Audio Description
The Audio-Reader Network provides trained Audio Describers for live events in Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka. The service is utilized primarily by people with vision loss, however, it can also be helpful for people with cognitive or learning disabilities, English language-learners, and people on the autism spectrum. Audio Description has also been shown to help with language development and active listening skills in children!
Upcoming Performances:
Tuesday April 12, 7PM Free State Festival
The Aorta of an Archivist + Q & A with Dario Robleto
The Aorta of an Archivist traces three “firsts” in the history of recording: the first time live music and singing were recorded, the first time brain waves were recorded in a dream state, and the first time a human heartbeat was recorded while listening to music. These stories are told through narration, sound, and visuals drawn from a variety of sources, including still images of historic events, footage from NASA, and photographs of experiments Robleto conducted in a makeshift laboratory.
The Aorta of an Archivist was commissioned by the Spencer Museum of Art. This world premiere in-theatre screening will feature live audio description by the Audio-Reader Network and American Sign Language interpretation for an accessibility-friendly experience
Starlight Theater
4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO
Tickets: 816-363-7827 or visit their website.
Audio-Reader will describe the 2022 Broadway Series Saturday evening shows (other dates may be available upon request)
May 14 Roger and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
May 21 Waitress
June 11 Hairspray
August 13 Anastasia
August 20 Sister Act
September 17 Prom
Listening devices for described performances will be available for checkout at Audio-Reader's table located at Terrace 2
Theatre Lawrence
4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, KS
Tickets: 785-843-7469 or visit their website.
Audio Description is available upon request. Request description when purchasing your tickets.
The Lied Center
1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, KS
Tickets: 785-864-2787 or visit their website.
Audio Description is available upon request. Request description when purchasing your tickets.
What is Audio Description?
From American Council of the Blind:
Audio Description aims to bring more meaning and enjoyment to entertainment, cultural, and educational experiences for blind and visually impaired people. The key is making visual imagery accessible. It’s used to enhance movies, television, media, theater and other live performances/events, museums, national parks, meetings, and educational programming. These visual elements can include action, costumes, settings, facial gestures ,facial expressions and other visually important images.
How Does It Work?
Patrons check out a pair of headphones on the way into the theater, and the Audio Describer broadcasts directly to the headphones. Before the show, the program is read and theater layout (including aisles, bathrooms, and exits) is described. During the performance, the describer will describe sets, costumes, gestures, facial expressions, stage action and other visual elements, without speaking over the actors.
Museum Description
Dole Institute of Politics
2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045
Select exhibits at the Dole Institute of Politics have audio description available. Patrons can access description by using a QR code reader downloaded to their smart phone.
Current Exhibit(s):
- The League of Wives: Vietnam's POW/MIA Allies & Advocates Traveling Exhibit: On display at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum through December 2018; Audio Description available on-site.
- Legacies of '76 (Audio Description available on-site.)
Past Exhibits:
- Celebrating Opportunity for People with Disabilities: 70 Years of Dole Leadership
- The League of Wives: Vietnam's POW/MIA Allies & Advocates
Educational Needs
Audio Description can be utilized for students who need access to the visual elements of classroom videos, blended learning videos, and other learning elements. For more information, call 785-864-4600.
Business Needs
Audio-Reader can help your business improve the accessibility of videos used on your website, in social media posts, and for training. For more information, call 785-864-4600.
Become an Audio Describer!
If you would like to be contacted about future training sessions, send us an email at reader@ku.edu.
Learn More about Audio Description!
Audio-Reader would be happy to do an audio description demonstration for your group. Send us an email at reader@ku.edu to schedule.