Blind and Partially Sighted People left behind by switch to digital radio warns local MEP
February 18, 2009 11:14 AM
Originally published by Liz Lynne MEP
Originally published by Liz Lynne MEP
New digital radios are denying blind people the chance to tune in because they use LCD displays says Liz Lynne MEP.
The LibDem MEP for Birmingham and the West Midlands has today asked a question in the European Parliament about what can be done to help ensure blind and partially sighted people can effectively use the radio.
In the past analogue radios came with turn-dial tuners, which blind people could operate by sound. Now, new DAB radios often simply use display screens and buttons that do not accommodate the needs of people who are blind or partially sighted.
Liz Lynne, who is Vice- President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, is currently the draftsperson for a report on Anti- Discrimination in access to Goods and Services on the ground of disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation. Race and gender are already covered by similar legislation.
Speaking today Liz said that radio manufacturers are alienating many blind people who can no longer operate their radio and in doing so shutting out potential customers for their products:
"Listening to the radio is one of the most important pastimes for many blind or partially sighted people, but unfortunately most new digital radios coming on to the market often ignore their needs.
"This problem is easily solvable through voice output, which could tell people what is written on the LCD screen or by a new type of sound operated tuning dial similar to older radios. Responsible manufacturers need to put these measures in place; failure to do so will not only exclude people, but doesn't make commercial sense.
"The Government wants us all to make the digital switchover, but has failed to put in place measures to ensure accessibility for disabled people to these new products, which is why I have asked what measures could be taken under EU rules to help ensure manufacturers meet these standards."
ENDS
Notes:
The latest report on DAB radios undertaken by the RNIB and i2 media can be found at:
http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/i2/i2_RNIB_AreYouReallyListening.pdf
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