About the Description Key
Developed through a partnership between the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), the Description Key began as recommendations, suggestions, and best practices culled from an extensive literature search and meta-analysis [PDF] in 2006. AFB assembled an expert panel in media description and education for children with visual impairments to help evaluate media description strategies for educational material. . Panel members were: Annemarie Cooke (DeWitt and Associates), David Dawson (Audio Information Network of Colorado) , Joy R. Efron , Kay Alicyn Ferrell, (University of Northern Colorado) Megan Finnerty (University of Northern Colorado), Jeremy M. Fiksher (CaptionMax), Bryan Gould (WGBH), Laurel J. Hudson (Teacher/Professor) , Terry Maggoire ( Teacher/Parent), Betsy L. McGinnity (Perkins School for the Blind), Cyral Miller (Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired), Martin Monson (University of Northern Colorado), Mary Ann Siller (American Foundtion for the Blind), Joel Snyder (Audio Description Associates) , and Dean O. Stenehjem (Wahington State School for the Blind).
The list of recommended practices was then subjected to a consensus review process by these leading experts, resulting in a reduction from 204 to 63 critical indicators. This work was opened to an extensive public review in the spring of 2008 that invited comments and rankings of each indicator’s importance. The expert panel met a final time in July 2008 to review these public comments, the rankings, and to discuss each indicator before adopting the final document presented here. (For a more detailed look at how (and why) the Key was developed, please read AFB’s “Background of the Description Key.”)
AFB and DCMP are pleased to have collaborated on this project and feel these guidelines will increase the availability of predominantly visual curriculum to children and youths who are blind, deaf-blind, or who have low vision and will continue “expanding possibilities for people with vision loss.”
About the Described and Captioned Media Program
The DCMP is a unique accessible media resource serving the United States and its territories. DCMP services include: (1) a library of free-loan described and captioned educational media for K-12, (2) a clearinghouse of information on media access, and (3) a center for training and evaluation of captioning service providers.
2008 marked the Golden Anniversary of this federally supported program. Visit DCMP@Fifty to read an article detailing the history of the program, a time line highlighting important events in accessible media history, and to access various resources for people interested in learning more about the program.
About the American Foundation for the Blind
AFB is a national nonprofit that, for 87 years, has been expanding possibilities for people with vision loss by setting trends and devising innovative initiatives. AFB’s priorities include broadening access to technology, elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss, and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB’s work in these areas is supported by the strong presence the organization maintains in Washington, D.C., ensuring the rights and interests of people with vision loss are represented in our nation’s public policies.
In addition to its New York City headquarters and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., AFB maintains offices in Atlanta; at the Center on Vision Loss in Dallas, TX; in Huntington, WV; and in San Francisco, CA. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the over forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with the AFB to expand possibilities for people with vision loss.
About the National Association of the Deaf
The NAD was established in 1880 by deaf leaders who recognized the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value. As a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf Americans. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more.
