To further emphasise my suggestion, here’s an extract from a statement, written by Malcolm Wright – MD of Signpost (ITV – Tyne Tees), to Ofcom during their Access Services review 2006.
Digital switchover – the need for better informationOfcom’s current research finds that:
- people with hearing and / or visual impairments watch rather more television than the average viewer
- people with sensory impairments are likely to be older and older people are less likely to be aware of digital television and its capabilities, and more likely to have difficulty purchasing, setting up and using digital television. This may limit current access service use
These findings all strongly suggest that the roll-out of information about digital switchover – and attendant publicity – should be accessible in BSL as well as in English. Ofcom’s proposed review of current arrangements for BSL on TV should address how it is promoted, and identify what needs to be done to ensure that older deaf people can benefit equally from digital TV technology.