From:	Alastair McEwin 
Sent:	Monday, 30 November 2009 9:15 PM
To:	disabdis
Subject:	Application for exemption under DDA section 55: Cinema captioning and 
audio description

Attention: Michael Small, Director, Disability Rights Unit, AHRC

Dear Michael,

I write to express my strong objection to the application for exemption under DDA section 55 on 
behalf of Hoyts Corporation, Greater Union Organisation, Village Cinemas and Reading Cinemas (the 
applicants).

In essence, granting this exemption will be a backwards step for the rights of people who require 
captions and audio descriptions to enjoy movies.  It will be a backwards step because in eight years, 
despite the massive advances in technology, the applicants continue to show only one movie 3 times 
per week (and at times that don’t suit the majority of people who attend movies).

Granting this exemption means that, in reality, by 2011, things will be the same as they were in 2001 
(i.e. one movie per week).  For far too long, the applicants have procrastinated with providing 
enhanced access to movies for Deaf and blind people.  Granting this exemption will only provide the 
applicants with further means to resist any improvements to the rights of Deaf and blind people.

I strongly urge the Australian Human Rights Commission to not grant this exemption.

Regards,
Alastair McEwin