Video Description

In our society, individuals rely primarily on television programming as a means of not only entertainment, but also as a way of obtaining crucial news, weather and current event information. The ability for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to access information through TV is enhanced by a specialized feature known as video description. Equivalent to closed captioning for the deaf, video description for people is audio narration that describes the visual elements in a broadcast. This feature is accessed through a special channel programmed into most televisions called the Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) channel. Video description can make it possible for a person who is blind or visually impaired to know what emergency warning information is being scrolled across the bottom of the screen as well as when scenes change in television shows.

In 2002 the FCC required the top 25 television markets to produce a limited amount of audio-described programming. The blind community rejoiced! However, shortly afterward the requirement was overturned in federal court due to challenges from the broadcasting and motion picture industries that the FCC exceeded its authority. Since that time, we have worked tirelessly with Congress to reinstate the video description mandate through legislation.

The blind community and advocates for adults and children with visual impairments have succeeded in getting legislation introduced in Congress that, if passed, will reinstate video description in television programming. The bills are Senate bill 900 (S. 900), introduced by Sen. McCain (R-AZ), and House bill 951 (H.R. 951), introduced by Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA). However, we can't do it alone! We need your help.

• If you have a loved one in your life, particularly an elderly person who has a vision problem and who can't follow the action on TV and can't see scrolling text messages on their TV screens - call your Representative and urge them to co-sponsor S. 900 and H.R. 951.
• If you are a parent, educator, and/or child advocate who feels that children with visual impairments and learning disabilities should have equal access to educational and entertainment programming that is available in classrooms and at home - call your Congressional Leaders and urge them to co-sponsor S. 900 and H.R. 951.
• If you are a person who is concerned about the ability of people with disabilities to access safety, weather and emergency information in your community - call your Representatives and urge them to cosponsor S. 900 and H.R. 951.

You can reach your legislator via:

• the capitol switchboard at the:
  • House: 202-225-3121
  • Senate: 202-224-3121
    
• email through the Congressional websites:
  http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov

Congress must reinstate the video description mandate so that all citizens can access vital cultural, educational, and emergency information available through television programming.
Together we can do it!

For more information, call the American Council of the Blind at 1-800-424-8666 or email us at info@acb.org.

Krista Merritt
Policy Analyst,
Department of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind

Day Al-Mohamed
Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th St. NW
Washington DC 20005
Tel. 202-467-5081
dalmohamed@acb.org