[access-uk] Re: [Braille] Fwd: [Low_Vision] Reinstatement of Video Description in TV Programming
- From: "Ray's Home" <rays-home@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2006 15:25:48 -0000
For those concerned about the issue of audio description on TV, I thought some
of the arguments and reasoning presented here are just as valid for us in the
UK. (Americans it seems call audio description 'video description'. The
arguments presented seem quite good to me.
I see no harm forwarding this message to Access-UK, although I am editing out
some small bits about contact info as they're obviously not relevant here in
the UK. I will keep the message in its entirety and send it to anyone off-list
who is interested.
Ray
Personal emails: Email me at
mailto:ray-48@xxxxxxxx
----- Original Message -----
Reinstatement of Video Description in TV Programming,
S. 900 and H.R. 951
Video Description
In our society, individuals rely primarily on television
programming as a means of not only entertainment, but also as
a way of obtaining crucial news, weather and current event
information. The ability for individuals who are blind or
visually impaired to access information through TV is enhanced
by a specialized feature known as video description. Equivalent
to closed captioning for the deaf, video description for people
is audio narration that describes the visual elements in a
broadcast. This feature is accessed through a special channel
programmed into most televisions called the Secondary Audio
Programming (SAP) channel. Video description can make it
possible for a person who is blind or visually impaired to know
what emergency warning information is being scrolled across the
bottom of the screen as well as when scenes change in
television shows.
In 2002 the FCC required the top 25 television markets to
produce a limited amount of audio-described programming. The
blind community rejoiced! However, shortly afterward the
requirement was overturned i! n federal court due to challenges
from the broadcasting and motion picture industries that the
FCC exceeded its authority. Since that time, we have worked
tirelessly with Congress to reinstate the video description
mandate through legislation.
The blind community and advocates for adults and children with
visual impairments have succeeded in getting legislation
introduced in Congress that, if passed, will reinstate video
description in television programming. The bills are Senate
bill 900 (S. 900), introduced by Sen. McCain (R-AZ), and House
bill 951 (H.R. 951), introduced by Congressman Edward Markey
(D-MA). However, we can't do it alone! We need your help.
* If you have a loved one in your life, particularly an elderly
person who has a vision problem and who can't follow the
action on TV and can't see scrolling text messages on their
TV screens - call your Representative and urge them to
!
* If you are a parent, educator, and/or child advocate who
feels that children with visual impairments and learning
disabilities should have equal access to educational and
entertainment programming that is available in classrooms
and at home - call your Congressional Leaders and urge them
to co-sponsor
* If you are a person who is concerned about the ability of
people with disabilities to access safety, weather and
emergency information in your community - call your
Representatives and urge them to cosponsor
Congress must reinstate the video description mandate so that
all citizens can access vital cultural, educational, and
emergency information available through television programming.
Together we can do it!
For more information, call the American Council of the Blind
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