Television & Radio

Television

• Flat screens give a much clearer picture. High Definition transmission (HD) provides a sharper picture, though this service usually has to be paid for or special HD television purchased

• Sitting close to the TV is not detrimental to your health (unless the TV was bought prior to 1992)

• Check your screen is clean

• Ask your KAB Rehab Worker if you can try a Magnascreen or TV glasses. Magnascreens enlarge the TV picture up to 50% and can be bought direct from IC-Online, call 01226 762513. TV magnifying glasses can be obtained from the Low Vision Clinic at your local hospital

• People who are registered severely sight impaired/blind are entitled to a 50% discount on their TV licence. Call 0844 800 6737

• The digital switchover in Kent takes place in 2012. Registered blind and partially sighted people are eligible for assistance through the Government's Help Scheme. For more information call Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50

• TV listings are available in Daisy format from RNIB. Call 0845 702 3153 or visit www.rnib.org.uk  Large print TV listings can be found in the weekly "Big Print" newspaper. Call 0303 123 9999.

• An audio version of TV listings is available from National Talking Newspapers and Magazines. Call 01435 866102 or visit www.tnauk.org.uk

• Easy to see remote controls are widely available or can be purchased from RNIB

• If poor sight makes it difficult to follow the action or plot of a TV programme, audio description (AD) may be helpful. This is available through Freeview digital set top boxes (newer TVs may have Freeview service built in).

• Audio description is also available through Sky's Freesat System. Call 08442 410 595 or visit www.sky.com

• If you already subscribe to Sky you can enable audio description free of charge. Call Sky's Special Needs Helpline 0844 241 0333.

• Audio description is also available through Virgin Media's cable television service. Call 0800 052 2525.

• A comprehensive list of DVDs containing audio description can be found on the Amazon website www.amazon.co.uk

Radio

• The British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) commission equipment specifically designed for people who are registered sight impaired. Features of these radios include a pre-set function, MP3 CD player and DAB radio capability. Adults and children over 8 years can apply to KAB, who is an agent for BWBF.

• To stay abreast of issues which affect sight impaired people, tune in to BBC Radio 4's In Touch programme on Tuesday evenings or listen to Insight Radio via Sky Satellite Channel 0188 or Freesat Channel 777. Alternatively visit their website at www.insightradio.co.uk