Inclusion of Accessibility Standards for Hearing
and Visually Impaired People in Indian Cinema
September 23: International Day of Sign Language
Mahesh Kumar
Cultural rights affirm the inherent dignity and equality of every one of us. The rights ensure that an individual can fully participate and contribute to the society. An empowered person adds value to the ocean of humanity. He becomes an agent of change and can contribute in social, economic and other fields after being self-sufficient.
The International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated annually on September 23rd. This day was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951. This day highlights the importance of sign language in ensuring the full realisation of the human rights of deaf individuals. The aim is to raise awareness about the importance of sign language in the full realisation of the human rights of people who are deaf. The International Day of Sign Languages is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. Sign languages are fully-fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from spoken languages. There are over 300 different sign languages used by more than 70 million deaf people worldwide. India has been actively celebrating this day to raise awareness about the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Deaf community.
To build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives, the Government of India established on September 28, 2015 the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center which plays a significant role in promoting and preserving Indian Sign Language. The Mission of the Center is to empower Persons with Disabilities, through its various Acts/Institutions/ Organisations and Schemes for rehabilitation and to create an enabling environment that provides such persons with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and enables them to participate as independent and productive members of society. The theme for the International Day of Sign Languages 2024 is "A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere". This theme emphasises the importance of ensuring that deaf individuals can use sign language freely and comfortably in all aspects of life, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
Hearing Impairments in India
Prevalence: According to the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD), around 63 million people in India suffer from some form of hearing impairment. This includes varying degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound.
Hearing impairment issue causes a significant social and economic impact. It is reflected in productivity loss, managing treatment and aids require funds and restricts the economic growth by the potential contributor due to hindrance in their education and training.
Visual Impairments in India
Prevalence:
- According to the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI), approximately 12 million people in India are visually impaired. This includes various levels of visual impairment, from moderate to severe and blindness.
Impact:
- Social Impact: Individuals with visual impairments may face challenges in education and employment, affecting their social inclusion.
- Financial Impact: Visual impairments can lead to loss of productivity, increased healthcare costs and reduced quality of life.
It is high time that the potential of the persons with certain deficiencies is understood and acted upon, giving meaning to the full ambit of our national life. Enabling the persons with disabilities in actualisation of their fundamental freedoms and ensuring that they could participate in cultural and educational avenues is very significant for a substantive democracy.
In this context films play an enabling, powerful and effective role in the information and communication sector, Including accessibility features in cinema is vital for individuals with disabilities for their full participation in the cultural and social experiences.
The Indian film industry, one of the largest globally in scale and potential, has historically faced challenges in catering to audiences with disabilities. However, recent regulatory and technological advancements signal a growing commitment to inclusivity. This article explores the evolution of accessibility features for hearing and visually impaired people in Indian cinema, detailing regulatory frameworks, implementation schedules, practical examples and ongoing challenges.
Regulatory Landscape
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act came into force from 19th April, 2017. It replaced the earlier Act of 1995. The objective of the RPwD Act is to ensure that all persons with disabilities can lead their lives with dignity, without discrimination and with equal opportunities. The Act lays down specific provisions to uphold such rights. It incorporates the rights of persons with disabilities covered under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory.
Legislative Framework
The Government of India has taken several steps to enhance accessibility in public spaces, including cinemas:
1. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: This landmark legislation mandates universal access across various sectors. Specifically, Sections 29 and 42 of the Act requires appropriate governments to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to information and communication services, including films. The provisions of the enabling Act emphasise the importance of making public exhibitions of films accessible to individuals with hearing and visual impairments.
2. Harmonised Guidelines for Barrier-Free Built Environments: Issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, these guidelines lay out accessibility standards for public buildings, including cinema halls. They address architectural barriers and provide standards for accessible design, ensuring that new cinema constructions and renovations include features such as ramps, accessible seating and appropriate signage. The space needs to be made barrier free and harmonised as per the needs of the persons with impairments.
3. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Guidelines: The CBFC guidelines require films certified for theatrical release to include accessibility features like Closed Captions (CC), Open Captions (OC) and Audio Descriptions (AD). These guidelines are intended to ensure that films are accessible to a wider audience, including those with hearing and visual impairments.
The focus of these guidelines is not only on the content but also on the information; assistive devices and other support needed by persons with disabilities to enjoy films in cinema theatres.
Implementation Schedule
The applicants for the purpose of certification of films for theatrical release shall arrange the access-service for their films as per the following schedule:
• All feature films that are to be certified in more than one language would be required to provide at least one accessibility feature each for the hearing impaired and visually impaired, i.e. Close Captions (CC), Open Captions (OC) and Audio Descriptions (AD), with effect from 15.09.2024.
• Feature films submitted for consideration in the National Film Awards and in the Indian Panorama Section of the International Film Festival of India, IFFI Goa and other Film Festivals organised by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting shall mandatorily include closed captioning and audio description with effect from 1 January, 2025.
• All other Feature Films being certified through CBFC including the teasers and trailers and meant for theatrical release (digital feature films), would be required to mandatorily provide accessibility features for CC/OC & AD, from 2 years from the date of issue of these guidelines.
This phased approach allows for gradual implementation, giving filmmakers and cinema operators time to adapt to the new requirements.
Accessibility Standards for Hearing Impaired
For the hearing impaired, key accessibility features in cinema include:
• Subtitles and Captions (CC/OC): The inclusion of subtitles is crucial for making films accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Recent trends show a gradual increase in films being released with subtitles, particularly on streaming platforms. For example, Bollywood films like "Andhadhun" have embraced subtitles, catering to a wider audience.
• Indian Sign Language (ISL) Interpretation: Although rare, sign language interpretation has started gaining acceptance. Initiatives by organisations such as the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) have aimed to include Indian Sign Language in film screenings and promotional events. For instance, special screenings with sign language interpretation have been conducted for films like "Dangal."
Accessibility Standards for Visually Impaired
• Audio Description: Audio description services are indispensable for making visual content accessible. This involves a narrator describing visual elements during natural pauses in the film. Notable examples include the audio-described versions of films shown at the Mumbai Film Festival and initiatives by the National Association for the Blind (NAB). Films like "Tumbbad" have been praised for their audio description efforts.
• Tactile and Braille Materials: While less common, tactile materials such as braille scripts or touchable models of scenes are emerging tools. The development of these materials remains in its infancy, with few cinemas offering such options. However, there are initiatives in educational settings and film festivals exploring their potential.
Technological Solutions and the Role of Exhibitors
1. Mobile Apps: The Filmmakers would strive to integrate the CC/OC & AD for the feature film in any suitable software application to extend the accessibility feature in any usual screening of the film in the theatres, which can be used through the personal device of the user. This feature would be completely non-invasive.
2. Assistive Devices: Cinemas can use various assistive devices to display captions and descriptions. Options include mirror captions, smart glasses, closed caption stands and displays placed below the screen. These devices help ensure that accessibility features are visible and functional for all viewers.
3. Content Descriptors: Producers are required to prominently display content descriptors for accessible features on certified films, including teasers and trailers. This practice helps viewers identify films with accessibility features and ensures they are aware of the available options.
4. Action Plans for Cinemas: Cinema operators are required to develop annual action plans to enhance accessibility. These plans should include provisions for at least 2 to 5 pieces of equipment per 200 seats for CC and AD. Cinema halls must also consider holding special screenings on demand to accommodate accessibility needs.
Public Awareness
• The appropriate Government shall take steps for public awareness of films' accessibility needs and the measures that have been devised to encourage accessibility. The government is responsible for promoting public awareness about the accessibility features of films and the measures taken to improve accessibility. This includes disseminating information about accessible films through various channels.
• The film industry should consider the provision of accessibility features in films as a measure leading to increase in their audience and box office revenues and therefore a justification for incurring the additional cost on accessibility features.
• Industry bodies and associations will take effective steps to publicise and create awareness among the public about the accessibility of feature films including through periodic announcements on their own and other platforms, highlighting accessible pro-grammes on electronic programme guides, printed programme guides and providing information in publications aimed at persons likely to benefit from accessible films. They shall also create awareness amongst their members to increasingly make films more accessible to the persons with disabilities, thereby increasing their own audience.
• Cinema owners in consultation with organisations for disabled persons (hearing and visual impairment) shall train their customer service staff on how to serve patrons with disabilities, including explaining how they can find information about access services, assist in booking of tickets, etc.
Examples of Accessibility Initiatives
In recent years, several Indian films have incorporated accessibility features to accommodate audiences with hearing and visual impairments. These features include subtitles, audio descriptions and sign language interpretations. Here are some notable examples:
1. Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI): The MAMI Film Festival has been proactive in integrating accessibility features, such as audio description and subtitles, into its programming. This commitment to inclusivity serves as a model for other film festivals and cinema operators across the country.
2. Tumbbad: This Marathi film is notable for its inclusion of audio descriptions, making it more accessible to visually impaired audiences.Tumbbad exemplifies how mainstream films can inte-grate accessibility features effectively.
3. Shrikant: Another example of a film with strong accessibility features, "Shrikant" includes both subtitles and audio descriptions. This reflects the growing trend towards making Indian cinema more inclusive and demonstrates how accessibility features can be integrated into mainstream productions.
There are several other examples of such integration of accessibility features and the film industry has responsibly taken on themselves such an initiative.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite these advancements and availability of non-invasive technologies and options, several challenges remain:
• Inconsistent Implementation: While new guidelines and policies have been notified, their implementation is still embryonic. Ensuring quality accessibility features in new films is a matter of concern for the industry as well as for the target audience.
• Awareness and Training: There is a need for greater awareness and training among filmmakers, cinema operators and the general public regarding the importance and benefits of accessibility features.
• Funding and Resources: Implementing accessibility features can be costly, and there is a concern among small filmmakers regarding the financial and logistical support.
The evolution of accessibility standards for hearing and visually impaired people in Indian cinema shows promising progress, driven by legislative measures, technological advancements and successful case studies. While significant strides have been made, achieving full inclusivity requires ongoing commitment from all stake-holders-government bodies, film producers, cinema operators and advocacy organisations. By continuing to innovate and invest in the technology and with embracing and implementing accessibility features, Indian films can become truly universal medium of enjoyment and engagement to all audiences.
Terminology
Audio Descriptions- Audio description is a service that provides spoken narration of visual elements in media content for individuals with visual impairements. It involves a narrator describing essential visual details-actions, settings, facial expressions and on-screen text, during natural pauses in dialogue or significant moments.
Closed Captions-Closed captions are a textual representation of the spoken dialogue and other relevant information.It can be turned on/off by the user or service provider.
Indian Sign Language, ISL- It is the translation of audio-visual content conveyed through gestures, movements and facial expressions.
Open Captions- It is an integral part of the audio-visual content and can not be turned off and the user do not have option to close the text.
Mirror Captions - Inverted Captions of the movie are played at the back of the cinema. A mirror is provided that can be stored in the cup holder and of the seat and can be adjusted in a way that enables one to see the captions in that mirror. As the movie is being watched, the Closed Captions (CC) is reflected the right way around in the mirror.
Closed Captioning Smart Glasses with wires, wherein captions are in display at the bottom of the glasses.
Closed Caption Stands - A flexible long pole by the side of viewer that is attached to a small rectangular screen is provided to displays the captions.
Closed Caption display below the Screen - A separate small screen immediately below the big screen with synchronised projection display of captions/subtitles.
Headphones/Earphones for Audio Description (AD) - Audio Description is provided through headphones or earphones attached to specific AD-enabled seats.
Using Mobile Apps (during the regular show) - The film producers would strive to integrate the CC & AD for the film in any of the suitable software applications, to extend the accessibility feature in any usual screening of the film in the theatres, which the users may download for use on their personal device.
(The author belongs to Indian Information Service and is presently working as Regional Officer of Central Board of Film Certification, Delhi Bureau. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employment news@ gmail. com)
Views expressed are personal.