DescribeAT App
The listener-facing PWA
The app you use to listen to audio descriptions while watching your content.
Repository:
ShazaCin/describeat-app-public
Open Source Project
DescribeAT
Audio descriptions for everything you watch — now open source.
DescribeAT makes it possible to listen to audio descriptions while watching a film or TV show.
The app syncs the description with whatever you're watching, giving blind and visually impaired people a way to experience film more independently.
DescribeAT is now open source. It's free to use, free to improve, and open for anyone to contribute.
- Licence AGPLv3
- Cost Free to use
- Runs as A web app on any phone
Explore DescribeAT
If you want to see how DescribeAT works or explore the project itself, you can start here.
DescribeAT Backend
Architecture docs and deployment guides
Explore the technical side of DescribeAT, including the backend architecture and deployment information.
Repository:
ShazaCin/describeat-backend-ecosystem
How It Works
How does DescribeAT work?
Using DescribeAT is simple. You can watch a movie or TV show on your TV, laptop or even a cinema screen while using your phone for the audio description.
1
Open DescribeAT
Open the app on your phone while your film or programme is playing.
2
Tap Sync
The app listens to around 10 seconds of the audio playing around you.
3
DescribeAT finds your place
The app identifies what you're watching and works out exactly where you are in the programme using audio fingerprinting. It works in a similar way to how Shazam identifies a song, but DescribeAT uses it to find the right place for the audio description.
4
The description starts
Once the app has found your position, the audio description plays alongside the film. You don't need to search for the programme manually or keep switching between apps.
What DescribeAT looks like
A look through the app, from browsing described titles to syncing with whatever is playing around you.
-
Home. Browse by category. -
Sync. The app finds your place in what is playing. -
Movies. Browse by genre. -
Drama. Every title has an audio description. -
Title page. Choose the AD track you want. -
Player. The description plays alongside the film.
Swipe, drag or use the arrow keys to see more.
Why open source?
We believe DescribeAT should be something the community can help shape.
01
Open to inspection
Because the code is open, anyone can look at it, understand how the system works and check that there is no hidden tracking.
02
Built with the people who use it
More importantly, blind and visually impaired people can be involved in the project from the start. They can help write and review audio descriptions, test the app, report problems and suggest improvements.
03
Not tied to one organisation
Open source also means the project isn't tied to one organisation. The community can continue developing DescribeAT and building on the work that has already been done.
Shakila Maharaj explains DescribeAT
Shakila Maharaj, Managing Director of Shazacin, talks about DescribeAT, how it works and why the project has been opened up to the community.
Want to help?
There are different ways to get involved with DescribeAT. You don't need to be a developer.
Open now
AD Track Sprint
Describe a short film
We're looking for people to help describe 10 short films this month.
You don't need coding experience. If you're interested in audio description and enjoy working with words, you can take part.
Open now
Screen Reader Audit
Help us test DescribeAT with NVDA
We want to hear from people who use screen readers regularly.
Help us find accessibility problems, test different parts of the experience and tell us what needs to be improved.
Open now
Translation Drive
Help bring DescribeAT to isiZulu speakers
Help translate the DescribeAT interface and documentation so that more people can use and contribute to the project.
How can you contribute?
You don't have to be a developer to be part of the project.
Audio Description Writer
If you're an experienced or aspiring audio description writer, you can help create and review AD tracks and take part in challenges.
Look forad-track
Developer
If you work in frontend, backend or mobile development, you can help improve the sync engine, fix issues and work on new integrations.
Look forgood first issue
Translator
If you speak more than one language, you can help translate the app, documentation and audio description scripts.
Look fortranslation
Tester
If accessibility matters to you, you can help test the app, report bugs and give feedback on the user experience.
Look foraccessibility
Get Involved
DescribeAT is open for anyone who wants to contribute.
Whether you're writing an audio description, translating a page, testing the app or working on the code, your contribution helps make film and video more accessible.
DescribeAT
A Shazacin Accessible Media project.
Built with the community.