|
|
 |  |
| |
This page gives some examples of steps you can take to improve access to film for disabled people.
Consultation
Physical changes
Technology
Communication and publicity
Customer service
Distribution
The Cinema Exhibitors' Association publishes 'Best Practice Guidelines for the Provision of Services to Disabled Customers and the Employment of Disabled People'. To request a copy, call 020 7734 9551 or send an email to cea@cinemauk.ftech.co.uk.
The Disability Rights Commission has produced a useful document 'Making access to goods and services easier for disabled customers: A practical guide for businesses and other small service providers'.
- Take advice from a specialist consultant who can audit your building and draw up recommendations and plans for improvement.
- Set up advisory groups made up of audience members or potential audience members, to discuss the improvements that would benefit them.
Physical changes
- Install lifts, handrails or ramps and widen walkways to improve access for people with wheelchairs, pushchairs or other mobility restrictions.
- Improve colour contrast on steps or signage for people with sight impairments.
- Ensure you can accommodate people with guide dogs or hearing dogs.
Technology
- Install induction loops or infrared systems to increase audibility for people with hearing aids.
- Ensure special equipment such as headphones and induction loops are working properly.
- Make every effort to install soft-subtitling and audio-description equipment, and offer a wide choice of films that provide these options.
- Consider signed performances for British Sign Language users.
- Make information about access, programmes and special screenings easily available through your website, brochures, emails and local press.
- List relevant screenings on the Yourlocalcinema.com listings website.
- Promote your services through existing networks for disabled people.
- Make sure staff working on your customer enquiry line can provide all the relevant access information.
- Make sure your website is accessible. The RNIB runs the See it Right scheme which advises on website accessibility and accredits accessible websites. For details, see the RNIB website.
- Offer a textphone service.
Customer service
- Accept the Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card, which entitles a disabled cinema-goer to take another person with them free of charge.
- Train your staff to ensure they know what facilities are available for customers with disabilities and how to help customers use them.
- Screen films with subtitling and audio-description at different times through the day or week to make them available to people with a variety of working patterns. Audio-description can be made available for all screenings once the equipment is installed.
Distribution
- Include audio-description and subtitling options on all DVD releases.
- Supply transcripts for cinemas offering British Sign Language screenings.
All external links will open in a new browser window. Close the window to return to this page.
|
|
|
