Descriptive Language
What is Descriptive Language?
The History of Descriptive Language
Selected Principles of Descriptive Language
Descriptive Language for EVS
Paraprofessionals
How to Use Descriptive Language
Examples of Descriptive Language
What is Descriptive Language?
Descriptive language means
using the appropriate words in
just the right way to describe
 what is “seen” to a person who
cannot see or see well.
What is Descriptive Language?
Descriptive language is different from
the ordinary language a person might
use to talk about or describe
 an object
 a person
 a situation
 an activity
 scene in a play or a movie
 an exhibit at a museum or other
venue
Why is Descriptive Language
Different?
Descriptive language is different
because
 it creates an image that is
functional by using words that
are purposefully
 clear
 specific,
and
 appeal to all the senses
The History of Descriptive
Language
In the 1970s
Dr. Margaret Pfansteil and Mr. Cody Pfansteil
introduced the idea that language can be used
in special ways to describe visual objects,
experiences, and activities effectively for
people who are blind and visually impaired.
The Pfansteils’ goal was to use descriptive
language to make live theater and museum
exhibits meaningful for people with vision
impairments.
The History of Descriptive
Language
Since the 1970s
WGBH-TV in Boston, Massachusetts has worked
extensively to test and expand the use of
descriptive language to film and television.
Descriptive language is now well established for
use in film, television, theater, and museum
or other cultural exhibits.
In these venues, descriptive language is known
as videodescription or audiodescription.
Descriptive Language for EVS
Paraprofessionals
EVS paraprofessionals can enhance
their communication with students
who are blind and visually impaired
by applying some of the principles
WGBH identified for using descriptive
language.
Selected Principles of
Descriptive Language

Break up what you are describing into
understandable mini-sections

Use vivid and detailed language

Relate descriptions of size to sizes that
are familiar

Refer to sound, touch, and any other
senses that help make description
meaningful
Selected Principles of
Descriptive Language



Refer to the tactile properties of
objects you are describing
Refer to feeling and emotion, when it
is related to what you are describing
Encourage tactile exploration that is
linked to your verbal description in a
meaningful way
How to Use Descriptive Language
Quickly assess what needs to be
described, and describe only what your
student needs to know.
Remember every student is unique –
words that work with one student may
not work well with others.
Note that situations and tasks vary.
Describe accordingly.


some situations call for one simple description
others call for a series of task-analyzed
descriptions
How to Use Descriptive Language
Describe what you see without
interpretation or personal comment.
Disappear. A good description directs your
student’s attention to what you are
describing, not to you.
Combine verbal description with
physical actions when referring to what
you're doing. E.g., when


pointing at a display
replicating a teacher demonstration
How to Use Descriptive Language
Arrange a good listening environment.
Description is only effective in conducive
“listening” environments.
Good Listening Environments are Free of






extraneous movement not related to your
description
all forms of multitasking during description
distractions
side conversations
background noise and noisy settings
noise from jangling jewelry, rustling papers, etc.
How to Use Descriptive
Language
Remember to be
Specific. Avoid vague language,
such as



“put you papers over here"
“line up over there”
“do it just like this"
Succinct. Don’t be too wordy.
Examples of Descriptive
Language
Break up what you are describing
To describe the holiday decorations in
your school


Start by describing the children’s
holiday artwork on the bulletin boards
outside the classroom.
Then go on to describe the giant plastic
candy canes tied in red ribbons at the
school’s entrance.
Examples of Descriptive
Language
Use vividly detailed language.
Consider the difference between


“She looks funny in that hat.”
“She is wearing a fuzzy red hat with a
big green pom pom that is too big on
her.”
Examples of Descriptive
Language
Relate descriptions of size to
sizes that are familiar to your
student
“The fleas in this park are tinier than
braille dots.”
Examples of Descriptive
Language
Refer to the tactile properties of
objects
“The sidewalk ahead of you is broken
up and bumpy.”
Examples of Descriptive
Language
Refer to feeling and emotion
when it is related to what you
are describing
“The teacher is motioning for
everyone to sit. She looks very
serious now.”
Examples of Descriptive
Language
Encourage tactile exploration
linked to your verbal description
“This is a very big serving spoon, with
a deep bowl and long handle. Go
ahead and touch it, starting at the
bowl and going to the handle.”