Deaf people needed to feedback on cinema access

The Independent Cinema Office is the national organisation for the development and support of independent film exhibition in the UK. They exist to develop an open, thriving and challenging film culture. They are conducting research to understand the cinema subtitling needs of deaf people in the UK, with a view to improving provision for them. They are looking for responses so that they can demonstrate the needs of this audience to their funders.

Goal: More subtitled films for deaf people

The ultimate goal is to improve subtitling provision for deaf people, train staff to make venues more accessible, improve the technical provision in cinemas and to create or strengthen relations between cinemas and deaf and hard of hearing audiences.

The data they gather will be used only in a private context when demonstrating need to their funders and when discussing the need for this project with other industry partners. It will not be made public.

Survey for deaf people – your feedback is needed

The Independent Cinema Office is carrying out a survey with view to improving access to cinema for people with hearing loss. Please complete the survey on accessible cinema.

First searchable listings database for UK cinemas

A new accessible screenings website has been launched for movies that are subtitled, audio described, or autism friendly. This is the first searchable listings database for all subtitled, audio-described and autism friendly screenings for UK cinemas.

The fully accessible website will provide the following:

• Information on what each type of accessible screening entails;
• Pages outlining the access features at each UK cinema;
• A feedback forum for customers;
• A news page sharing all the latest information on accessibility at events, screenings in UK cinemas. 

Feedback is needed from subtitle users. Please tell them what you think using the ‘Contact us’ link on the website.

Note: The UKCA continues to provide support and guidance to its members, however how each cinema operates is ultimately the decision of that cinema. So your voices still need to be heard!

Deaf people tell it as it is

Don’t forget you can get a CEA Card for £6 per year. This card allows a disabled visitor to bring a guest with them for free, so you get half price entry to all UK cinemas in the scheme.

Join the Accessible Cinema campaign on Facebook: Accessible Cinema Campaign.

Have you had good or bad experiences of visiting the cinema and watching a subtitled film? Tell us about your experiences, we’d love to hear about them.

One of our team went to a screening and after 5 minutes, she realised they forgot to put the subtitles on! She went to find the manager and pointed out there were no subtitles. They were apologetic and started the film again. Being assertive works!