What

This year, I'm asking folks to have Audio Description Watch-a-thons and make a contribution to Seattle's Lighthouse for the Blind Low Vision Clinic. You can set your own amount, pick a movie/show from an extensive list, then watch. Whether you do this by yourself, with family, or host your own watch party in person or online, your participation matters!

How

1. Decide who you'll watch with and where to watch.
2. Pick what to watch from the American Council for the Blind's AD List, or this searchable AD catalog also from the American Council for the Blind (ACB). 
   • The ACB's Audio Description Project includes everything about AD: from what AD is and AD samples; to who does AD and what movies/shows are available across streaming platforms, plus even information about how to train to get a job as an audio describer.
3. Watch to your heart's content!
4. Discuss and reflect. Think about the benefits of AD, not only for blind and low vision people, but also for people with vision! Similar to closed captioning, AD can enrich the watching experience for anyone. Some questions to serve as conversation starters:
   • If you are sighted and/or new to AD:
     • What did you notice with AD that you didn't before?
     • Where else can AD be helpful in life besides movies and shows? (hint: travel)
   • If you are blind or low vision and/or have experienced AD before:
     • What is your preferred way to find and watch AD?
     • What did you do before AD was more prominent?
5. Donate. Any amount, no matter the size makes a difference. Your thoughtfulness, participation, and presence are appreciated. This event is launching on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) to raise awareness and ACTION about things anyone can do to make the world a more inclusive place. 
   • If you enjoyed this, spread the word to others who you feel will value this activity or event, too! You can share via email, social media, text, or word-of-mouth. 

Why

As a long time fan of Seattle's Lighthouse for the Blind (LHB), I'm thrilled to be the newest Board member. If you know me, you know I love contributing to the field of accessibility and inclusion. Being part of this group brings me so much joy.

As life is so serendipitous, I recently had an eye infection and it has impacted my vision. Thankfully, the most common assistive technology - eye glasses or other commonly accepted measures helped me get back on track with work. This has reminded me how much glasses and routine eye care are routinely taken for granted. Because of my work, I know more about the online and offline options available to me beyond eye glasses. But so many people aren't aware of tools, support, technology, resources and amazing communities that exist when you need to adapt to living life with a disability.

So as I adapt, it is clear to me the importance of this low vision clinic to help people learn new skills as their vision changes. It's also crucial for folks to get the medical support needed if they aren't covered by vision insurance. I continuously learn from the folks at LHB. Getting to know their work at the Low Vision Clinic for the community has taught me even more and I am grateful. It's also important to share how technology and access makes life more inclusive and rich for us all while also removing the stigma from disability. 

When

Participation is open from the time you get this link through August 8!