Audio description and captioning
Audio description is additional verbal commentary of visuals during TV programs, on DVDs, at live performances and at cinema presentations. It can include descriptions of different visual elements, including scenes, actions, settings, and costumes.
Captioning is the text version of speech and other sounds. Captions can be used on television programs, DVDs and movies, and can also be used to support online content. There are 2 types of captions—closed captions, which are selected by a user; and open captions, which automatically appear on a screen.
Media Access Australia can provide more information about:
Cinemas
Some cinemas in Queensland currently offer audio description as well as closed and open captioning for films. You can contact the following cinemas for information about services:
- Event Cinemas has information on upcoming films with audio description and closed captioning. (You can also find a cinema and contact them directly for session times and service details.)
- BIGSCREEN Cinemas at Hervey Bay also run accessible services and can be contacted on (07) 4124 8200.
Four major cinema chains in Australia have committed to making captions and audio description available in all of their cinemas by 2014 as part of the Australian Government-funded Cinema Access Implementation Plan. These are:
You can provide feedback about your personal experience with the closed captioning and audio description devices being used by the major cinema chains by emailing accessible.cinema@fahcsia.gov.au.
Theatre, ballet and opera
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), provides a range of services, facilities and programs to enable all visitors to attend performances and participate in programs. With advance notice QPAC can accommodate a range of individual needs and we strongly encourage visitors to notify staff of any individual needs at the time of booking.
Television
Audio descriptions are available on a range of programs across all of the ABC's television channels. Now everyone can get a complete picture. Find out more about the ABC's audio description services.
Audio description was trialled by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in 2012 on channel ABC1. More information about the trial is available from Media Access Australia. If you have specific questions about the trial, contact Media Access Australia on info@mediaaccess.org.au.