From:	Allan Bates 
Sent:	Thursday, 26 November 2009 9:42 PM
To:	disabdis
Subject:	Oppose Cinema groups application for exemption 


I wish to register my objection to the Village Roadshow, Greater 
Union, Hoyts and Reading Cinemas requesting exemption from the 
Disability Discrimination Act. I oppose them being granted an 
exemption as set out in their application.

In particular I object to the extremely limited timetable for 
provision of audio description.
I wish to highlight that audio description can be played during any 
session of the accessible film's season on the accessible screen.  As 
audio description is a personal service received via headphones, its 
transmission does not potentially lessen the enjoyment of other 
cinema patrons who do not require the service.  Therefore, audio 
description should be made available at all sessions of the 
accessible film on the accessible screen.
I believe that the provision of audio description can be of benefit 
to a significant number of the community and can be provided at a 
relatively low cost. I further believe that the cost benefit will in 
time increase the profit to the theatre groups, however being denied 
such a service when it can so easily be provided is a denial of a 
basic right to enjoy the cinema for blind and low vision people.

Allan Bates
Caulfield 3162