Movies & Assemblies

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 16, 2025
​To ensure full participation and equitable access to school-wide activities, students who are blind or visually impaired may need thoughtful planning and individualized support. Inclusion in events such as guest speaker presentations, assemblies, movies, and special programs requires collaboration among teachers, school staff, and presenters. The goal is to make the entire educational environment accessible academically, socially, and experientially.

​​Guest Speakers

​When a guest speaker is scheduled to visit the school, it is essential to communicate early and coordinate any necessary adaptations. Here are a few best practices:
  • Contact the speaker in advance to explain that a student with a visual impairment will be attending and may need access to presentation materials in accessible formats (e.g., tactile graphics, braille, large print, digital).
  • Offer support in modifying or adapting materials and determine a timeline for receiving presentation content or handouts in advance.
  • Encourage the speaker to arrive early on the day of the presentation so the student can explore any physical materials or manipulatives in advance. This will allow the student to develop a mental image of the content before hearing the verbal explanations.
Providing this level of preparation helps ensure the student is meaningfully included and able to engage with the presentation content.

Assemblies 

Assemblies, schoolwide performances, and movie viewings are essential parts of the school experience. Students with visual impairments can and should participate fully with the following supports:
  • Offer preferential seating near the front to enhance auditory and visual access. Unless behavioral needs require otherwise, encourage the student to choose a peer or two to sit with, promoting social inclusion and reducing feelings of isolation.
  • Assign a designated adult or peer to sit next to the student during these events. This person can quietly explain key visual moments or transitions, helping the student follow the event, stay focused, and avoid disengagement.
  • If a class is watching a video or movie in the classroom, consider:
    • Adjusting lighting: Some students with low vision are sensitive to high contrast or flickering lights. Leaving a dim light on may help balance the brightness of the screen.
    • Using subtitles or audio-described versions when available to enhance understanding and access.

Audio Description (AD)

For many students who are blind or have low vision, Audio Description (AD) significantly improves access to visual media. AD narrates important visual elements—such as actions, facial expressions, scenery, costumes, or diagrams—that are not described in the dialogue.
Effective audio description:
  • Describes only what is seen but not already explained through narration.
  • Uses rich, concise language to provide meaningful context.
  • Helps the student visualize and better understand what's happening during videos, live performances, or museum visits.
AD can be provided by trained individuals or accessed through audio-described versions of media, where available. AD is increasingly available in digital and streaming content, live theatre, museums, and national parks.
Resources for Audio Description:
  • Audio Description Associates. Specialists in training, consulting, and producing high-quality descriptions for live events and recorded media. They support accessibility across various settings, including performing arts, museums, and education. 
  • Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP): Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, DCMP offers a free media library of educational videos with audio description and captions for eligible students. Services include:
    • Free-loan described and captioned educational media (Pre-K–12)
    • A learning center with training and guidelines for educators and families
    • Online resources and best practices for creating accessible content

​Final Considerations

​Ensuring full participation in school activities means planning with accessibility in mind from the start. Proactive communication with presenters, thoughtful seating arrangements, and the use of audio description are simple but powerful ways to support students who are blind or visually impaired. By removing barriers and providing suitable accommodations, we foster a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for all.
We have to do the best we can. This is our sacred human responsibility."
​-Albert Einstein

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