Do we need 3D audio description guidelines? Recommendations from focus group study

Audio description (AD) is an additional commentary to a film or television programme describing body language, facial expressions and action. It gives blind and partially sighted people information about the on screen action enabling them to follow what is happening. It takes away the dependence of relying on someone else to fill in the gaps. AD is an access service that is widely available and relied upon by blind and partially sighted people in the same manner as subtitles are relied upon by deaf and hard of hearing people. The success of 3D cinema and the launch of 3D televisions and 3D programming in the UK prompted RNIB to hold facilitated focus group discussions with blind and partially sighted people to find out whether they felt 3D visual effects should be incorporated into the AD of a film or television programme. The results of these focus group discussions would then be fed back to the industry and, if necessary, the Ofcom Best Practice Guidelines should be reviewed to reflect the findings.