Newspapers urged to subtitle free DVDs

RNID and the Shadow Minister for Disabled People, Jeremy Hunt, are calling on national newspapers to subtitle their promotional DVDs to ensure that everyone can enjoy them. Mr Hunt has tabled an Early Day Motion highlighting this issue, which has received cross-party support. It calls on newspapers to listen to the RNID's request to improve accessibility to the DVDs they give away.

A vital voice for millions of viewers

Shadow Minister for Disabled People, Jeremy Hunt, said: "Most papers give away free DVDs that are not subtitled. Subtitling services are vital for over  a million hard of hearing people, so it is in newspapers' own interest to make  their DVDs appeal to this audience. I have written to the editors of the  major newspapers and hope my Early Day  Motion will draw further attention to  the issue."

DVD subtitling "often forgotten"

RNID chief executive John Low said: "We hope MPs will back our campaign to enable everyone to enjoy their favourite films and TV. Newspaper companies can spend millions on promotional DVDs to boost sales - yet subtitling, which costs just a few hundred pounds, is often forgotten."

Breaking the cycle of debt

Deaf and hard of hearing people are being given the chance to receive free, confidential debt and financial advice thanks to a joint initiative by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and  RNID. CAB staff in ten towns and cities across England have been trained to deliver financial advice to deaf and hard of hearing people.

Signed financial help

The CAB's trained advisers can offer information and support on a range of issues, including the kind of benefits deaf and hard of hearing people are entitled to, budgeting for the future and help with filling in forms. Project Manager Sebastian Carter said: "It's never too late or too early to get help with your debts." Communication support, such as interpreters and lipspeakers, will also be provided for anyone who needs it.

Can you help?

The University of Dundee is interested in learning from disabled adults, including those with deafness, about the technologies they use at home. The university would like to hear what technology you use in your home, what technology would you like to use, and what technology have you stopped using? For more details, contact Dr Fiona M Bolik on telephone 01382 464378 or email info@matildah.org.uk

Family weekend

The National Deaf Children's Society in Scotland is holding a newly diagnosed Weekend for families from the Highland region on 26-27 October 2007 at the Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Aviemore. The weekend is aimed at families with a child who has been diagnosed with a
hearing loss within the last two years. For more details, contact Amanda Carlton on telephone 0141 222 4472 or fax 0141 248 2597.

Talk at the Tate

A signed talk by Richard Thomas on the artists Francis Alysat, Douglas Gordon and Guillermo Kuitca will be held at Tate Modern on Friday 1 June 2007 at 7pm.  Meet at the level 3 concourse. There will be drinks afterwards. Visit www.magicdeaf.org.uk (external link) for more details.

Deaf AA group

An Alcoholics Anonymous Group for deaf and hard of hearing people meets in London every Tuesday at 8pm. Its venue is Hinsley Rooms, Morpeth Terrace, London SW1 (behind Westminster Cathedral) and all meetings are British Sign Language interpreted. There are
also induction loops for hearing aid users. For more details, SMS 0794 1084112  or telephone 020 7833 0022.

Signed performance

The Longueville Little Theatre Company, an amateur theatre group in Milton Keynes, is staging a signed performance of Alan Ayckbourn's play Confusions on Thursday 21 June 2007. Tickets 6.50 (concessions £5) from LLTC, 16 Scott Drive, Newport Pagnell, Bucks MK16 8PW. Visit the Longueville Little Theatre Company website (external link, opens new browser window) for more details.