Arts & Leisure Archives

The Dots of Braille Music Transcription

Posted on January 3, 2024 - 10:34 am by Lori Scharff

Daniel Gillen is a Library of Congress Certified Proofreader in Unified English Braille. He works as a Braille Music Specialist at The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School, FMDG, in New York City. Daniel began learning braille music from FMDG when he was five. There, he participated in their choir and learned to play the […]

Turning a Love for Music Into a Thriving Career

Posted on October 17, 2023 - 2:45 pm by Amy Lynn Smith

Laptop, turntable, and headphones rest on a table

Fitz Martin has always had a passion for music. He was initially inspired by his uncle and his cousin, a rapper who introduced him to some of the biggest names in the rap world, including Tupac and Biggie. “There was a band at my home,” he said. “That’s how I learned music: Whenever a band […]

Explore Museums at Your Own Pace with Audio Description

Posted on September 18, 2023 - 12:31 am by Amy Lynn Smith

An individual wearing glasses appears to hold an object while standing in front of six portraits in a museum.

If you’re blind or have low vision, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to enjoy the visual arts – such as paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts in various museums. Some people go to museums with friends or family who describe the art to them, but some museums offer audio descriptions so you can wander […]

Audio Description Makes Theatre, TV, and Movies Accessible

Posted on July 10, 2023 - 1:08 pm by Amy Lynn Smith

Large movie theater with many rows of seats.

Editor’s note: We are celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th. Under Title II of the ADA, audio description (AD) is required for public entities; Title III includes AD for places of public accommodation. As noted in the post, the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 […]

High School Clubs Can Improve Your School Experience: A Teen Reflects

Posted on July 27, 2022 - 2:52 pm by Gabby Abeyta

Entering high school can definitely be very nerve-wracking for anyone, including those of us who are blind or low vision. There are a lot of challenges you will face and moments that might be scary. But, trust me—you can improve your high school years. You can join programs and clubs that will make your high […]