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December 07, 2008
Accessible Channel Launches with 'Open Format' Descriptions
The Accessible Channel was launched across Canada on December 3rd, 2008, providing television for the vision-impaired.
On the current basic cable TV set-up, people with vision loss who want to access description must change the audio settings of their televisions to S.A.P. (Secondary Audio Programming). This process can be difficult, if not impossible, as it often works through a series of on-screen menu prompts.
In a decision issued July 24th, the CRTC approved an application from The National Broadcast Reading Service (NBRS) for The Accessible Channel (TAC), furthering the unique charity's mission to make media accessible. Since then, NBRS has been working on their promise to deliver programming accessible to all.
The Accessible Channel's "open format" makes description available on the primary audio setting and the only soundtrack provided is the described track. The Accessible Channel will also provide closed captioning for 90% of its program schedule, which is in compliance with current CRTC regulations.
"People shouldn't be excluded from media just because they are vision-impaired," says John Capobianco, Chair of the National Broadcast Reading Service. "NBRS was created two decades ago with a mandate to enhance media access for millions of vision-restricted Canadians. On December 3rd The Accessible Channel will take a step farther to ensure everyone is included".
Orville Parkes, Chair, The Accessible Channel added, "This is not only about convenience, but a key to social integration. The Accessible Channel will make broadcasting history allowing millions of visual impaired Canadians to be included in everything that was and is television".
With over 500 films, countless television programs, and current events, news, and entertainment, there is now a channel that includes every one: The Accessible Channel.
AudioVision is a description pioneer and continues to offer quality described products and services. AudioVision description lets people who have vision restrictions "see" the action in movies and TV programs. Many people have said what description does for the vision-impaired is what closed-captioning does for people with hearing loss. It makes on-screen entertainment more accessible.
AudioVision and VoicePrint are divisions of The National Broadcast Reading Service Inc. (NBRS) a registered charity that provides news, information and entertainment to 4.5 million Canadians who have vision loss or are print-restricted.
Posted by Nancy at December 7, 2008 12:28 AM