FIFA World Cup Audio Description App: How It’s Making The World Cup More Accessible For Blind and Partially Sighted Fans

This World Cup will be the second World Cup where FIFA uses the app where all matches have audio description coverage for blind and partially sighted fans it’s called “FIFA ADC” this app is completely free and acts as the “eyes” for the listeners by providing a descriptive commentary beyond standard radio.

(Image Credit to Google Playstore)

Image description - a light blue background with the text in the middle and large bold white font writing FIFA then under it in a smaller bold font the writing ADC.

Sports can be amazing but there are a lot of downsides in terms of accessibility there is a huge lack of inclusion in sports and this is why it’s time barriers are broken and give all individuals with a disability the same opportunity as everyone else no matter the ability this World Cup fifa have streamed all games with audio description on there app fifa adc it provides full description and details of a game that a sighted person will be able to recognise but someone with a visual impairment cannot

What is Audio Description?

Audio description is a narration of visual information in a video but can be used when going out or in photos like “image description” and it provides context of the image/video shown for blind and partially sighted fans.

How Does AD (Audio Description) Differ From General Match Day Commentary?

AD is a breakdown of every second of all visual information like players, player movement, kit colours , camera changes, gestures, substitutions, game decisions and an exact location of the ball whereas commentary talks about a wider range like opinions, tactics, past stats. 

Importance Of Accessibility In Sporting Events

Accessibility is important to have at all sporting events to make an inclusive environment for all individuals no matter their needs. How many inclusive and accessible environments will help people explore sports more as many people have disabilities have a negative approach to sports. This can cause a lot of impact on their physical movement and having an accessible sporting event helps them connect with people and understand what’s happening in the game so they don’t miss out. Many people want to approach sports, but they can’t due to the lack of accessibility.

Challenges Blind And Partially Sighted Fans Face When Trying To Access Matches

Blind and partially sighed fans can face multiple struggles when trying to access a match due to having limited or no vision  they may not be able to see the match in a way everyone else can see the match this is why it accessible technology exist if there has been multiple developments of technology like VR headsets for partially sighted people to wear and it brings the game closer to them. 

There’s also a description that describes the game tactile boards that have the pitch drawn on a tactile graph to help them imagine and understand what’s happening but accessibility is more than being able to access the game. It’s also about being able to access the stadium. Many stadiums are slowly putting in place tactile markings on the floor. This is how they can navigate with their long canes if they use one around the stadium. Or their guide dogs can follow them. 

Some stadiums offer braille match day programs which needs to be put in place more as it gives the opportunity for everyone to access them and be able to read what’s in them and all sporting events have got accessible seating and career tickets stadiums train their staff to understand visual impairment how to sighted guide someone and explain and describe what’s happening and where to go give the directions this can all support a blind or partially sighted individual to access the game.

How Does The FIFA App Work?

The app works simply by going onto your App Store or play store and downloading the app then once you download the app it’s a simple process of it. Just telling you what games are on and what languages it’s in and you just press the game you want it works with VoiceOver and when you tap the game you tap the play button and it gives you your audio description

How Fans Access It During A Match?

During a match, if you’re watching it from home on your TV, you can change over to the audio description commentary and it’s on there or you can download the FIFA audio description app and listen to the audio description through there or if you are at the game physically you can pre-order an audio description headset which is a little device and a pair of headphones that plays the game in your ear ears with audio description

Languages Available?

All languages are available during the match for the mature watching it has both languages at the country’s speak

Benefits?

Audio description benefits, blind and partially sighted people by giving them the same access as a sighted person receives given them the chance to be able to experience it even with limited or no vision

Wider Impact In Sport?

Overall this is a major game changer. It gives the correct opportunity and something that all sporting competitions need. This will hopefully change the perspective of accessibility and why everyone deserves the right to access the game no matter their struggles hopefully this app will inspire competitions to create one even for non-international games as audio description is available only in stadiums on other matches like during the WSL or the Premier League or any competition that happens in your country you can’t access it from home, which is a major disadvantage for blind and partially sighted people as they are unable to access the game due to not having a descriptive audio hopefully over the next few years accessibility continues to change and develop and everyone has the opportunity to be able to watch the game no matter what.

Article written by Nailah Gajia