Thread Subject: Re: Subpart A Definitions-Video Description-Action Needed

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From: Katie Haritos-Shea
Date: Tue, May 01 2007 1:15 PM

I agree with Geoff revised revision of Video Description here below also.

-----Original Message-----
>From: geoff freed < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>Sent: May 1, 2007 2:38 PM
>To: "Hoffman, Allen" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >, 'TEITAC Subpart A Subcommittee' < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >, TEITAC Audio/Video Subcommittee < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>Subject: Re: [teitac-subparta] [teitac-video] Subpart A Definitions-Video Description-Action Needed
>
>
>Here's a revised revision:
>
>======
>Video Description: Video descriptions, also known as audio
>descriptions, make visual media (such as broadcast programming or videos
>found on Web sites or DVDs) accessible to people who are blind or
>visually impaired. They provide descriptive narration of key visual
>elements, such as movements and actions, sets, and on-screen text and
>graphics that may not be conveyed by the main audio track alone. Video
>descriptions shall not obscure the main audio content.
>======
>
>I think the last sentence is a good addition, given that in the
>definition of captions we say that captions shall not obscure on-screen
>info.
>
>Comments?
>Geoff/NCAM
>
>
>
>Hoffman, Allen wrote:
>> I think mine emphasize that the important thing is to describe the information critical for comprehension of the nonverbal content--which to me is kind of overshadowed a bit by the costumes, sets, part of yours. if we really want short wording, "audio or video description means that you include an audio track which describes verbally what's happening in the multimedia program so that someone who can't see it will know what happened.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Allen hoffman -- 202-447-0303
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: geoff freed [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ]
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 2:21 PM
>> To: Hoffman, Allen
>> Cc: TEITAC Audio/Video Subcommittee; TEITAC Subpart A Subcommittee
>> Subject: Re: [teitac-video] [teitac-subparta] Subpart A Definitions-Video Description-Action Needed
>>
>>
>> Hi, Allen:
>>
>> I won't argue with the use of video descriptions vs audio descriptions (frankly, I prefer the latter). A Larry said elsewhere, we should probably align ourselves with what other federal agencies already use, so video descriptions makes sense.
>>
>> But aside from the inclusion of language stating that video descriptions are AKA audio descriptions, your definition is stating the same thing as mine, only in more words. Am I missing a critical difference? I'd rather go with as few words as possible.
>>
>> Geoff/NCAM
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Hoffman, Allen wrote:
>>> I suggest we insert definition for audio-description that refers to video description to alleviate any misunderstanding. Also, in a recent session at CSUN Joel Schneider from national captioning institute noted that there is a symbol for a/d sometimes used on media. I don't think it matters much on the overall what it is called as long as we all agree on what it is--personally "video description" makes more sense to me as the description is of the important information in the video content not discernible from the audio content alone.
>>>
>>> I do not agree with Jeff's language as it focuses on items that are
>>> not specifically related to the description of the critical information from a video content. I think the previous language was better.> Jeff wrote:
>>>> AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Audio descriptions make visual media (such as
>>>> television programs or training videos) accessible to people who are
>>>> blind or visually impaired. They provide descriptive narration of
>>>> key visual elements, such as sets, costumes and other important
>>>> on-screen information that may not be conveyed by the main audio track alone.
>>>>
>>> I might suggest an alternative as:
>>>
>>> Video Description: Video description, also often referred to as audio description or audio describing, is the provision via alternate audio track, or interspersing of additional narration in to the existing audio, of verbal descriptions of key pieces of information from an audio/video "multimedia" item, such as a broadcast, DVD, or web page, to allow people with visual disabilities to understand the content as a whole. Video descriptions may include descriptions of movements or actions which are not discernible or identifiable from the audio track alone, facial expressions if important to an understanding of the content, background visuals, sets, or text that appears on screen such as a mailing address or web reference. Video descriptions must not override the original audio content, and in some cases content timing may be lengthened for the audio-description to be inserted.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Allen Hoffman -- 202-447-0303
>>> DHS Office on Accessible systems & Technology -----Original
>>> Message-----
>>> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Larry
>>> Goldberg
>>> Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 10:59 AM
>>> To: TEITAC AV list; Geoffrey Freed; 'TEITAC Subpart A Subcommittee'
>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-video] [teitac-subparta] Subpart A
>>> Definitions-Video Description-Action Needed
>>>
>>> The Telecommunications Act and the Federal Communications Commission
>>> both use the term "video description" which is the most commonly used
>>> term to refer to description of video materials; "audio description"
>>> has been more commonly associated with live theatrical description. I
>>> would suggest we continue to use the term used since 1990 and adopted
>>> by the Federal
>>> government: "video description."
>>>
>>> - Larry
>>>
>>>
>>> Gerald Freda wrote:
>>>
>>>> To be consistent and not confuse the definition label I support and
>>>> recommend the adoption of "audio description" as indicated within
>>>> 1194.24 of the technical standard as the definition label.
>>>>
>>>> I also agree with Goeff that since the 1194.24 technical standard is
>>>> not only referencing video and including multimedia products that the
>>>> selected language should not limiting nor restrictive in nature.
>>>>
>>>> I would recommend a few changes to the definition submitted by Goeff
>>>> as indicated below (replace VIDEO with AUDIO as the recommended
>>>> language, and replace cannot with may not).
>>>>
>>>> AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Audio descriptions make visual media (such as
>>>> television programs or training videos) accessible to people who are
>>>> blind or visually impaired. They provide descriptive narration of
>>>> key visual elements, such as sets, costumes and other important
>>>> on-screen information that may not be conveyed by the main audio track alone.
>>>>
>>>> thanks
>>>> ________________________________
>>>>
>>>> Gerald Freda
>>>> Vice President, Operations & Eng.
>>>> CaptionMax, Inc
>>>> 703.327.7735
>>>> 202.257.3177 cell
>>>> 800-224-6555 pager
>>>> "Faster. Better. Nicer."
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of geoff
>>>> freed
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 8:53 AM
>>>> To: TEITAC Subpart A Subcommittee
>>>> Cc: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-video] [teitac-subparta] Subpart A
>>>> Definitions-Video Description-Action Needed
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I think it might provide too much information, so I've amended it below.
>>>> I deleted "usually inserted between dialogue narration" because
>>>> this imposes a limitation. Videos can now contain extended
>>>> descriptions, where the video and main audio automatically pause to
>>>> allow a lengthy description independent of the main timeline.
>>>> Descriptions can also be supplied as text on a page.
>>>>
>>>> Geoff Freed
>>>> WGBH/NCAM
>>>>
>>>> ======
>>>> __XX_ I'm recommending that the
>>>> group consider the following changes:
>>>>
>>>> RECOMMENDED LANGUAGE:
>>>> VIDEO DESCRIPTION: Video descriptions make visual media (such as
>>>> television programs or training videos) accessible to people who are
>>>> blind or visually impaired. They provide descriptive narration of
>>>> key visual elements, such as sets, costumes and other important
>>>> on-screen information that cannot be conveyed by the main audio track alone.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Deborah Buck wrote:
>>>>> The Subpart A Workgroup has drafted a definition for video
>>>>> description, but would like the TEITAC AV workgroup to weigh in and
>>>>> provide guidance and feedback.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> VIDEO DESCRIPTION
>>>>> This term is not referenced in the 508 law. It does appear in the
>>>>> standard as "audio description" under the technical standards- §
>>>>> 1194.24 Video and multimedia products.
>>>>> The term has not been defined in the standard. This recommendation
>>>>> is to add a new term added to Subpart A Definitions Section. Please
>>>>> consider the draft below in light of the expected technical
>>>>> Standard recommendations from the AV Workgroup. Should the term be
>>>>> changed to
>>>> Audio Description?
>>>>> RECOMMENDED LANGUAGE:
>>>>> VIDEO DESCRIPTION: The insertion of verbal or auditory
>>>>> description(s) of on-screen visuals intended to describe important
>>>>> visual details that are not contained or that cannot be understood
>>>>> from the main audio
>>>> output alone.
>>>>> Audio descriptions supplement the regular audio track of the program
>>>>> and are usually inserted between dialogue narration to provide
>>>>> information about actions, characters, and on-screen text that
>>>>> appears
>>>> without verbalization.
>>>>> Video descriptions are a way to let people who are blind or have low
>>>>> vision know what is happening on screen.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ACTION:
>>>>> Please indicate whether you can support this definition or if you
>>>>> think it should be changed- please include your suggested changes:
>>>>>
>>>>> ___ I can accept this definition.
>>>>> ___ I can accept this definition with changes. I'm recommending that
>>>>> the group consider the following changes:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> COST BENEFITS OF PROPOSED CHANGE
>>>>> Do you think this change will result in increased costs?
>>>>> Do you think this proposed change will result in benefits such as
>>>>> increased access for people with disabilities, increased
>>>>> implementation of Section 508, improve the likelihood that
>>>>> developers and manufacturers can and will build products to meet the
>>>>> applicable
>>>> standards?
>>>>> BACKGROUND/EXPLANATION OF THESE EMAILS Subpart A Workgroup Members-
>>>>> In the next few days you will receive several emails from the
>>>>> Subpart A co-chairs. We have made significant progress in our work
>>>>> of late, but need to come to some resolution. Recognizing that not
>>>>> all of you have been able to join the conference calls and
>>>>> participate in our discussions, we have decided to take this
>>>>> approach to determine whether we have reached consensus.
>>>>>
>>>>> You will receive several emails- the emails will be broken down
>>>>> between the
>>>>> 2 sections of Subpart A that we have been addressed to date-
>>>>> Definitions and Exceptions. Within each of these categories you will
>>>>> received an email on each of the issues or topics. For example,
>>>>> under the Definitions section we have been reviewing and have made
>>>>> recommendations for definitions on accessibility, assistive
>>>>> technology, comparable access, etc. You will receive individual
>>>>> emails on each of the terms we've addressed. You will be asked to
>>>>> take
>>>> action on the terms.
>>>>> * After reviewing the information you will be asked to indicate
>>>>> whether you agree with the recommendation or disagree.
>>>>> * If you disagree, specify the changes you think are needed. If you
>>>>> need to explain your rationale, please do so. If at all possible,
>>>>> please do not disagree, but then not provide alternative language.
>>>>> * The group also needs to deal with cost-benefit impact of the
>>>>> recommendations. Please indicate whether you think the recommended
>>>>> changes will have an impact on cost of implementation and what the
>>>>> benefits will be as a result of the proposed change.
>>>>> * If you want, you can modify the subject in your response to
>>>>> indicate whether you accept or reject the proposed language. This
>>>>> will enable us to sort and categorize the responses more quickly and
>>>>> be prepared to see where our efforts might need to be focused for
>>>>> our meeting on Thursday, May 3, 2007.
>>>>> * Our plan is to have resolution of these topics and transmit the
>>>>> information to the Access Board. We will then move to developing
>>>>> recommendations on Subpart A: Application and hopefully close out
>>>>> our
>>>> work.
>>>>> If you need back ground information on some of the discussions- you
>>>>> should refer to the Subpart A Report
>>>>> http://teitac.org/wiki/Subpart_A_Report_2007-04-18
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Deborah V. Buck, Executive Director
>>>>> Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) PO Box 32
>>>>> Delmar, NY 12054
>>>>> 518.439.1263 (voice)
>>>>> 518.439.3451 (fax)
>>>>> 518.441.7204 (cell)
>>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>> http://www.ataporg.org
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> -
>>>>> -
>>>>> --
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> teitac-subparta mailing list
>>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>> http://list.teitac.org/mailman/listinfo/teitac-subparta
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> teitac-video mailing list
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>>>> http://list.teitac.org/mailman/listinfo/teitac-video
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> teitac-video mailing list
>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>> http://list.teitac.org/mailman/listinfo/teitac-video
>>>
>>> - Larry
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> teitac-video mailing list
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>> http://list.teitac.org/mailman/listinfo/teitac-video
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* katie *

Katie Haritos-Shea
Section 508 Technical Policy Analyst

703-371-5545

People may forget exactly what it was that you said or did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.......
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