Academy Awards Feature Captions and Audio Descriptions

As part of their ongoing efforts to broaden access for all viewers, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' and ABC Television's presentation of the 94th Academy Awards this weekend once again feature live closed captioning and live audio description during the telecast.

VITAC provide live closed captioning for this year's Oscars, and VITAC accessibility partner Audio Eyes will provide live audio description during the broadcast.

Captioning involves transcribing the audio into text and displaying that text on screen. Audio description makes video content more accessible by inserting narrated descriptions of a program's key visual elements during natural pauses in the program's dialogue. This ensures that viewers who are blind or with low-vision can take in all of the on-screen action, including wardrobes, visual comedy, dance movements, body language, gestures, and facial expressions.

"Captioning and audio description are key to making sure content, whether it be a TV drama, documentary, or high-profile awards show, is accessible to all viewers," said VITAC General Manager Doug Karlovits in a statement.

The 94th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 27, and will air live on ABC.