Going to the Movies: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss

Debby Smith, Rehabilitation Specialist
January 1, 2009

Some wonder how people who are blind or visually impaired fully appreciate a television program or a movie if they can not see.  Both pastimes are an incredibly important part of American culture and they can be enjoyed by people with vision loss. Visual media has been enhanced by the availability of television and films with Descriptive Video.

In 1990, Boston-based WGBH public television pioneered Descriptive Video Service® for their audiences who are blind or visually impaired. DVS® provides a separate sound track describing key visual details so the viewers gain the full understanding of the story.  Included in the description might be important information about costumes, gestures, expressions, or movements. None of the illustrative narration conflicts with the actors’ dialog. The scripting is carefully timed to take place during a gap in conversation. This service through the Media Access Group at WGBH has made many television shows and films accessible to viewers who are blind or visually impaired.

For television, the sound track is accessed by the Second Audio Program (SAP), an option existing on many televisions or VCRs. While not all programs have DVS® at this time, they are aired through 169 PBS stations, on Turner Movies cable network, on some series through CBS, FOX, Nickelodeon, and on more than 200 home videos.

In addition, a number of movies currently shown in the theatre have DVS®. Moviegoers who are blind or visually impaired wear headsets to hear the narration so their neighbors are not disturbed. It is important to note that not all movies have DVS®. Not all theatres show movies with DVS®. And those that do, may not offer DVS® at every showing. However, there is a positive trend of more and more theaters making this service available.

At the present time, 15 movies showing in the area movie theatres are available with descriptive video. These include current popular films Australia, Changeling, Four Christmases, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, The Secret Life of Bees and more.

To keep up with the latest movies and theatres with description, go to www.WGBH.org and search for MOPIX, (Motion Picture Access). In New Hampshire, Hopkins Center Film at Dartmouth College in Hanover has DVS®. In Massachusetts, 14 cinemas feature audio described movies. Massachusetts movie goers may also request a listing, Massachusetts Movie Theaters featuring Audio Described Movies, by calling the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library at 800-852-3133

The groundbreaking work of WGBH has made the television-watching and movie-going experience more accessible than in years past. Kim Charlson, Director of the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library says: "Being able to go to the movies with my friends and family, actually understand the ending, know what is happening the whole time, and not need someone to whisper in my ear is so much fun. Sometimes by listening to the description, I know more details about things in the film than the people with me do. The headset is easy to use, and there's nothing like popcorn and good companionship to feel like you're really part of our culture by enjoying movies. Audio description really makes it possible. I recommend trying it!" 

Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643. 

-Back to list-