Abstract

Numerous studies have shown the value of captions (subtitles) to children in the development of literacy. In a similar vein, I propose that a comparable benefit might be observed in children exposed to audio description. This paper will introduce readers to the fundamentals of Audio Description, focusing on developing more descriptive language to use with children’s books. For example, some “picture books” for toddlers are deficient with respect to the language skills they involve--they rely on the pictures to tell the story. But the teacher trained in audio description techniques would never simply hold up a picture of a ball and read the text: “See the ball.” He or she might add: “The ball is red--just like a fire engine. I think that ball is as large as one of you! It’s as round as the sun--a bright red circle or sphere.” The teacher has introduced new vocabulary, invited comparisons, and used metaphor or simile--with toddlers! By using audio description, these books (or children’s videos) are made accessible to young people who have low vision or are blind and simultaneously all children develop more sophisticated language skills. A picture is worth 1000 words? Maybe. But the audio describer might say that a few well-chosen words can conjure vivid and lasting images.