We are thrilled to announce that The Blind Kitchen has won an important award for the extensive audio descriptions provided on our website.
The Audio Description Project (ADP), an initiative of The American Council of the Blind (ACB, each year recognizes achievement by individuals and/or organizations for outstanding contributions to audio descriptions in five areas: media, performing arts, museums/visual arts/visitor centers, international, and public sector. The Blind Kitchen, founded by executive chef Debra Erickson just last year, won in the media/individual category.
“Adding audio descriptions takes time, and it is not free. But from Day 1, we wanted to make all aspects of The Blind Kitchen experience — videos, website, packaging, etc. — as accessible as possible to all individuals who have vision loss,” said Debra.
“It was important and purposeful, but I never dreamed we would be recognized for our efforts. I am so happy that so many people have enjoyed the fruits of our efforts.”
The Blind Kitchen’s website offers 60 videos accompanied by audio descriptions to assist with shopping choices and — just as importantly — learning how to use the adaptive culinary tools safely and efficiently.
Debra credits her team and the website’s editor, Edgar Garcia-Chavez of Nayo Creative Productions, with the success of the audio descriptions.
“Recording the audio description is a time-consuming team effort,” said Edgar. “We work with a very talented group of people who are experts in their field. After recording the audio I mix it with the rest of the footage, making sure it fits in the right location and it is the appropriate length. The result is a coherent piece where all the information is conveyed as clearly as possible.”
Debra said that The Blind Kitchen website is continually adding new products and audio descriptions, as well as instructional videos, interviews, and features.
“Our goal is to have an audio-described video tutorial for each tool in The Blind Kitchen, and I am always on the lookout for new items for people with vision loss who want to cook safely, confidently, and independently in their own kitchens,” she said.
The ADP awards ceremony video will be broadcast during the American Council of the Blind’s conference on Wednesday, July 5, at 8:15 am PDT. You can listen to the stream on ACB Media 1 via the ACB Link smartphone app or online at http://www.acbmedia.org/1. Shortly after the awards ceremony, check The Blind Kitchen website for a link to hear Debra’s acceptance remarks.
The American Council of the Blind is comprised of approximately 70 state chapters and special-interest affiliates representing a diverse range of groups within the blind community. For nearly 60 years the council has been a leader in national, state, local, and even international advocacy efforts for people with vision impairments.