Visual Description: Using a New Technology to Build Literacy

Abstract Visual description (also known as video description) is a technology that was developed to help individuals with visual impairments enjoy television, movies, videotapes, and DVDs. This service provides narration so that individuals with visual impairments can understand what is happening in a program. The authors believe that visual description can also be used to improve the comprehension ability of children and adults with average vision. This article introduces the readers to visual description and its availability throughout the world. The authors share their experiences in using visually described programs and offer their thoughts on the potential of this medium.