Lingg students present at UGAT conference

Beyond the Visual: Inclusivity Through Audio Description in the Philippines

In a culturally and linguistically diverse nation like the Philippines, ensuring equitable access to information and cultural content is crucial, particularly for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Audio description (AD) plays a vital role in bridging the accessibility gap by providing visually impaired individuals with descriptive narration that enhances their understanding of visual media. However, despite its significance, AD remains underutilized and largely overlooked in the Philippine media landscape, with limited availability and awareness, especially in regional languages.

This paper examines the current state of audio description in the Philippines, exploring its potential to promote social inclusion and mitigate the accessibility gap. Through qualitative analysis of media content, interviews with stakeholders, and case studies, this study highlights the specific barriers such as resource constraints and policy gaps, and the opportunities for AD in the country.

By situating AD within the framework of social inclusion, this paper advocates for its recognition as essential to building an equitable society. It proposes recommendations for the broader adoption of AD in media, education, and public services, calling for targeted policy interventions and greater awareness among content creators and policymakers. Ultimately, this study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on leveraging technology and media to dismantle social boundaries and ensure full participation in the nation’s cultural and social life, especially for individuals who are visually impaired.