The NIFTC launch the Cinema Access Programme at QFT

Dr Janet Gray MBE, Blind World Water Ski ChampionColin Anderson OBE, Chairman of the NIFTC David McIlroy, Deaf Olympics Gold Medalist & Claire Gallagher

Eight cinemas across the north are to begin screening films accessible to people with visual and hearing difficulties.  The Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission’s Cinema Access Programme was launched in Belfast on Tues 12 April at Queens Film Theatre.  It enables deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted people to enjoy the latest films through specialist subtitling and audio description equipment.

World Blind Water Ski Champion Dr Janet Gray said people with sensory disabilities have traditionally been excluded from going to the cinema.  “With the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act which came into effect in October 2004, the installation of this equipment in a number of cinemas throughout Northern Ireland will increase the range of social activities that deaf and visually impaired can engage in and enjoy on a weekly basis.”

The eight participating in Counties Antrim, Down and Fermanagh will screen at least one film a week using the specialist equipment.  Information on these screenings can be found online at www.yourlocalcinema.com.

All Northern Ireland cinemas were invited to apply for funding from the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission to install the equipment