The benefits of audio description for blind children

The aim of this paper is to shed some light on the as yet 'unknown' field of audio description (AD) for children by presenting a contrasting analysis of an empirical corpus formed by two audio descriptions (one in English and one in Spanish) of the same Disney film: Lady and the Tramp (1955). It is vital to consider AD for children as a different type, with its own particular features and requirements. Both ADs are analysed to see whether any differences or similarities can be found between them, and a discussion follows on the application of the various guidelines, norms and recommendations available to date. These results highlight the fact that visually impaired children have needs different from the general public, as they are more likely to have delayed language than other children because of the gaps in their experience. The main impetus behind this research is to learn about how these children can acquire and develop language skills with the use of audio described programmes or films via what is known as 'echolalia'.