Television, film, theatre and music form an important cluster of creative artefacts for the evolution of culture in a society. In order for a member of society to be fully included, access to these artefacts is critical. Not only should people be able to consume them but also create and engage with them. However, it is common for people with disabilities to be excluded or only partially included. Examples of some technologies and processes that have been applied to this problem are: subtitles for the hard of hearing or closed captions, audio description for access by people who are blind, tactile tours, and sign language windows or sign language interpreters appearing on-stage at live events. However, often these particular devices are considered to be an add-on to the mainstream product and designed or considered during the process. Many cultural institutions then view accessibility as an “extra” or something to deal with after the production is completed. As a result, the opportunities to have an inclusive creative work can be lost.This session calls for presentations and discussion of examples of academic or applied research that challenges conventional assumptions about providing access to media. Examples could be:

• Novel techniques for closed captioning
• New concepts in the production or delivery of audio description
• Work on guidelines, standards, regulations or procedures that challenge conventional thinking or practice
• Novel techniques in providing sign language access to media
• Novel creative practices that are inclusive of people with disabilities
• Business applications of inclusive media

In this session, we would like to share experience, knowledge, new techniques and ideas that promote accessible media. In addition, we encourage presentations and discussion on the regulatory and business implications of inclusive media.Education or standard-setting initiatives involving accessible digital media are also important advances in this STS.This session is organised in co-operation with the hbb4All project funded by the European Commission in the frame of its Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) in the 7th Framework Programme.  

Chairs

• 
  Deborah Fels, Toronto Metropolitan University
• 
  Hadmut Holken