Audio description

2014 had a number of highlights in the areas of cinema and the arts. Where cinema developments over the last few years could be considered full steam ahead, as anticipated, this year saw a slowing of progress as the rollout of digital screens has neared completion across English-speaking countries. That doesn’t mean accessible cinema progress has come to a complete halt though, with an exciting development in the US that could have flow-on effects worldwide.

US cinema owners and advocacy groups have come to a historic agreement in order to make accessible cinema recommendations to government around the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The annual Access All Areas Film Festival brings accessible screenings of the best new Australian films to venues near you. The festival travels to Parramatta, Casula and the Sydney city centre from 1-5 December and includes open captioned and audio described sessions.

Media Access Australia recently met with staff from Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADAHK) during their visit to Australia for the Arts Activated conference. Both organisations were able to share experiences in delivering accessible arts programs to diverse audiences.