by Tabitha Kenlon
ACB’s Audio Description Project (ADP) will participate in the ACB annual convention both virtually and in person. We’ll offer three exciting events: the ADP Conference, the ADP Awards, and film screenings.
ADP Conference
The ADP Conference is taking place virtually from Thursday through Saturday, June 22-24. There will be seven panels, organized and moderated by ADP co-chairs Kim Charlson and Carl Richardson, ADP founder and senior consultant Joel Snyder, and ADP Coordinator Tabitha Kenlon. Check the ADP website for additional information on panelists, and mark your calendars now.
Thursday, June 22
The CVTAA Explained (11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Central)
The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTAA) would update existing regulations to ensure better and easier access to a variety of technology for people who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind. Panelists will discuss the writing of the bill and what improvements it promises.
Meet the Streaming Services (2:30 – 5:15 p.m. Central)
Back by popular demand! Representatives from major streaming services will discuss how their organizations make their programming accessible now and what they’ve got planned for the future.
Friday, June 23
AD Certification Update (1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Central)
Panelists will provide background details and an update on the progress of their work to create a certification program for audio describers.
AD Across the Arts (4:00 – 5:15 p.m. Central)
While film and TV might be the most well-known audio-described art form, many arts and entertainment venues use AD as well. Live theatre and dance performances, museums, parks, and even the circus provide AD to increase accessibility. Panelists will share some of the challenges and the excitement of bringing all the arts to life for people who are blind or have low vision.
Saturday, June 24
AD Research (10:00 –11:15 a.m. Central)
The academic community has embraced audio description (AD) as a form of audiovisual translation and within other disciplines, particularly in countries outside the U.S. Join us to learn the latest in efforts to examine AD through survey-based research as well as lessons learned from professional practice.
AD for Kids (11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Central)
Whether kids are relaxing with a book or movie or doing a homework assignment, audio description provides vital opportunities for engagement with the world of ideas. Panelists will discuss resources to help parents and teachers integrate audio-described content into the lives of their children and students.
AD Around the Globe (2:30 – 3:45 p.m. Central)
Several years ago, ACB collaborated with the World Blind Union in a survey of audio description practice worldwide. This panel will highlight AD activity in New Zealand/Australia, South Africa, and in the UK.
ADP Awards
After that great warm-up, we’ll be in person at Schaumburg for more exciting events. This year’s ADP Award winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 5, at 10:15 a.m. Central. The ADP Awards honor the people and organizations who make outstanding contributions to the quality, availability, and understanding of audio description. The awards recognize achievement in AD in the performing arts, museums and visual arts, visitor centers, the public sector and government agencies, research and development, and career achievement.
Film Screenings
Of course, we all want to experience AD in action, so the ADP will host two film screenings. On Monday, July 3, at 4 p.m. Central, don’t miss “One Step at a Time: A Journey of Hope, Commitment and Resiliency.” Blind filmmaker Michael McCulloch of Houston, Texas, will set the stage for the hybrid screening of his documentary and answer questions after the viewing. “One Step at a Time” chronicles McCulloch’s trek of the 26-mile classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The film premiered in February 2021 at the ReelAbilities Houston Film and Arts Festival and won the Best Cinematography Award at the Sports, Fitness and Recreation Festival in Toronto in August 2022.
Finally, on Wednesday, July 5, at 7:30 p.m. Central, join us for an in-person showing of recent Oscar-winning titles. We’re working to secure screening rights from the studios, so stay tuned for the big announcement of which films we’ll be featuring.
Keep up to date on all the latest ADP news by visiting our website regularly and joining the ADP email discussion list (simply send a blank email to [email protected] with “subscribe” in the subject line). We look forward to meeting you virtually and/or in person at the convention!