There are a number of different options available to help you to enjoy television. Which one is right for you will depend upon the type of visual and hearing impairment you have, but listed below are some of the options.
Audio description | Signed TV | Subtitles | Braille TV magazines
Audio Description
This is a new service which allows viewers to hear a verbal description of the visual scenes on the television. It is available in the UK on Freeview and Sky Digital. At least 10% of programmes broadcast digitally must be audio described, although it is hoped that the number will be higher.
For more information about audio description
Audio description is not available on cable TV.
Signed TV
Selected programmes have open BSL signing. The signer is shown in the bottom right hand side of the screen. More signed programmes are available on digital TV. Freeview, Sky, and cable TV companies provide digital TV services. Click the links above for more information.
The number of signed TV programmes is increasing on digital TV. On analogue TV, the BBC's See Hear is the most well-known. A list of all BBC programmes that are signed is available on its website. Click here to view the list of programmes.
Channel 4, E4 and FilmFour already provide a selection of programming with signing.
Details of signed Programmes can be found as follows:
There is another TV listing of programmes for other channels on digital TV. Click here to view the TV listing.
Subtitles
Since the early 1980s, subtitles have been available on TV programmes, and it is becoming increasingly common. More than 65% of BBC programmes are subtitled, rising to 100% by 2008.
Subtitles on analogue TV are available on teletext page 888. There is a Subtitle button on the remote control for turning the subtitles on or off on digital TV.
Braille TV magazines
The RNIB produces a braille version of the Radio Times and Television Times. Click here for details.
Further information
If you need additional information about topics such as induction loops for listening the TV, please check the RNID's factsheet called Induction loop and infrared systems - a guide for deaf and hard of hearing people .
