A new campaign has been launched to ensure that the switchover to digital television ensures the service is accessible to people with disabilities.

The ‘TV Access’ campaign is being led by NCBI and involves a number of other leading disability groups including the Disability Federation of Ireland, the Irish Deaf Society, the Central Remedial Clinic, Enable Ireland, Age Action and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

The coalition is working with the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to ensure that the new digital television service is accessible, usable and affordable for people with vision impairments and that an adequate amount of audio described programming is included.

The campaign aims to ensure that:

• New set top boxes are fully accessible to people with vision impairments, including voice output and control over the presentation of on-screen text in menus and electronic programme guides;

• Financial and practical help is provided where needed for the purchase and setup of the new equipment;

• Information about the switchover process is provided in accessible formats including large print, audio and Braille where appropriate;

• Equipment and remote controls are fully tested for ease of use by older people, people with vision impairments and other disabilities;

• A large number of programmes are broadcast with audio description, including the most popular dramas, films and comedies;

• Older people and people with disabilities are represented at all stages of the decision making process.

The TV Access coalition has recently made a submission on the Broadcasting Bill recommending changes to ensure the effective representation of older people and people with disabilities on the new Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), the boards of RTÉ and TG4 and the audience councils. The proposed changes will guarantee representation and avoid the danger of tokenism.

You can find out more about digital TV and read the TV Access coalition’s submission by visiting the TV Access website at www.tvaccess.ie