January 15, 2003 notice to all television stations concerning programs adapted for the deaf and hearing-impaired.

At a time when French society is striving to take greater account of the difficulties faced by people with disabilities, it is important that those with hearing impairments have equal access to the information, entertainment and culture that television conveys.

Quantitative obligations have already been set for national terrestrial channels.

However, in his report to the Minister of Culture, Mr. Charpillon notes that France is lagging behind other European countries in this respect, and demands that efforts be made to catch up in the near future.

For these reasons, the Conseil recommends that all television services develop their specific subtitling supplies for these viewers. It would be useful for channels to work with representative associations to define the expectations and needs of this population, so that appropriate schemes can be put in place.

The use of sign language should not be overlooked. It is particularly well-suited to live broadcasts, since it enables near-simultaneous translation, and to programs aimed at children who have not mastered speed-reading. Deaf children, isolated by their disability, must be able to share the same entertainment and enjoy the same enrichment as other children their age.

Equal access to television programs for all viewers is a major concern for the Council. It will continue to monitor developments in the quantity and quality of subtitling specifically adapted for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, and the use of sign language in the programs of the various channels.