Udo_John-Patrick.pdf (287.18 kB)
The Rogue Poster-Children of Universal Design: Closed Captioning and Audio Description
journal contribution
posted on 2023-07-19, 15:01 authored by John-Patrick Udo, Deborah FelsDeborah FelsTo abide by the tenants of universal design theory, the design of a product or service
needs to not only consider the inclusion of as many potential users and uses as possible
but also do so from conception. Control over the creation and adaption of the design
should, therefore, fall under the purview of the original designer. Closed captioning has
always been touted as an excellent example of an design or electronic curb-cut because it
is a system designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, yet is used by many
others for access to television in noisy environments such as gyms or pubs, or to learn a
second language. Audio description is poised to have a similar image. In this paper, we
will demonstrate how the processes and practices associated within closed captioning and
audio description, in their current form, violate some of the main principles of universal
design and are thus not such good examples of it. In addition, we will introduce an
alternative process and set of practices through which directors of television, film and
live events are able to take control of closed captioning and audio description by
integrating them into the production process. In doing so, we will demonstrate that closed
captioning and audio description are worthy of directorial attention and creative input
rather than being tacked on at the very end of the process and usually to only meet
regulatory or legislative mandates.