the video is paused to provide the necessary visual information. Educational content is analyzed for what is being taught and how onscreen visuals supplement the learning objectives.
EXHIBITS
Art Spark Texas provides audio description for museums, outdoor installations and other exhibitions. Audio description for artwork, exhibits, and installations provides an aural version of the visual and written information. Enhanced Description includes adding touch (tactile), sound effects, music, or scents to the experience to enhance the individual’s experience.
ONLINE CONTENT
Art Spark Texas provides audio description for online content that meets the WCAG 1.2.5 guidelines.
CONSULTATION SERVICES
Art Spark Texas works with individuals and organizations to assist them to establish an effective audio description program in their organization or community. This consultation can include working with staff to implement an audio description program, training new describers, or continuing education for existing describers.
We are also available for conference presentations and one-on-one consultation with staff or departmental meetings for more specialized program service considerations.
All audio description services are offered at a sliding scale rate. Please contact Art Spark Texas to discuss terms and conditions at [email protected]
PRESENTATIONS
· Introductory presentation for organizations interested in learning more about audio description. (minimum: 1 hour)
· Effective communication best practices for working with people who are blind or have low vision. (minimum: 1 hour)
· Introduction to Audio Description includes experiential activities to learn the 3 core skills, examples of description, and a brief history of audio description. (minimum: 3 hours)
TRAININGS
Recommended: minimum 2 consecutive training days
Art Spark Texas works with individuals and organizations to tailor training workshops to meet the needs of the describers and/or the organizations. Through interactive participatory exercises, lectures, and demonstrations in a shared setting, participants will learn how to develop and use the three core skills of Audio Description, as developed by the Audio Description Coalition. Click here to view the Standards.
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Art Spark Texas works with presenting organizations to tailor training workshops to meet the needs of their intended audience members. Participants practice the art and technique of inserting descriptions of essential visual elements into dialogue and other pauses during a performance. Depending upon the need of the organization, examples of theater, musicals, dance and opera are described. Scripts are analyzed and used in the development of the description and design elements such as setting, costumes and characters are discussed and developed into pre-show notes.
EXHIBITS
Art Spark Texas offers a selection of interactive, on-site training workshops for museum staff and volunteers. These workshops are tailored to the client needs for their intended audience.
Docents, educators, volunteers, or staff will learn the art and technique to deliver live audio description for visitors who are blind or low vision. In addition, individuals will practice writing scripts for description of selected artworks from the permanent collections for use by individuals not included in the initial training. Effective communication guidance also included in training when requested.
WEBSITES AND OTHER ONLINE CONTENT
Art Spark Texas offers training and/or consultation to web designers and developers on inclusion of effective description for all online visual information. Training takes into consideration website purpose, user needs, and current methods available to deliver the necessary content. Participants learn to analyze visual content and practice writing effective descriptive scripts. Standard versus extended description is discussed as a means to determine the method most appropriate to the content requirements.
For more information about Audio Description, or to book a description or training, please contact Art Spark Texas at [email protected], or call 512-454-9912 or toll free 1-866-489-8412.