Information Line (Freephone)
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.
Communication and broadcasting
The world we live in has changed dramatically with the development of technology. Information and communication, as well as the devices and services that deliver these, are now central to our existence. RNID is actively involved in making sure that deaf and hard of hearing people can benefit from new communications technologies, and enjoy and participate in television and the arts on an equal basis with hearing people.
Signing on television
Historically, British Sign Language users have had access to very limited and restricted numbers of television programs that are fully accessible in their own language with the use of Sign Language interpreting. With sign language interpreters being such a scarce resource this makes it very difficult to provide high levels of interpreting on Television. RNID are now conducting research and development to explore ways of providing greater levels of accessible television programs with BSL interpreting.
Speech recognition
Speech recognition promises great benefits for deaf and hard of hearing people, but the technology still has some way to go. Find out how we are harnessing it to provide better services for the future.
Subtitling
Subtitles let deaf and hard of hearing people enjoy television, the cinema, the theatre and DVDs. Read about the latest options and find out how RNID is pushing forward the boundaries.
Text and voice communications
Text and voice communications are everywhere. Telephones, email, short messaging service (SMS) and mobiles are all vital tools in everyday life. Find out how we are making sure that deaf and hard of hearing people will have the same freedom to communicate as the rest of society.
Virtual signing
If British Sign Language (BSL) is your first language, you know how hard it is to get information in BSL. Interpreters are scarce and often it is almost impossible to produce and maintain relevant information in signed form. Read about our work on virtual signing, which will address some of these issues.
World Wide Web
In only a few years, the World Wide Web has developed into a truly global information and communication resource. It is not always fully accessible though, so we are working hard on making sure that deaf and hard of hearing people can enjoy it just as much as other people.