Audio Description (AD) is a service that provides a succinct and precise account of visual information to people who are blind or have low vision, providing them more complete and satisfying access to society and culture. AD can be used to describe art, education, culture, live events, video games, live performances, web content, media, film, and television. AD can be pre-recorded or performed live. For theater performances, live events narrated in real time, and in movie theaters, AD is often transmitted and heard through an earpiece receiver. It is added to broadcast TV, Blue-Ray/DVDs, and streaming services as a narration track, and may also be available through mobile apps. In exhibitions, installments, museums, and parks, AD can be narrated live by a docent or can be part of a pre-recorded audio / virtual tour.

Whether you want to start a new career or hone your skills in Audio Description, our trainings offer a comprehensive base for all avenues of the industry. Past students have included participants from the National Parks Service, universities, filmmakers, interpreters, disability advocates, those on the blindness spectrum, educators, theater staff, dancers, voice talent, as well as individuals working in, or just starting, Audio Description jobs. We meet each applicant where they are and celebrate differences in recognizing what each individual can bring to a class roster.

If you invest in your AD journey with us, you will actually be interacting with blind and sighted professionals who are currently working in AD. We consistently update the material to make sure we are following current trends and providing the most quality and useful information about the entire AD industry. Practice, discussion and networking are also a key part of our courses; you will learn just as much from your peers as you will from instructors. We keep class sizes small to ensure enough time for individual attention and group critique. Experts and moderators are flexible throughout training in order to give practical advice, tools, and suggestions for your path specifically. ADTR provides a comprehensive base from which to begin and continue pursuing professional description in all its variations.

Once you complete our Fundamentals training, you will be added to ADTR’s network of graduates, providing support, networking, and resources. We also provide reference materials to take with you for continuing education, and recorded student performance clips which can be used as part of a demo or resume sample.

Audio Description does not yet have a formal certification, but our training is designed to provide all students with a strong foundation and well-rounded base of AD knowledge. At the end of our training, students do receive a certificate of completion/attendance, if you would like to have official documentation for your resume.

Our Fundamentals class is required to introduce all participants to:

• Developments in AD such as job settings, client guidelines, best practices as they evolve, and technology’s impact

• Industry vocabulary and roles within different fields of produced description such as writer, editor, engineer, director, manager, narrator, quality control, pre-show, and more

• Historical, social, and disability rights contexts

• How to approach access needs and raising awareness of AD alongside the disability justice movement

• Provide ADTR Fundamentals grads with a common ground to branch from as they work together in future courses and support each other in the workforce

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Our Advanced trainings are continuing education opportunities with more specific subject matter:

• One course focuses on writing AD for pre-recorded media, such as film, streaming services, TV, web content, video games etc.

• In the future, we will have a second Advanced course focusing on live performance and event description, such as theatre, pre-show / audio introductions, exhibitions, parks etc.