Accessible TV for deaf children

TV is now more accessible to deaf children than ever before. 100% of the BBC's output on all of its 7 main TV channels is now subtitled, including BBC1 Scotland and BBC2 Scotland.

This is a fantastic achievement by the BBC, and follows sustained campaigning by NDCS and many other deaf organisations and charities. But at the same time we’re also going to be pushing for action because we know there is still much more to do to ensure deaf children and young people in Scotland have full access to TV.

Working with NDCS Scotland, Ken MacIntosh MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament welcoming this development and calling for accessible TV for deaf children in Scotland. Over a quarter of all MSPs have supported this motion.

Help us campaign for more accessible TV for deaf children.

• Complain directly to broadcasters if you come across examples where there are no subtitles or the subtitles are of poor quality. Let us know how you get on.

The BBC Trust recently issued a consultation document about its programming for children. NDCS responded to highlight what more can be done to make BBC programmes more accessible to deaf children:

• NDCS response to BBC consultation on children's services and content (87 kb)

Read the briefing issued by NDCS to MSPs in Scotland following the 100% subtitled output landmark from the BBC during Deaf Awareness Week 2008:

• NDCS RNID Joint Briefing Note to MSPs May 2008 (60 kb)

• In their own words: Young deaf people's access to television (348 kb)

We have worked with CBBC to produce a guide for TV producers on how to become more inclusive.

• Deaf children and television: Becoming more inclusive - a guide for producers (216 kb)