Efforts will be intensified to further enhance public cultural services in broadcasting and television for people with disabilities, according to a recent notice jointly issued by the National Radio and Television Administration and the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF).
The notice emphasizes a government-led approach that utilizes social participation, integrated resources, and new concepts, technologies and standards to optimize broadcasting and television services and content supply for persons with disabilities.
More accessible audiovisual programs will be produced to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and safeguard their cultural rights, according to the notice. It encourages improvements in accessibility features across various audiovisual devices and supports the creation of programs specifically tailored for persons with disabilities.
To further enhance accessibility, the notice calls for subtitles, sign language interpretation and audio descriptions in TV dramas and online audiovisual programs. It also supports online audiovisual content providers in offering public welfare barrier-free audiovisual services and encourages efforts in expanding such accessible services from films to TV dramas and documentaries.
Smart broadcasting platforms will also be developed to provide convenient and intelligent information services for persons with disabilities. The notice urges better utilization of digital cultural resources from publicity and cultural departments as well as the CDPF to meet the diverse and personalized cultural and audiovisual needs of persons with disabilities.
Local radio and television administrations are encouraged to collaborate with grassroots disabled persons’ federations and charitable organizations to establish mechanisms for supporting persons with disabilities. More efforts are needed to strengthen local service networks, organize volunteer activities, and provide accessible service windows and door-to-door services at local radio and television networks, according to the notice.
On occasions such as National Disability Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities, promotional events will be held to raise public awareness. The notice also encourages the production and broadcast of diverse programs, public welfare advertisements and audiovisual content focused on the building of a barrier-free environment. The notice also advocates for film and TV productions that highlight the resilience and perseverance of persons with disabilities.
The notice also underscores the importance of improving working mechanisms, ensuring financial support, and strengthening guidance in these endeavors.