Milan Cortina 2026, start of selections for audiodescriptors
The selections for the creation of a new team of audio-describers, figures who specialize in hyper-detailed description of events – in this case winter sports – capable of engaging and bringing the event to life for people with visual disabilities, have officially begun.
The professionals sought will provide their voices and sensitivities to accurately and vividly narrate what is happening on the track, in the arena or any other competition venue. Through the inclusive audiodescription system “Audiodescription 2026” they will turn every action, gesture and emotion into words, giving the blind and visually impaired audience the full experience of the event.
Their narrative will go beyond the sports report: it will include visual details such as the colors of the clothing, the athletes’ expressions, body movements, and the atmosphere being experienced, to make every moment vivid, accessible, and “visible” to those who are blind.
The events, in which the new audiodescriptors will take part, will cover the most important event globally, which will be staged between February and March 2026 in Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige.
Candidates for audiodescribers are people who are passionate about winter sports, commentators, radio commentators, journalists, editors, and communication experts who want to experience the audiodescribing profession. Each position will be contracted and paid by VAT number or withholding tax.
Selected individuals will have the opportunity to participate in a free training, during which they will learn techniques, languages and tools specific to professional audiodescription as well as all the technicalities of all competing sports. The course, sponsored by the Fondazione Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano, will be conducted by experienced trainers and professionals with theoretical lectures and practical activities aimed at operational preparation for the event.
“With this project we want to offer a concrete opportunity for professional growth and, at the same time, contribute to the construction of a more inclusive future. Audiodescription is a tool of cultural freedom and participation, capable of both uniting people and visions and breaking down barriers” says Tony D’Angelo, head of the “Audiodescription 2026” project.
“Thanks to this project we will have the opportunity to fully experience all the excitement of the most extraordinary and important winter sports event in 2026. After soccer, it is great that other sports will also be usable by people with visual impairments” explains Francesco Cusati, Vice President of UICI Milano (Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired) and Head of Training and Employment Services of Fondazione Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano.
“Audiodescription 2026” is a system that relies on the 5G (or 4G) network and broadcasts the live and delay-free audiodescription service through a specific App that will be downloadable from the Android Play Store and the’Apple store. As of 2019, audiodescription has gradually entered numerous sports already, from Serie A and B soccer to international rugby competitions and basketball.
To apply, take part in the free training, get qualified as an audiodescriptionist for winter sports, and start the business for this major event with global reach, send an email to info@connectmetoo.it.
