Deaf people are being helped this TT with commentary in sign language.
It follows a pilot project last year to make the even more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
On Senior Race Day a British Sign Language interpreter will provide interpreted commentary of the racing action at the TT Grandstand.
The Manx Deaf Society thanked this year’s sponsors who have helped make this possible, The Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust, PokerStars, RL360° and Duke Marketing.
Members of the island’s deaf community will enjoy VIP Grandstand seating thanks to sponsorship by Process 42 Ltd.
In addition to the signed commentary, TT fans worldwide will be able to access captioned commentary via the TT Live service on the http://ttlive.iomtt.com website.
The Manx Deaf Society has arranged for stenographers to provide captioned text of the Manx Radio commentary on all four race days which will be accessible on all modern mobile devices.
’The idea of helping to bring the TT to the widest audience possible is one that especially appeals to us,’ said RL360° marketing director Simon Barwell.
’Adding live sign language interpretation and online captioned commentary into the mix means everyone, irrespective of their level of hearing, is able to experience this thrilling event to its full extent.’
Sue Hammett of PokerStars said: ’We are delighted to be adding our support to Manx Deaf Society’s work at the TT this year.
’With the introduction of a BSL interpreter during Senior Race Day and captioned race commentary throughout the week, we hope the excitement and exhilaration that is so unique to the TT will reach an audience that would have otherwise been excluded.’
Adam Duke from Duke Marketing has worked with our selected team of stenographers at www.mycleartext.com to further develop the live caption system which is now integrated into its TT Live service.
Fans can alter the text size for easier reading and the stenographers relay the audio commentary in text throughout the four race days.
Adam said: ’Duke is delighted to partner with the Manx Deaf Society again and deliver the caption service. We can’t wait for deaf TT fans world-wide to use TT Live and enjoy all the action.’
Ian Buxton, chair of Manx Deaf Society, said: ’If you imagine watching the TT with no sound and no commentary to explain what is happening it isn’t much fun. The TT is hard to follow with hearing, nearly impossible without, until now.
’We think it was a world first to deliver simultaneous BSL and captioned commentary at the Isle of Man TT last year and we are delighted to be able to extend it in 2107 and have committed to support it again in 2018. We are also working with Duke to release a BSL and captioned TT film later in the year.
’There is a donation button on the commentary box which we hope fans of the TT will use to send Manx Deaf Society a donation to help with the costs of providing the expert BSL interpreter and stenographer support to make this happen for everyone.
’If just 5 per cent of the people accessing the TT Live site donated the price of a cup of coffee, then we will be able to raise enough funding to extend the coverage next year. When you donate please leave us feedback about the experience in the PayPal message box.’
’If any of the TT sponsors or other organisations in the Isle of Man or further afield would like to lend their support to this exciting project in the future we will be very grateful to involve them as we extend this project.’
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