Volunteers Training for Audio Description Service within the Sochi 2014 Project as Exemplified by Activity of the Russian State Social University Volunteer Center: Research and Findings

Background/Objective: Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi 2014 presented a unique opportunity to use the world's leading experience in the integration of persons with disabilities into the productive life of Russian society through the implementation of a special program for volunteer training - Audio Description commentators for Games. The presented article is based on the practical experience of the Russian State Social University Volunteer Center, attracting volunteers in various "events" - projects and activities involving persons with disabilities and contains the research results of training Audio Description service volunteers in the framework of Sochi 2014 Project as exemplified by the Center activities. Methods: The paper presents new, modern technique of teaching Audio Description commentators-volunteers which is capable of giving an impetus to the development of a new aspect of social TV and radio. This technique allows acquiring the knowledge and practical experience of interaction with the target group at which Audio Description is aimed; revealing the Audio Description basic properties and principles; gaining practical interaction experience through direct Audio Description; acquiring and working out the skills and the ability to practically describe any kind of objects at Audio Description; simulating situations as close as possible to real commenting Olympic events. Findings: The article analyzes the results of empirical research of the personal characteristics of today's volunteers-Audio Description commentators, practical recommendations are given aimed at improving the efficiency of the selection process in volunteer practice that improves the quality of Audio Description service. Such an integrated approach in the training of volunteers-Audio Description commentators was used for the first time and demonstrated high performance. Application/ Improvements: The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that its conclusions and recommendations can be used in the course of professional psychological selection and psycho-pedagogical support of training, retraining and analysis of volunteers-Audio Description commentators' activities.