Text-to-speech audio description. Towards wider availability of AD

Abstract

This paper addresses the feasibility of text-to-speech audio description (TTS AD)1 and its reception among visually impaired people. First, a new method of producing AD to be read by speech synthesis software is proposed. The method is then put to the test by examining a feature film The Day of the Wacko, screened with TTS AD. Finally, the results of the reception study are presented and discussed, followed by recommendations and suggestions for further research. The results of the TTS AD study – the first of its kind – demonstrate an untapped potential of the method. The majority of the blind and partially sighted respondents participating in the screening and survey declared they accepted TTS AD as an interim solution, while many others were also in favour of TTS AD becoming a permanent option.