Enhancing Accessibility at the Park: Audio Description Training for Inclusivity
Our 4% donation initiative went toward funding training to make Shenandoah National Park more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
In March 2024, the Park partnered with Audio Description Associates to host a transformative training program: Audio Description: The Visual Made Verbal. This 2 ½-day course brought together employees from the Park and Cedar Creek Belle Grove National Historic Park for an interactive and immersive learning experience. The goal? To make visual content more accessible for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
A Hands-On Learning Experience
Fifteen participants engaged in multi-media sessions designed to develop and refine skills in audio description (AD). Led by industry expert Joel Snyder, Ph.D., this workshop explored the art of translating visual imagery into vivid, imaginative, and succinct verbal descriptions. These skills are essential for creating accessible websites, social media content, museum exhibits, and more.
Park staff, including Rachel Burner from the Shenandoah National Park Association (SNPA), participated to apply this knowledge to the Park’s online platforms, ensuring more inclusive digital communication.
Why Audio Description Matters
An estimated 31.2 million Americans are blind or have difficulty seeing even with correction (American Foundation for the Blind, 2019). AD provides these individuals with access to visual information that might otherwise be inaccessible, enriching their experience of performing and visual arts, online media, and educational programming.
For instance, museum docents, teachers, and health care workers can use AD techniques to transform visual elements into engaging verbal narratives. Similarly, radio services can describe photographs, illustrations, and comics, making them accessible to listeners.
What Participants Learned
The workshop followed the "Fundamentals of Audio Description" framework and covered a variety of topics:
- Understanding the Audience: Who are individuals who are blind or have low vision?
- History of Audio Description: Exploring its evolution and impact.
- Active Seeing/Visual Literacy: Cultivating skills in observation and detail.
- Skillful Editing: Learning to focus on essential visual elements.
- Creative Use of Language: Crafting vivid imagery through words.
- Speaking with Purpose: Using the spoken word to create meaning and connection.
Participants also explored the global resources available for audio description, including the American Council of the Blind’s Audio Description Project, gaining insights into AD’s broader applications.
A Commitment to Accessibility
This training is a significant step toward making the Park’s resources, both physical and digital, more inclusive. Whether applied to social media posts, website content, or visitor programming, audio description enhances accessibility for everyone and fosters a more inclusive experience for all visitors.
As the Park continues to implement the skills learned during this workshop, it reaffirms its commitment to providing enriching experiences for all members of the community.
About Shenandoah National Parks Association
The Shenandoah National Parks Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Shenandoah National Park through education, preservation, and community engagement. Working in partnership with the National Park Service, the association funds projects and programs that enhance visitor experiences, protect natural and cultural resources, and promote environmental stewardship.
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