''No more second guessing'' - Bringing images alive with words and signs for deaf viewers
A personal perspective, signed by Aimee CockleAimee is profoundly deaf from birth and is very active within the deaf community, being part of an energetic Deaf Youth movement striving for better access and greater deaf awareness.
"I remember the frustrations of going out with my hearing friends and having to sit through films at the local cinema, not being able to understand the dialogue and follow the plot because there were no subtitles.
"Watching films on mainstream telly was a bore, as they were usually old or repeated. I wanted to watch recently released blockbuster films!
"Then in recent years there were subtitled videos I could rent, but finding new releases with subtitles was often pot luck.
"And then I discovered Sky - it's a fantastic experience, I was able to flick through loads of channels even foreign ones and see what was on offer.
"For me, watching the Box Office movies are brilliant as they are very recently released films and all are subtitled and easy to follow - the problem is usually which movie to watch!
"The Sports Channels are also good and lots of sporting events have live subtitling, which enables me to know what is being said by commentators and panellists - no more second guessing what is being said.
"Okay it costs £38 per month to get the Sky World package but what you get is quality and accessible programmes. That really allows me to have another outlet to chill out - I even invite my deaf friends around to have an evening in watching Sky movies. It works out a lot cheaper than going to the cinema.
"I have not used it yet, but it is really good to know that there is this Disability Service Team that has been set up at Sky and I have noticed that they have their own text phone service.
"That is brilliant for me, as I now have peace of mind in that if I have any problems or queries then I can get on to my text phone and deal directly with someone at Sky, who is deaf aware and can talk to me by text."
Kay Allen, Sky Disability Manager, added: "Sky are determined to ensure that great TV is not exclusive TV for their deaf viewers and, by continuing to research and put in to place improved technology and enhanced access, things can only get better."
Exciting and accessible TV with Sky
What Sky can offer now
- Sky disability service - dedicated service team trained to be at your service, helping you get the best out of Sky with ease
- Subtitled programmes & films - 45,000 hours of subtitled programming a year, on a wide range of channels
- Dedicated textphone service - to enable Deaf people and people who are hard of hearing, or are unable to use their voice, to make easy contact with the Sky disability service team
- Disability website - offering accessible information and a dedicated e-mail address for people who prefer to communicate electronically
For further information
text: 08702 40 19 10 or
For information or to join up call: 08705 66 33 33 or
email: accessibility@bskyb.com.