I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve gently reworded a sentence mid-conversation: “Yes, audio description can absolutely do that…,” hoping the shift lands without tension.
It’s a small change. But it matters more than it might seem.
People often say “audio descriptions” out of habit or logic. It sounds like a collection of things, right? Many moments being described, so pluralizing it feels natural. If there’s more than one visual, shouldn’t there be multiple descriptions?
That’s a fair assumption, and I get it.
But here’s why I stick with the singular. Audio description isn’t a pile of verbal captions. It’s not metadata. It’s not a set of interchangeable blurbs.
It’s a craft. It’s one continuous, intentional performance, woven into the story to immerse blind audiences in the full emotional arc of a show or film.
Think of it like:
- Music — one score, many notes
- Editing — one cut, many clips
- Sound design — one immersive environment, built from layers
You wouldn’t say “the editings were great” or “I loved the musics in that film.” Even though there are many parts, the experience is unified.
Same with audio description.
Update (January 2026): After I contacted the FCC’s Disability Rights Office about “audio descriptions” versus “audio description,” an attorney replied that the singular “best captures the Commission’s intent,” and that DRO generally uses, and will continue to use, the singular.
Back to the original piece (written May 2025) on why the “s” changes how people think about quality.
When we treat it as singular, we reinforce its artistry. We recognize the collaboration that goes into it – the writer, the performer, the sound engineer, the quality team, the blind consultants. We honor the audience’s experience as one flowing, uninterrupted engagement, not fragmented, but whole.
And honestly, it’s personal for me. I’ve seen what happens when audio description is treated like an add-on or a compliance checkbox. It loses its soul. But when it’s respected as storytelling (crafted, performed, and felt) it becomes powerful. Emotional. Cinematic. Singular.
So next time you talk about it, try saying audio description. One experience. One story. One audience, fully included.
For more, and check out my book roysamuelson.com/book