PEOPLE with hearing difficulties will soon be able to enjoy attending events in the Isle of Man thanks to a new piece of technology which can be used in venues from theatres to church halls.
The Manx Deaf Society has acquired “captioning” equipment - a method of converting the spoken word into visible text, providing deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people with access to live performance. It has been paid for by a private family trust.
It's estimated that one in six people have some degree of hearing loss. Some stay away from the theatre because of it – some still come, but don’t hear every word.
"Captioning is about developing new audiences - bringing former audiences back, and providing a more enjoyable experience for those who come - but miss the jokes!", said Judith Ley, on behalf of the Manx Deaf Society.
The portable equipment will be showcased to the public free of charge for the first time in the Isle of Man at the Gaiety Theatre in November as part of Disability Awareness Week (31 October – 5 November).
“Due to the generosity of a private family trust, the Isle of Man now has portable professional equipment that enables the spoken word to be converted into visible text that provides deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people with access to live theatre performances,” Judith added.
“Because the captioning unit is portable, it can be used in venues around the Island to benefit the maximum number of people.”
The showcase event will be staged at the Gaiety Theatre on Tuesday November 1 at 8pm. The general public is invited to attend and entry is free.
As an introduction to how the system works, the Legion Players will be performing a 10-minute preview of their upcoming play – RC Sherriff’s WWI classic ‘Journey’s End’ (the play is on at the Gaiety Theatre from November 17-19 ). The Legion Players will also be the first to use the equipment during a fully captioned performance of Journey’s End at 2.30pm on November 19.
Stephanie Gray, chairman of the Legion Players, said, “The Society is absolutely delighted to support the launch of the new captioning equipment, and to put it to full use in its forthcoming production. Communicating fully the text of a play or musical is vital.
“This new equipment will enable drama and music groups throughout the Island to engage with those who have previously been discouraged from attending productions and shows. Our sincere thanks to the Manx Deaf Society for making this possible.”
Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said, “Improving access to leisure activities is a key policy of the Department. The sign-language interpreted performances of shows has proved to be extremely popular and I am delighted that, in addition to these, a captioning facility is now available.
“I know that it will greatly improve the experience of visiting the theatre for people with hearing difficulties as well as attracting for the first time those who have never been able to comfortably follow a show at the theatre.”
