From:	Pam Dethridge 
Sent:	Friday, 4 December 2009 9:06 AM
To:	disabdis
Subject:	Objection to Application for Exemption unde DDA Section 55 - Cinema 
Captioning & Audio Description

I am a deaf chartered accountant and one of my favourite pastimes is watching captioned movies. In this 
context, I strongly object to the application lodged by the Big 4 cinema for exemption from complaints 
per above as I do not wish my right for my voice to be heard be denied for two and a half years. The 
current screenings and access is already very limited, and I would like to see more screenings in more 
cinemas and be able to see films in captions close to the time of release to the public.
 
I am aware that the bottom line for the cinemas is profit, however there are intangible benefits that they 
generate from showing captioned films. Not only do the deaf and visually impaired buy cinema tickets, 
they also purchase cinema food and eat in surrounding restaurants. They are able to meet with friends 
and family, they spend as well,  and they all spread the word about films seen, and accordingly the 
cinemas generate much goodwill from the general public and  are seen to be disabled-friendly.   
 
Regards,
Pam Dethridge