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Audio Described Videos

The Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library offers audio described videos (VHS) to loan to patrons. Described videos provide narration of a program’s key visual elements, such as characters' actions, costuming, gestures, and facial expressions. These descriptions are heard during the natural pauses in dialogue. The result is a finished soundtrack that enables visually impaired viewers to fully understand the film through listening.

Video selections include comedy, romance, adventure, musicals and children’s films. A standard TV and VCR are all one needs to enjoy these audio described videos. Borrowers must be registered, active users of the Library. For information on how to become a Library patron, refer to the Service Eligibility Guidelines. There is no charge to borrow videos from the Library.

A patron may check out only one video title at a time for a period of 14 days, but there is no limit to the number of movie titles a patron can put on his or her request list for future loan. Videos should be rewound after use and can be mailed back to the Library "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped."

To start receiving videos, obtain a catalog, or for more information, call the Library at 1-800-852-3133 or 617-972-7240, email Library@Perkins.org, or review the listings of Audio Described Videos.

Further Information about Described Videos

The title index, order form and registration form are available directly from the Library. You can email Library@Perkins.org, or call the Library at 1-800-852-3133 or 617-972-7240 during regular business hours to place your requests.

Introduction

For many years, borrowers have been requesting that the Braille and Talking Book Library obtain and loan described videos. Thanks to a generous special projects grant from the Perkins School for the Blind, the library is pleased to offer described videos on loan for use by interested borrowers. This unique collection provides borrowers with access to described videos that can be played on your own VCR and television. No other special equipment is required.

Described video technology was invented by Boston's own WGBH in the 1980s and launched on several public television programs. Described video, also known as audio description, is now available on home videos, as well as on some commercial television programs, feature films in specially equipped movie theaters, museum exhibits, and live theater performances. More detailed information on other venues for audio description are listed in the Other Resources section of this catalog.

What Are Described Videos?

Descriptive videos contain a soundtrack with narration of the key visual elements of the film to make them accessible to viewers with visual disabilities. These key visual elements include any part of a presentation that blind or visually impaired viewers would ordinarily miss, such as the characters' actions, costumes, gestures, and facial expressions, as well as scene changes and onscreen text. Understanding these visual elements is often essential to fully understanding the program or film. The descriptive narration soundtrack is inserted during natural pauses in the program's dialogue. The end result is a finished soundtrack that is clear and understandable as well as entertaining, and the film's video can also be enjoyed by low vision viewers, sighted family members and friends.

Equipment Required to Use Described Video

Individuals interested in borrowing described videos must have access to a standard TV and VCR. No special equipment is necessary since the descriptions are part of the movie audio – just pop the videotape into the VCR and press "Play"! No other special equipment is needed to enjoy described videos. The Perkins Library does not provide or loan VCRs, DVD players, or television sets.

Loan Policy

The following loan policies are in effect for borrowers using described videos:

  • The loan period is 14 days. The actual check out date is printed on the mailing card on the container in which the video was received.
  • An individual may borrow one video title at a time per loan period.
  • Borrowers must be registered, active users of the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library.
  • There is no charge to borrow described videos from the Perkins Library.
  • Another video title may not be checked out until the title currently checked out is received and checked back in by Library staff.
  • There will be no renewals for described videos due to heavy demand on the collection.
  • There is no limit to the number of video requests that a person may place on file for future loan. The first available video on a borrower’s request list will be sent automatically each time a video is returned.
  • Video titles may not be reserved for specific dates due to high demand on the collection.
  • Borrowers are responsible for the replacement cost if a video is damaged.
  • Anyone under the age of 18 may not borrow R-rated videos.
  • No fees may be charged to anyone attending a group showing of a described video.
  • Videos should be rewound and mailed back to the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library immediately after viewing by turning the address card over so the Library’s address is facing up. Videos may be mailed "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped." No postage is required.

How to Order Described Videos

Since the described video collection is a new format of material being offered by the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library, anyone interested in borrowing described videos must register to receive this new format. To register for described videos, complete the Registration Form at the back of the catalog and send or fax it to the Library. You can call the Library (617-972-7240 or 1-800-852-3133), and a staff member will set you up for service immediately.

Building a large request list of specific video titles is the best way to ensure that you continue to have a regular supply of described videos. Once you return a video, another one can be sent from your request list. If you do not have any video titles on your request list, nothing will be sent to you until you contact the Library with a request. Every described video has a number beginning with the letters DV. Borrowers can order videos with the specific video number or by title through the following options:

  • Telephone: 617-972-7240 or 1-800-852-3133
  • Fax: 617-972-7363
  • Mail: Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library
    175 North Beacon Street
    Watertown, MA 02472-2790
  • E-mail: Library@Perkins.org
  • By DV number through the Online Public Access Catalog: www.klas.com/talkingbooks/massachusetts.
  • In person: regular Library hours 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday – Friday except holidays).

Using the Online Catalog to Find Available Described Videos

To find out which videos are available using the Online Catalog, follow the steps below:

Search for a video by title.

  • Using Basic Search, proceed as follows: Type the name of the movie in the "Search For" field. In the "Search Index" field select the radio button (circle) for title. Continue down the choices to the "Limit By" section, where you can limit your search in the "Media" field by selecting "Descriptive Video" from the drop-down menu. Also limit the "Language" field to "All Languages," the "Age/Reading Level" field to "All Reading Levels" and the "Fiction/Nonfiction" field to "Fiction and Nonfiction." Submit your search, and review the results.

Search for a video with a specific actor or actress.

  • Using the Basic Search, proceed as follows: In the "Search For" field type the name of the performer (Example: Humphrey Bogart). In the "Search Index" field highlight the "Annotations" radio button (circle). In the "Sort By" field, choose Title, Book Number or Year Published. In the "Limit by:" section, limit your search in the "Media" field by selecting "Descriptive Video" from the drop-down menu. Also limit the "Language" field to "All Languages," the "Age/Reading Level" field to "All Reading Levels" and the "Fiction/Nonfiction" field to "Fiction and Nonfiction." Submit your search, and review the results.
  • Alternatively, using Advanced Search, proceed as follows: In Criteria 1, choose "Subject" and type in "Video." In Criteria 2, choose "Annotations" and type in the name of the performer (Example: Tom Hanks). In the "Limit By" section, limit your search in the "Media" field by selecting "Descriptive Video" from the drop-down menu. Also limit the "Language" field to "All Languages," the "Age/Reading Level" field to "All Reading Levels" and the "Fiction/Nonfiction" field to "Fiction and Nonfiction." Submit your search, and review the results.

Search for all available videos.

  • Using the Basic Search, proceed as follows: In the "Search For" field type "Video". In the "Search Index" field highlight the "Subject" radio button (circle). In the "Sort By" field, choose Title, Book Number or Year Published. In the "Limit By" section, limit your search in the "Media" field by selecting "Descriptive Video" from the drop-down menu. Also limit the "Language" field to "All Languages," the "Age/Reading Level" field to "All Reading Levels" and the "Fiction/Nonfiction" field to "Fiction and Nonfiction." Submit your search, and review the results.
  • Alternatively, using Advanced Search, proceed as follows: In Criteria 1, choose "Subject" from the drop-down menu and type "Video" in the adjacent block. In the "Sort By" field, choose Title, Book Number or Year Published. In the "Limit By" section, limit your search in the "Media" field by selecting "Descriptive Video" from the drop-down menu. Also limit the "Language" field to "All Languages," the "Age/Reading Level" field to "All Reading Levels" and the "Fiction/Nonfiction" field to "Fiction and Nonfiction." Submit your search, and review the results.

Search for a video with a specific film rating.

  • Using Basic Search, proceed as follows: In the "Search For" field type the code for the rating you want (Example: G, PG, PG-13, R, NR). In the "Search Index" field highlight the "Subject" radio button (circle). In the "Sort By" field, choose Title, Book Number or Year Published. In the "Limit By" section, limit your search in the "Media" field by selecting "Descriptive Video" from the drop-down menu. Also limit the "Language" field to "All Languages," the"Age/Reading Level" field to "All Reading Levels" and the "Fiction/Nonfiction" field to "Fiction and Nonfiction." Submit your search, and review the results.
  • Alternatively, using Advanced Search, proceed as follows: In Criteria 1, choose "Subject" from the drop-down menu and type the code for the rating you want (Example: G, PG, PG-13, R, NR) in the adjacent block. In the "Sort By" field, choose Title, Book Number or Year Published. In the "Limit By" section, limit your search in the "Media" field by selecting "Descriptive Video" from the drop-down menu. Also limit the "Language" field to "All Languages," the "Age/Reading Level" field to "All Reading Levels" and the "Fiction/Nonfiction" field to "Fiction and Nonfiction." Submit your search, and review the results.

Purchasing Your Own Copy of a Described Video

It is often possible for individuals and organizations to purchase personal copies of certain described videos from the same sources used by the Perkins Library for its Described Video Collection. Depending on the producer of the video and stock availability, you should contact the producer for price and additional information. Below you will find the contact information for the major suppliers of described videos:

  • Descriptive Video Service Home Videos
    P. O. Box 55742
    Indianapolis, IN 46205
    Tel: 317-579-0439
    Fax:317-579-0401

  • Audiovision Canada
    National Broadcast Reading Service
    150 Laird Drive Annex
    Toronto, M4G 3V7
    Tel: 416-422-4222 or 1-800-567-6755
    Fax: 416-422-1633
    E-mail: nbrs@nbrscanada.com
    Web: www.audiovision.ca

  • Narrative Television Network
    5840 South Memorial Drive
    Suite 312
    Tulsa, OK 74145-9082
    Tel: 1-800-801-8184 or 918-627-1000
    E-mail: webmaster@narrativetv.com
    Web: www.narrativetv.com

Tips for Caring for Described Videos

The following pointers will help to ensure long life and effective usage of videotapes. Please follow the recommendations below to preserve the videotapes, assist Library staff in expediting returns, and making sure videos are ready for the next borrower. Following these tips should improve your overall video experience.

  • Please handle videotapes gently.
  • Extreme temperature conditions are not good for videos. Videos can melt, so please remember not to place them near stoves, heaters or radiators. The heat of a closed car or direct sunlight are also major factors in video damage.
  • In cold weather, allow videos to warm to room temperature before inserting in the video cassette player.
  • Magnetic or electro-magnetic fields may damage videos. Please do not place videos on top of TV sets or stereo speakers; or near electric motors.
  • Remember that dust, dirt, food particles, and liquids will all cause damage if they get inside the videocassette.
  • Condensation on the tape will keep it from playing in the VCR.

Other Resources

Audio Description is available in other arenas besides home videos. Below, you will find resources for linking up with audio description on television, in movie theaters, in live theater performances, and in museum exhibitions. Feel free to contact any of the organizations listed below for more details on their specific audio description services.

Description on Television

The availability of description on television has grown dramatically since the national debut of WGBH's Descriptive Video Service on PBS in January 1990. Description is available on programs carried by the following commercial networks and cable providers:

  • ABC
  • CBS
  • Fox
  • Lifetime
  • NBC
  • Nickelodeon
  • PBS
  • Turner Classic Movies
  • USA

To access description on television, a viewer must live within range of a television station that broadcasts description and have a stereo TV or a stereo VCR that includes the Second Audio Program (SAP) feature, standard on most newer stereo televisions and video cassette recorders. Viewers who subscribe to cable or satellite TV should ask their provider to "pass through" stereo with SAP.

For additional information contact:

Description at the Movies

Massachusetts is on the cutting edge for accessibility for described movies in the theater. Four major theaters are currently equipped with the special technology to broadcast description in the theater. Viewers checkout a headset and receiver from the Customer Service Counter at the theater to listen to the description in the theater. To subscribe to a weekly e-mail listing of described movies, send an e-mail message to access@wgbh.org and request to be placed on the list for Movie Access Update.

To confirm the schedule and times for described movies, contact the theaters listed below or visit www.mopix.org.

  • AMC Fenway Theatre
    201 Brookline Avenue
    Boston, MA 02215
    617-424-6111
  • AMC Framingham 16
    22 Flutie Pass
    Framingham, MA 01701
    508-875-6237
  • National Amusements Showcase Cinema
    565 Squire Road
    Revere, MA 02151
    781-284-5700
  • National Amusements Showcase Cinema
    135 Brooks Street
    Worcester, MA 01606
    508-852-2944

Description for Live Theater & Museum Exhibits

A number of Massachusetts performing arts organizations offer live audio description for plays and other theatrical performances. For general information about accessible performances, contact Cultural Access Consortium or check out their website calendar of accessible events:

To check on scheduling for audio described performances contact theaters directly for dates and times. The following theaters offer described performances of certain productions:

  • Foothills Theatre
    100 Front Street
    Suite 137
    Worcester, MA 01608
    Tel: 508-754-3314
    E-mail: foothillstheatre@hotmail.com
  • Huntington Theatre Company
    264 Huntington Avenue
    Boston, MA 02115
    Tel: 617-266-7900
    Web: www.huntingtontheatre.org
  • Wang Center for the Performing Arts
    270 Tremont Street
    Boston, MA 02116
    Tel: 617-482-9393
    Web: www.wangcenter.org
  • Wheelock Family Theatre
    200 The Riverway
    Boston, MA 02215
    Tel: 617-879-2147
    Web: www.wheelock.edu/wft
  • Woods Hole Theatre
    P. O. Box 635
    Woods Hole, MA 02543
    Tel: 508-540-6525

For information on exhibits with description or described film showings in the Museum of Science Mugar Omni Theatre, contact:

  • Museum of Science
    One Science Park
    Boston, MA 02114
    617-723-2500
    Web: www.mos.org