RNIB can offer advice and information on all aspects of watching and enjoying television for blind and partially sighted people.
Difficulty watching?
If you have difficulty following the plot or story line of a TV programme then you may find that audio description is a service that can assist you.
Audio description (AD)
Audio Description (AD) is a free and existing service that can transform the enjoyment of TV for people who have difficulty seeing what's happening on the screen. Like a narrator telling a story, an additional commentary describes body language, expressions and movements, making the story clear through sound. Experience clips of AD for yourself.
"I cannot describe what it's like to fully understand what is happening, I have never had sight and really didn't realise what a large part of the programme I was missing out on. AD has made a real difference."
Leah, Audio Description fan
Digital TV switchover
The analogue signals that we have all received for TV will be gradually switched off around the country over the coming few years. Therefore every household will need to switchover to digital TV to continue watching. We can offer advice on the switchover, including on the TV Help Scheme to assist blind and partially sighted people, and equipment advice.
TV listings
Sourcing accessible TV guides and especially those highlighting audio described TV programmes can be difficult. There are web based, large print, audio and Braille TV guides available. We can offer advice on accessible TV listings.
TV licence
The blind concession for a TV licence was introduced on 1 April 2000. Blind people can obtain a 50 per cent discount on the licence fee upon proof of entitlement. We can offer advice on the TV licence concession or other issues relating to licencing.
Advice to industry
We can offer advice to professionals working in the TV industry on making equipment and broadcasts accessible for blind and partially sighted people.