Audio Description (AD)

Audio Description is a narrative audio that describes key visual or non-verbal content in visual media. Audio Description is sometimes referred to as video description.

The Office for Disability Equity (ODE) uses third-party vendors for audio descriptions. The vendors will process requests on a “first in, first out” basis.

Audio Description vendors may offer the following format choices: audio files (MP3), original media with audio descriptions embedded, and text descriptions in Word.  

How to request audio descriptions

Students who request for the first time

• Connect with the Office for Disability Equity.
• Choose the type of format from the following options: audio files, original media with audio description embedded, or text description in Word. 
• Notify the primary contact for audio descriptions of your class schedule and the format you choose. 

Students who previously requested services

• Notify the primary contact of your class schedule and the format you choose.

ODE process

After students submit their request to ODE, we will take the following process:

• Notify faculty that students requiring audio descriptions have registered for their courses.
• Connect vendors with faculty.
• Ensure faculty receives files from vendors in the following two ways: 1) vendor's direct delivery to faculty or 2) vendor's file upload to a UM Box folder, from where faculty and the student receive a link. 

The link and the files will be deleted at the end of the semester.

Vendors process

• Obtain course materials from faculty after ODE receives the student's request. 
• Provide a sample of the audio description scripts to faculty to ensure that accurate and relevant language is used.
• Deliver updated audio or video files to faculty and the student.

Student Responsibilities

Promptly inform the primary contact about the following: 

• Your finalized class schedule as soon as it is available. 
• Any changes to your class schedule, including drop, add, and withdrawal adjustments during the semester.    
• If you don't need the service anymore. 
• If you have concerns about audio descriptions you received. 

Primary contact

Brandy Reinhardt
Assistant Director of Interpreting and Communication Accessibility
Email: brandy.reinhardt@mso.umt.edu
Phone: 406-243-5136