Audio Description of Books and Pictures

I used to steer away from buying books with a lot of images, thinking they were inaccessible to Madilyn. But after opening my mind and learning so much more about audio description (AD), I have realized that buying books with beautiful, detailed pictures is one of the best ways to assist in really explaining the world to her. How? By verbally describing the pictures to her. And by describing I don't just mean, "There is a picture of a red apple." I mean making the images come to life with beautiful words, full of color and action. I recently had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Joel Snyder of (Audio Description Associates, www.audiodescribe.com) describe audio description as "a type of poetry- a haiku, if you will." These words stuck with me as I visited the local bookstore and found "Children's Amazing Places Encyclopedia" on sale for only $10! First of all, I thought about how much Madilyn loves geography and learning all about the different places and cultures of the world. Then, I looked at the abundance of images throughout that I could describe to her as I saw them- sharing my own personal feelings and thoughts of each. Obviously, it made it's way through the checkout and is now on our bookshelf, waiting to be opened this week!

Many times, I've found it's not that the resources or supplies don't exist in teaching Madilyn, but it's that they are being used in a different manner. If I stop to think, "How can I solve this problem?"  and not, "Which existing product out there right now will do the job?", I come up with not only a great answer, but one that would help a child ahead or behind her current level. One that a child with 100% sight would gain just as much as Madilyn, whom doesn't have the least bit of an experience of what 'seeing' visually even feels like at this point in her life. This is the idea behind Sensory Sun Educational Technologies. I want to change the 'standard' from printed type and pictures to books and movies you can touch, hear, and even smell. I want the  product that needs to be 'adapted' to already be fully accessible, and work well! This is not a wish- this is my goal.

awaken your senses

#futuristic #strategic #belief

UPDATE! Mission: Require Audio Description

Yay! I contacted another theater, The Rave Motion Pictures - Colonel Glenn 18, in Little Rock to request they install a system for audio description services in their theater. Keep reading for their encouraging response!

<<Note: I sent The Rave the same general email given in the first post regarding this Mission!>>

Hello Mrs. Kleck,
It is rather interesting that you sent your email when you did.  I had been doing some research and started asking about the possibility of us getting some applicable systems within the last 2 weeks.  The systems I am most interested in are the Captiview and the Fidelio from Doremi (brochures are attached).  I can go into specifics as to why I would prefer these systems over mopix, but most revolve around the fact that these systems have come about since the "digital revolution" where mopix is (was) a film system that can be converted to work on a digital system.  At this point I have no actual news other than that we have started having discussions and are following a process that can take some time.  I truly hope it doesn't take long, but we are still very early in the process (we haven't even recieved pricing).  I truly believe we need these systems and will continue to follow up until I have a definitive answer.  I would like to keep your email address so that when I get an answer I can follow back up with you.  Also, if we are able to aquire these systems I will need some help getting the word out and you seem like you could (and would) help me with that.  Please let me know if you have any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Regards,
<name omitted for privacy>general managerravecinemas | colonel glenn 18

***My happy reply***

 Dear <general manager>,
Thank you so much for your prompt and encouraging reply! As my family was just at your theater yesterday to watch the new Chipmunk's movie. We took my daughter but it was hard for her to follow the beginning of the story since there was not audio description. I closed my eyes too, and realized there was no way she could understand without a verbal description of the images. We would really appreciate a serious effort into bringing the service to your theater.
I looked up the Fidelio and Doremi website information, as I was not familiar with their system. I do like that their system uses wired headsets that will not have an RF signal so close to your head. I will definitely be willing to help spread the word in the community, as well as nationally, when you have a system installed. Please keep me updated on the progress. My daughter is looking forward to 'seeing' the new movies in the future! Your action is definitely appreciated!

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 So, that is the last we've heard from the manager at The Rave, but I'll definitely be following up with him very soon. I'm arranging a meeting with the local blind organizations in the central Arkansas area to help encourage the theater to go ahead with their idea, and to show the theater just how many people are in need of the service and how many more will back them up! Even if you are not visually impaired or do not even know a blind person, you can still help advocate by reinforcing the need for and equality of accessibility in public areas AND privately owned companies. The voices of MANY is much louder and more easily heard!