Bringing art and culture to life for people with vision impairment
The CENMAC team recently met with Jessica Beal from the charity VocalEyes. Jessica told us about the fantastic service they offer for people with visual impairment.
About VocalEyes
VocalEyes is a national charity started in 1998. They make it possible for people with a vision impairment or are blind to experience art and culture through audio description in theatres, museums, galleries, heritage sites and online.
What is audio description?
Audio description is a live verbal commentary which gives extra information about what’s happening to help people with a visual impairment understand the visual elements of a performance of part of an exhibition. So, for example, this could be giving information about the style and design of the set. Or it could be a description of the costumes that the characters are wearing as well as their facial expressions as part of the performance. Or what is happening on the stage.
How do you listen to the audio description?
There are lots of different ways that the audio description can be received. Different venues have different systems. So it might be via infrared technology, wi-fi or radio systems.
What kind of genres do we cover?
VocalEyes provide introductions to musicals, dramas, comedy, ballet, opera, circus performances, museums, heritage sites and more.
The service benefits adult and children’s theatre performances. For example, around Christmas time they do the audio descriptions for lots of pantomimes.
In museums they have live audio described tours and provide recorded audio descriptive guides as well.
How to find out What’s On?
VocalEyes have a What’s On section on their website. You can search by the type of show you’re looking for, the area of the UK you are in, the date, or keyword.
You can also stay informed by signing up for their monthly e-newsletter. It’s also available in print, Braille, on a USB stick and downloadable from their website.