From:	Penny Pearce 
Sent:	Friday, 27 November 2009 5:51 PM
To:	disabdis
Subject:	cinema captioning

  
  
Dear   , 
  
I am absolutely disgusted to learn that the cinema groups are wishing to be exempt from 
'complaints' for 2.5 years?  If they are going to do this, then by equal rights, they need to 
apply same ruling with general public which will never be approved!!!! 
  
Not once I've been able to go and see a captioned movie with a hearing friend because  
  
a) it shows at awkward times 
b) they've already seen it 
  
Furthermore, with awkward times, I rarely go because of kids and work commitment.  With 
screening showing early evening like 630pm means that I have to find a babysitter to start 
working for me 5pm so that I have time to travel to the nearest captioned cinema and 
finding a sitter to start as early as 5pm is near impossible as they have their own 
commitments. 
  
As always, us deaf people cannot join in the general banter about films with hearing peers 
simply because we are unable to enjoy the films until a later date when they are 
captioned and by then 'its old hat'. 
  
Therefore, I feel it is downright degrading of cinema companies to seek 'exemption' in return 
of continuing to provide 3 screenings per week.  Their stance is certainly not evolutionary, 
achieves no benefit and is downright insulting.  They need feedback in order to advance their 
services to the minority.  Afterall, this particular minority, hearing impairment of varying 
degree, represents at least 10% of the population and it seems most daft at this day and 
age that companies such as these miss to serve such a potential market!! 
  
My main concern is that if they win 'exemption' then it will most certainly set a precedent to 
all other companies serving similar market, not just in Australia but worldwide and that is a 
form of Nazism, sadly. 
  
Regards 
  
Penny Pearce 
England 
Previously resided in Melbourne, Australia.