The Supreme Court of India has called for special news bulletins with sign language and subtitles for people with visual and hearing impairments.
This initiative comes after concerns raised by the Sanket Foundation, which filed a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the lack of accessibility in media.
Background:
Many Indians remember watching DD News, where a portion of the screen was dedicated to sign language interpretation for the hearing-impaired.
Unfortunately, this practice stopped without explanation. The recent Supreme Court order asking public broadcaster Prasar Bharati if they can create special broadcasts for people with disabilities is a positive step.
The PIL’s Focus:
The Sanket Foundation’s PIL emphasized the need for subtitles and sign language interpretation in films and news, especially during significant events like the Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech.
They argued that everyone should have access to important information.
Recent Progress:
This push for accessibility is achievable. Following a similar case in the Delhi High Court, several recent films, such as Article 370 and Fighter, were released with audio descriptions for the visually impaired.
These features were made accessible through a mobile app, demonstrating that technology can bridge the gap.
Guidelines for Accessibility:
In March 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued “Guidelines for Accessibility Standards” to ensure that new films include features for people with hearing and visual impairments.
This aims to create a more inclusive environment in cinemas.
Conclusion:
While the Supreme Court’s direction is a welcome development, much more work is needed to ensure that media is accessible to all, especially during important broadcasts.
Implementing these changes can significantly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, providing them with equal access to information and entertainment.
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