The Audio Reading Service provides audio access to printed information for listeners of all ages who have visual, physical, learning, or language disabilities or conditions that prevent them from reading printed materials.
We record more than 65 different programs, including readings from over 130 newspapers, magazines, and other sources. These recordings are available to listeners via broadcast on radio, TV, and online.
Audio Description (AD) is the practice of describing visual content for people with visual impairment or other disabilities, and is included as an important – and growing! – part of many of our programs.
As a Volunteer Audio Description (AD) Writer, you will write vivid, accurate descriptions of cover art, photographs, illustrations, and infographics in magazines and other materials for our volunteers to read aloud. These descriptions provide valuable access to visual information that helps listeners fully understand and experience the publications they love.
You will receive training to learn AD industry best practices for writing descriptions of visual images. You will work from digital and physical copies of publications, and conduct light research as needed for best accuracy. Written descriptions will be submitted for review and revisions, and ongoing training and quality review sessions will be provided. Once fully trained, descriptions may be written and submitted remotely, with occasional onsite training and review.
The ideal volunteer will have:
· A strong command of written English — clear, precise, and evocative
· A close observer's eye for mood, composition, color, expression, and context
· Some familiarity with photography, visual art, or illustration
This is a weekly commitment. We can work with your schedule, Mondays or Tuesdays preferred, between 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.
We enhance the lives of our listeners!
"I appreciate the photo descriptions in the paper each day.”
"One of the best features of your service for my mom is the human voice. She is 94, blind, and lives alone… your readers are her companions."
"The Audio Reading Service is my contact with the outside world and I am very grateful to you!"
If your skills and passions match our needs, we’d love to have you join our team of ACPL volunteers! An interview is required. Auditions are also required for all volunteer readers.
