Deaf community affected by Teletext Closure

Deaf community affected by Teletext Closure

New Zealand’s Deaf community will be greatly affected by TVNZ’s decision to drop its Teletext magazine service.

The service, which was introduced in 1984 primarily to supply Deaf people with greater access to news and information, will be disbanded by TVNZ early next year.

Deaf Aotearoa Chief Executive Lachlan Keating says the decision is a disappointing one for the Deaf community, especially the older members who regularly use Teletext.

“Over one-third of the Deaf community either doesn’t have or doesn’t receive good internet access, so relies on Teletext to remain up-to-date with news and other essential information from throughout the country,” says Mr Keating.

“They also use the service to access the Deaf pages, which provide information on relevant events and activities.”

Mr Keating says TVNZ has stated that it will work with special interest groups affected by this change.

“On behalf of the Deaf community, Deaf Aotearoa is keen to build a stronger relationship with TVNZ to ensure that Deaf people throughout the country have reliable and easy access to news and information.”

Deaf Aotearoa works with Deaf communities and provides information and resources on a range of services including employment, education, NZ Sign Language interpreting, specialised equipment and youth services.

Deaf Aotearoa also works closely with government agencies, not-for-profit sector organisations, and the corporate sector to increase awareness of Deaf people’s situation, promote New Zealand Sign Language and the strengthen rights of Deaf people.

ENDS

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