11,000,000 people in the UK have some form of hearing loss.

2,000,000 people wear hearing aids.

87,000 are Deaf

It is the second most common disability in the UK

I am deaf.  I have severe to profound hearing loss which means that I cannot watch the TV without the use of subtitles.  Like me, many Deaf/deaf/hoh people rely on the ability to understand spoken communication via aids and support.  Some within the Deaf community rely on BSL as there first form of communication.  Very little of any programming within the UK has signed provision.  Both of these forms of support are sadly lacking on some programming throughout the UK.  

It is my belief and supported across some communities I have spoken wtih that all news programmes MUST be subtitled and signed to ensure inclusivity across our diverse communities.  News bulletins convey important messages and both national and regional level. It is wrong that so many of us are negated within these transmissions.  It is a form of discrimination that could so easily be remedied.

Deafness can within itself create isolation for many.  To be further isolated and not understand what is going on within a news bulletin worsens this situation and is unforgivable when this situation can easily be ajusted for and remedied by TV companies.  This must not be compounded by lack of basic news provision from televised bulletins within the UK.

This provision also MUST NOT be calculated on a percentage basis as a form of compliance e.g ITV must sign and subtitle all of its news programmes at all times including importantly its regional news offering.  At present, no regional news bulletin in the morning is signed or subtitled leaving the Deaf/deaf communities bewildered as to what the bulletin is trying to convey.  Often these bulletins are the most relevant to the viewer.  This must be changed immediately.

I am strongly of the view that the UK is a wonderful, virbrant and diverse community.  We should provide the help and support to all within our community all of the time where those reasonable adjustments are possible.  I would like to see all TV programming having subtitles and sign available all of the time to ensure that we include and give access to all.