ITV urged to increase subtitles

The Liberal Democrats have written a letter to Michael Grade, ITV's executive chairman, calling on him to ensure that all of ITV's digital television channels meet their subtitling requirements. The letter was sent after Ofcom revealed that ITV 1, 2 and 4 failed to reach
their subtitling targets in the first quarter of 2007. ITV3 met its target, but still only subtitles 12% of its programmes.

Broadcasters should "lead by example"

Don Foster, Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, said his party was supporting RNID's subtitling campaign because it was vital that everyone had access to television. "This is  not a question of choice," he said. "Subtitles are a fundamental service for deaf and hard of hearing people. If the service is not provided they lose out. Instead of just meeting the minimum requirements set by Ofcom, ITV should be leading by example."

Landmark celebrations

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, The National Trust will hold a series of hearing dog demonstrations at a number of its properties during 2007. Jenny Moir of Hearing Dogs said: "We are delighted to be working with the National Trust as these events will help to raise public awareness of the
work we do." For more details, telephone 01844 348 100 or visit the hearing dogs website (external link, opens new browser window).

Free factsheets

Deafness Research UK has published a series of free factsheets on a wide range of topics, including childhood hearing loss, general hearing loss, tinnitus and ear health. They have been written in consultation with a team of medical and scientific experts. Telephone 0808 808 2222, email info@deafnessresearch.org.uk or visit www.deafnessresearch.org (external link) for more details. 

Pick up the pace to claim a place

RNID is calling on runners to race ahead of the pack and sign up for one of just ten remaining guaranteed places at the Great North Run on Sunday 30 September 2007.        
These are available on a first come, first served basis to people who pay a £38 registration fee and pledge to raise a minimum of £300. For more details, telephone 0845 634 0687 or email events@rnid.org.uk

Computer training for all abilities

HearOn at Deaf Connections offers computer training courses for hard of hearing people enabling them to improve their computer skills and increase communication choices. The courses are for hard of hearing people of all ages and all levels of computer ability. They will be held at the charity's headquarters in Glasgow. For further information, ring 0141 420 1759 (tel) or visit the deaf connections website (external link, opens new browser window).

Camden Mayor supports Sense services

The new Mayor of Camden, Councillor Dawn Somper, has chosen to support Sense
during her mayoral year. Her aim is to raise vital funds that will make a real difference to the lives of deafblind people not only in Camden but throughout the UK.

Tinnitus advice

The Jewish Deaf Association will hold a tinnitus meeting for deaf people in North Finchley, London, on Sunday 17 June 2007 at 3pm to 5pm. There will be plenty of helpful advice on how to control tinnitus, including a talk by RNID. Contact Kay Kaufman on telephone 020 8446 0502, textphone 020 8369 5327 or email kay@jda.dircon.co.uk

Join the Deaf Rave in Reims

There are still tickets left for Deaf Rave's three nights at the French Festival, Clin d'Oeil, in Reims, on 29 June to 1 July 2007. The party starts at 7pm each night and admission is free. For information about tickets and how to get there, visit www.deafrave.com (external link)