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TV 'plays crucial role' for blind people, charity says

04/03/2008

Watching television can be hugely enjoyable for millions of people with sight problems, according to a leading charity.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) says research shows many of the two million people in Britain spend much of their free time watching television.

And according to the RNIB, the free Audio Description (AD) service available on digital TV can greatly enhance the viewing experiences of people with sight problems.

The RNIB is urging the two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK turn on the AD service, which helps to increase the clarity of TV programmes by describing body language, expressions and movements.

Research carried out by the University of Nottingham for the RNIB showed that more than half of the people with sight problems interviewed regularly watched dramas and factual TV programmes.

And 86 per cent of respondents said they would watch more TV if the number of programmes with AD increased.

Richard Orme, head of accessibility at the RNIB, said: "TV is often criticised as bad for you, but it brings us together - and joining in with our mates can depend more on knowing about the latest drama or soap, than on the latest international crisis.

"Many of the nation's favourite TV moments have never been fully enjoyed by the UK's blind and partially sighted population," he added.

"AD is changing this. As well as giving people with sight problems access to the nation's favourite entertainment and drama programmes, it can transform their relationship with the world around them."

However, only 13 per cent of current programming is audio-described - three per cent above the legal requirement for broadcasters - and 85 per cent of programmes with AD are repeats.

The RNIB is calling for broadcasters to provide AD with at least 20 per cent of TV shows, with MP David Blunkett backing the campaign.

"I know from my own experience that people with sight problems often feel isolated and frustrated with predominantly visual entertainment and culture," Mr Blunkett explained.

"It leads to their exclusion from enjoying or taking part in what others take for granted. Increasing the number of TV programmes with Audio Description is a very simple way we can improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people throughout the UK."