Stevie Wonder does music video with audio description

<blockquote
cite="http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/s
tory/05-05-2005/0003545341&EDATE=">

LOS ANGELES, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Stevie Wonder once again is making
music history by implementing a landmark music video innovation for his
new
song "So What The Fuss."  For the first time in music history, the new
clip
will contain a second, descriptive audio track, recorded by hip hop star
Busta
Rhymes, to be made accessible to people who are blind or have low
vision.  Two
versions of the video will be released; The first will be a traditional
music
video, serviced to music channels; and the second version will be
accompanied
with the ground breaking video description technique, which airs on all
SAP-
accessible Television channels.
(Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050505/NYTH167 )

On Monday, May 9 in Los Angeles, Stevie Wonder will present both
versions
of the video, directed by Paul Hunter (Snoop Dogg, Will Smith) and allow
his
fans to experience the first music video description process for
themselves.
"Until now music videos have been very one dimensional for those who are
blind
or with low vision," says Wonder.  "Now all music video fans will be
able to
apply their vision to my video thanks to the descriptive technique and
of
course, a great narration by Busta Rhymes. For me, the entire concept is
indicative of what happens when you go beyond the status quo and open
yourself
up to what's possible."
</blockquote>

"Good design is accessible design." 
John Slatin, Ph.D.
Director, Accessibility Institute
University of Texas at Austin
FAC 248C
1 University Station G9600
Austin, TX 78712
ph 512-495-4288, f 512-495-4524
email jslatin@mail.utexas.edu
web http://www.utexas.edu/research/accessibility/

Received on Friday, 6 May 2005 13:58:41 UTC