Why The Accessible Channel's vision is impaired

BY Geof Collis

Note: This article ran in 2007 on the assumption that the Accessible Channel would be launching in April of 2008, apparently it has now been launched on December 3 rd 2008. It's nice to see that they've at least done away with the Secondary Audio Programming(SAP) aspect of it, not that it changes my opinion.

In April, a new Canadian specialty channel will make its debut. The Accessible Channel won't look any different from the others, but it will sound different to some. The Accessible Channel, developed for the blind and visually impaired, will feature shows accompanied by narration describing what's happening on screen. The CRTC, which approved the channel in July, calls this a significant advancement. I call it discriminatory.

As someone who is visually impaired, watching TV is a real challenge. Mostly, I rely on my wife to explain what's happening. If I'm lucky, the program I'm viewing is one of the few that are accompanied by secondary audio programming (better known as SAP). Unfortunately, few programs feature SAP and it can be quite complicated to access even if you have full use of your vision.

A channel where all programming is accompanied by descriptive audio sounds like a great idea; however, despite the fact that The Accessible Channel's application to the CRTC was backed by more than 900 supporters, I still believe it does not foster inclusion, just segregation.

The range of options on one channel is clearly limited, and its owner, the National Broadcast Reading Service, will decide what programs get aired. Perhaps more important than limited choice, however, is that such a channel may also lead broadcasters to think that they no longer need to create accessible content, since this new specialty channel will have things covered.

Instead of a single channel, an easy-to-use descriptive video option should be available for all programs. The hearingimpaired have a closed captioning system that makes 100 percent of programming aired by Canadian broadcasters between 6 a.m. and midnight accessible for them. We should be working toward similar access for the visually impaired.

Television might seem frivolous as a front for advocacy, but I can assure you that it is just as relevant as any other barrier we face, and is no less important. Lose your eyesight and you'll find out fast.

I am The Accessible Channel's target audience but when it starts next spring, I won't be tuning in. Personally, I think the situation is ripe for a Charter of Rights challenge-specialty channels are for sports or movie genres, not for a whole segment of society.

Reproduced from http://www.thismagazine.ca/issues/2007/11/blindspot.php

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