BETTER ACCESS TO TELEVISION FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE

That this House congratulates the BBC on reaching 100 per cent. subtitling of programming across its main television channels and supports RNID and NDCS in calling for other broadcasters to follow suit; notes that subtitling is an essential service for millions of deaf and hard of hearing adults and children who rely on it to access and enjoy television; further notes that many deaf adults and children who use sign language would also benefit from more signed programming; further celebrates Deaf Awareness Week, 5th to 11th May; and calls on broadcasters to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people and children are portrayed in a wide variety of roles on television.