After lots of collaboration, tweaking and testing, the LightHouse is proud to announce that this week, blind people will be able get audio description for one of the summer’s biggest movies, on their own device, without asking for help.
That’s right! Starting on Friday, June 17, blind and visually impaired audiences will be able to get free, mobile audio description to accompany the release of Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory.
The past year has seen lots of technological advancement in audio description technology, with Disney•Pixar leading the way for film studios with their app, Disney Movies Anywhere. The app was first demonstrated at the White Canes Red Carpet event in December, released at home with The Good Dinosaur, and discussed at length at our SXSW panel in March. Between these events, focus groups, and enthusiastic collaboration with Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Blind Babies Foundation, and other blindness organizations, this has grown much bigger than just one app: it’s a statement of purpose.
Disney•Pixar’s smart-syncing audio description, native to the mainstream app, represents thoughtful design that works for everybody. When activated, it provides an add-on experience which levels the playing field for audiences who are blind or have low vision.
Paired with any Disney•Pixar film using headphones or earbuds, the app delivers an extra audio track which elegantly narrates important on-screen action for those who can’t always follow along visually. Now tested and available to use with Pixar’s 16 other feature films, the app’s functionality will work for its first new release when Finding Dory hits theaters this week.
Accolades for DMA
Earlier this week, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler honored Disney Movies Anywhere with the FCC’s Advancement in Accessibility Award, which recognizes achievements in communications technology for those with disabilities. Alongside other innovators in the accessibility field, Disney•Pixar is proud to guarantee audio description to its fans when it comes to both new and classic films.
How to get Audio Description, anywhere:
1. Download DMA: Disney Movies Anywhere app from the App Store.
2. Make sure the iOS accessibility features are in use, or switch accessibility mode to ON in the DMA settings section.
3. Find the movie you’re watching in the “Audio Description” section of the Featured tab.
4. Hit “sync and play audio” button while the movie is playing. (You need to “Allow” to use your microphone for sync).
5. Sit back and enjoy!
Note: Please be considerate of others – makes sure headphones are connected and always use screen curtain (three-finger triple tap in VoiceOver) at any theater! We recommend using the app to download the audio description track before you go to the movie for best results.
More audio description, please!
The rollout of empowered audio description technology is no small task, and Disney•Pixar needs all the encouragement it can get in continuing its mission to serve blind and visually impaired audiences. Let’s face it, not everyone is totally tech savvy, and theaters are understandably wary of cell phone use in theaters. Not only do we want to show studios, cinemas and distributors that we take theater etiquette seriously, but we need to show them that equal access to movies is a mandate from our community.
Disney•Pixar has set up an open line for your stories, and it’s crucial that you weigh in to tell them how much this matters. Send your audio description testimonials and experiences to dmaappfeedback@pixar.com.
This is wonderful! I can no take my grandchildren to the movies and enjoy it all with them!
Thank you DMA!!
I am so excited to use this new feature. My family and I have loved Disney offerings for a very long time! Three of my boys and I are blind and utilizing audio description only enhances our experience!! Thank you Disney and Pixar!!!!