The Self-help Resource Center for Vision Loss
How can I keep enjoying the theater and films?
Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a wide range of cultural venues and activities now include adaptations for persons with disabilities, including blindness and low vision.
Audio Described Performances
A number of theaters offer Audio Described Performances, during which patrons can obtain stereo headsets to hear verbal descriptions of stage activities. These are often available for operas, plays, concerts, the circus, and even political events. Call ahead to see if this is service is available at your theater and performance. Due to the increasing popularity of audio description, reservations may be necessary.
Nikki Llewellyn, COMS, is an Orientation and Mobility instructor at the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. and a nationally certified audio describer. Nikki, who does audio description for national touring Broadway shows that come to the Rochester Auditorium Theatre, explains the process of audio description for theatergoers who are blind or have low vision:
"Audio description is a wonderful benefit for individuals who are blind or have low vision. For both the regional theatre and national Broadway tours, I sit in an isolated sound booth where I can see the performance. I have headphones for the stage sound as well as for my own microphone.
"Theatergoers who are blind or have low vision have small receivers and an ear cup with a directional microphone so that they can hear both the stage and my description. The receivers have controls for the volume and they can turn me off if they desire.
"I describe the actors, costumes and scenery prior to start of the show and again during the show. Then I add necessary action descriptions during the show to allow the patron who is visually impaired to follow the action that is critical to the story line. This has to be written ahead and timed, so that I don't step on any of the dialogue.
"I usually see a show three to four times before actually doing the audio described performance. I also work with a consultant who is blind and views the show once or as a rehearsal to critique my performance and offer suggestions.
"Only one performance of each show's run is usually audio described. It's frustrating when I see individuals who are blind or have low vision at performances that aren't audio described. Sometimes it's a matter of not knowing that audio description is available on another date. Other times, it's just that the person has transportation available for that particular performance and not for the audio described one."
Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired (DASI) is offered at the Asheville (North Carolina) Community Theater and makes makes visual aspects of the performing arts accessible to visually impaired patrons. Using special, unobtrusive microphones and a transmitter, actions, facial expressions, scenery, and costumes are described for visually impaired patrons.
Preview Sessions
Some theaters offer special preview sessions for patrons with vision loss. During these sessions, staff meet with patrons prior to the performance and describe the plot and the stage activities that will take place throughout the performance. Ask if your theater offers this service.
Low Vision Devices
Talk with your eye doctor about low vision optical devices that might help with viewing some stage performances. 
Helpful low vision devices can include small hand-held magnifiers and/or magnifiers with built-in lights (to help with reading the program), small hand-held telescopes for spot viewing, spectacle-mounted telescopes, bioptic telescopes, or frame-mounted binoculars, such as the Beecher Mirage Binoculars shown in the photo at left.
Large Print Programs
An increasing number of cultural events now provide large print programs and materials. Some may also be available in braille. Ask if your theater provides this service.
Familiarize Yourself with the Story
If you know someone who has seen the performance, ask for an overview of the plot before you go. If the performance is based on a specific book or poem, consider reading it before you attend.
Audio Described Movies and Video
Check your local area for movie theaters that offer audio described movies. Audio description is additional narration that provides important visual elements of a show as they happen. Some cineplexes have recently been offering movies with closed captioning as well as audio description.
Many DVDs now come with audio description. Check with your local library or State Library for the Blind. Both may offer a number of audio described movies free for lending. For more information, see resources for audio, large print, and braille books and materials.
Additional Resources
See our extensive listing of cultural, recreational, and sports groups. Other useful resources concerning audio description and theater and movie adapatations include:
- Blindspots and VocalEyes: Provide movie reviews by individuals who are blind or have low vision.
- Movies for the Blind: A podcast of public-domain films with added audio description.
- WGBH Boston's National Public Television Station: Resources for audio described movies, accessible theaters, and television programming in the U.S.
- National Center for Accessible Media: Information about accessible movie theaters and media access for people with disabilities
- Narrative Television Network (NTN): Resource for television narration
- Theater Breaking Through Barriers (formerly Theater By the Blind): A theater company composed of both visually impaired and sighted theatre professionals.
© Copyright 2009 AWARE - Associates for World Action in Rehabilitation & Education