Audio Tape

Staff Time
The development of audio recordings creates a highly flexible format that many people with disabilities can easily use. This format is most conducive to narrative materials, however, some technical and visually-related materials can frequently be "converted" into language for incorporation into the recording. A professional, specially paid speaker is not required to create your audio recordings. In fact, many times having someone that is very familiar with the material and has a clear speaking voice is all you need to create a high-quality audio format. Certainly, project staff often meet these requirements. Staff time on this activity will be expected to increase depending upon the level of in-house production assumed by the project.

Equipment
A tape recorder that allows recording on standard 30, 60, or 90 minute cassettes can be purchased at most office supply and discount stores. For those organizations that wish to create their own duplicates -- once the initial "master" recording has been made -- a high-speed audio tape duplicator can be purchased. The decision to purchase will require a determination of the frequency and number of audio tape versions that will be required over time.

Costs
Tape recorders are available in many retail and wholesale outlets today. The prices vary, however, a recorder of sufficient quality for a voice recording can be obtained for $25 to $75. High speed audio tape duplicators are more available today than has been the case in the past. A duplicator of sufficient quality to produce voice audio tape duplicates can be obtained for under $1,000.

Effort
Planning is required to arrange for the equipment, space, and narrator required to produce the audio tape recording. Additional effort is required if in-house duplication is performed. In many cases, however, the material to be read will not require additional interpretation unless it contains highly technical or graphically-presented content material.

Resources
A range of resources are available to support organizations in this development activity. The National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Physically Handicapped produces a free directory, Volunteers Who Produce Books, which provides names of individuals and organizations that volunteer to assist in producing the narration for audio tapes for people who have visual or physical disabilities. The NLS can be reached by calling (800) 424-8567.

An on-line example of the audio format.

Helpful Hints in Producing Audio Tape Recording

1. Select a narrator that is fluent in the language and, if possible, knowledgeable in the content area.
2. Record in a conversational tone at a conversational pace.
3. Prepare in advance how tabular, graphic and pictorial information will be presented orally.
4. While recording, spell out difficult or unusual words -- especially words of another language.
5. Narrators should read all of the material for presentation and not include "editorializing" or personal messages.

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NIDRR Project Number: H133A990008
Last Updated: Tuesday, 29 January 2008 at 04:12 PM,
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