NCPD Board: Statement on Audio-Description 

The whispered indication of what is happening at the altar into a blind friend's ear at Mass or a recitation of the numbers included in a chart being projected during an educational presentation are examples of audio-description in its simplest forms. Currently techniques which allow people who are blind or visually impaired to enjoy access to previously inaccessible information in a consistent and efficient manner is available and the price has decreased dramatically over the past few years. The popularity of audio-description within the secular world has raised expectations within religious settings and programming.

The technology for an audio-described Mass at a local parish and the process of encoding such a description on a film or videotape vary but the principle is the same: Providing access to visually displayed or imparted information.

Since available technology currently exists which will allow this accessibility mechanism to be used to enhance the accessibility of Catholic Masses, programs, films and television, the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities encourages use of this accommodation within the Church in the United States for our blind and visually impaired brothers and sisters. 

Approved by NPCD Board of Directors

March, 1997