Accessibility Content for Audio Guide

Audio description, sign language and children's content for museums and cultural spaces

Accessibility in a museum is not an extra. It determines whether a visitor with visual impairment can understand what is in front of them, whether a deaf visitor has access to the same information as everyone else, and whether a seven-year-old can follow the visit without getting lost. At Voices & Media Solutions we produce accessibility content for audio guides with specialists in each area.

Audio description by trained specialists, recorded by voice talent experienced in descriptive narration.

Portuguese sign language with a professional interpreter and video production.

International sign for foreign visitors with hearing impairments.

Children's content with language suited to the age group, not just a simplified version of the adult text.

Available in multiple languages.

Audio description for visitors with visual impairments

Audio description is the resource that enables the inclusion of people with visual impairments in cultural spaces. It describes what is visible: the space, the details and dimensions of the works and the atmosphere of the exhibitions. It allows a visitor with visual impairment to take part in the visit with the same adapted information as any other visitor. It is not a slower narration: it is a different narration, written by audio describers, reviewed and approved by a concept advisor (a person with visual impairment) and recorded by audio description voice talent.

Portuguese Sign Language and International Sign

Portuguese Sign Language (PSL) is used by the Portuguese deaf community. International Sign enables basic communication with deaf visitors from other countries. These are two distinct services, suited to different contexts.
The service includes a professional sign language interpreter, video production, and delivery in video format or integrated into the museum's audio guide system, app or webApp.

PSL for national visitors with hearing impairments.
International Sign for foreign visitors with hearing impairments.
Video production integrated into the museum's digital systems.

Content for children

A six-year-old and an adult do not process the same information in the same way. The children's content we produce is not the adult text with easier words: these are narratives designed for children, with stories, curiosities and a pace that holds their attention.
Audio guide script adaptation for children and teenagers is carried out by a content producer and may involve a narrative told by a character, a dialogue between two characters or other more elaborate approaches. Recordings can be made by voice talent who perform the narrative and may include child and teen voice talent with professional recording experience. Content can be adapted for different age groups, from 4 years up to adolescence.

Narratives with stories and curiosities, suited to the age group.
Professional adult and child voices.
Available in Portuguese and other languages.

Integrated into the museum's audio guide systems

All accessibility content is delivered in the formats needed for integration into apps, webApps or physical equipment. The visitor selects their accessibility profile at the start of the visit and automatically accesses the appropriate content.

Want to make your museum accessible to more visitors? Get in touch.

What is audio description and how does it work in an audio guide?

Audio description is a narration adapted for people with visual impairments, produced by experienced professionals and validated by concept advisors. It describes in detail what is visible, where it is positioned, its dimensions and atmosphere, so that visitors with visual impairments can follow the visit. In the audio guide, the visitor selects the audio description option and hears a version that describes what is in front of them, rather than just providing historical context.

What is the difference between Portuguese Sign Language and International Sign?

Portuguese Sign Language is the sign language used by the Portuguese deaf community. International Sign is a simplified system for communication between deaf people from different countries.

From what age does the children's content work?

We produce content for different age groups, from 4 years old. For the youngest, the approach is more narrative and playful. For 8 to 12 year olds, we combine history with curiosities. For teenagers, the tone is closer to adult but more direct.

Can accessibility content be produced in other languages?

Yes. Audio description can be translated and recorded in any language, which is useful for museums with international visitors with visual impairments. For sign language from other countries, we recommend International Sign.

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