This policy framework defines the governance and philosophy of ADSASA. For the exact technical rules, loudness metrics, and evidence metrics required for certification, please refer to the National Audio Description Standard (NADS) — available via the NADS link in the navigation above.
Statutory and Governance Policy Reference: ADSASA-NADP-2.6 · Version 2.6 Final Draft

NADP — National Audio Description Policy

The definitive legal and philosophical constitution of ADSASA — codifying media accessibility as an unconditional human right, establishing governance structures, enforcement powers, and the certification framework under which all technical standards are enacted.

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Constitutional and Human Rights Foundation

This National Audio Description Policy establishes the foundational ethos, mandate, socio-political position, and governance framework of the Audio Description Standards Accreditation and Services Authority, ADSASA. This framework serves as the definitive legal and philosophical constitution under which all technical standards are enacted and enforced.

The objective of this policy is to codify media accessibility as an unconditional human right rather than a discretionary service — ensuring equitable access to cultural, educational, and entertainment media for blind and visually impaired persons globally.

The ADSASA Mandate

"Nothing About Us Without Us" — No audio description output qualifies for formal ADSASA certification unless it has been explicitly shaped, reviewed, and verified with the direct, active participation of blind and visually impaired individuals.

Media is not described for the community, but produced with them. Audio Description is recognised simultaneously as an objective technical discipline and a human-centred interpretive craft. Its overarching systemic purpose is to guarantee absolute equity of access to visual culture and shared public media.

Jurisdiction and Global Applicability

ADSASA operates as an autonomous, independent international standards, regulatory, and accreditation body for Audio Description. Originating within the Republic of South Africa, ADSASA is designed for global systemic adoption, cross-border interoperability, and international enforcement.

Target Sectors

  • National, regional, and international terrestrial and digital broadcasting networks
  • Over-The-Top streaming and video-on-demand platforms
  • Commercial film, cinema exhibition, brand advertising, and digital media
  • Live, real-time, and unscripted event programming

International Alignment

  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  • European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
  • World Wide Web Consortium and Web Accessibility Initiative (W3C and WAI)

Governance and Certification

ADSASA shall establish and maintain public-facing regulatory instruments including a centralised registry of Certified Audio Description Providers, an independent registry of Accredited Auditors, and a legally protected Certification Marking System.

Conformance Tiers

Bronze
Verified technical compliance — metrological baselines achieved.
Silver
Technical compliance supplemented by validated editorial excellence.
Gold
Full technical and editorial compliance combined with documented Community Verification excellence.

Enforcement Actions

  • Immediate refusal of formal ADSASA certification for the specific asset
  • Issuance of a formal Correction and Resubmission Order
  • Immediate revocation or suspension of verified provider certification status

Artificial Intelligence and Automation Policy

While technological advancement is acknowledged, the integration of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, or automated synthetic voice workflows within the audio description pipeline is strictly governed:

  • Automated or AI-driven tools may assist in production workflows exclusively under continuous, verifiable human professional oversight
  • Final legal, regulatory, and qualitative liability remains solely and completely with the Certified Provider
  • Under no circumstances shall AI utilisation absolve a provider of technical or community-based compliance failures
System Link: This policy framework defines the governance and philosophy of ADSASA. For the exact technical rules, loudness metrics, and evidence metrics required for certification, please refer to the National Audio Description Standard (NADS) — available via the NADS link in the navigation above.