Mexico. The Federal Institute of Telecommunications, IFT, presented the results of the qualitative study "Relationship of audiences with disabilities and audiovisual media and content", which aims to explore the perspectives of audiences with visual and hearing disabilities, in relation to the consumption and appropriation of content, both in traditional media and in digital platforms.
This study sought to identify the experiences and suggestions that these audiences have regarding the accessibility mechanisms offered in the contents of the media with the intention that these can be really useful for this population. In this same sense, opinions were also collected about the mechanisms provided by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
In addition, the inquiries focused on knowing the way in which the participants in the study are represented in the contents of the audiovisual programming, in order to explore these conceptions, and have direct references from the audiences themselves that are in this condition. Focus groups and interviews for the study were conducted in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana and Tuxtla Gutierrez, during the second half of 2018. The results of the fieldwork were synthesized in two areas: that of the perceptions of the audiences and that of the analysis of the content of the programs.
Among the main findings is that, in relation to the use and exploitation of ICT and Internet consumption, the predominant medium is the mobile phone, followed by the desktop computer. This gives evidence of the importance of these technologies for the population that has some type of hearing or visual disability. Networks appear to be very relevant for this population, not only for access to information but to get in touch with other people.
As for TV consumption, the frequency of use is medium and low; among the reasons they mainly mentioned the absence of visual tools (subtitles and interpreters) that would allow greater understanding of the theme of the programs; the presence of subtitles that were very small or did not match the scenes; the very small interpreter picture, and the lack of agreement between what the interpreter expresses and what happens, among others.
In the case of radio, most of the visually impaired participants indicated that, in addition to news, they were looking for musical programs and their taste for radio soap operas as they were "more descriptive" narratives. They also said that it is vitally important that the presenters of radio programs are sensitive to the different types of audience they may have, as well as that they have adequate preparation to be able to express themselves verbally in greater detail, especially in the case of those who report.
Among the pending identified it is possible to locate in the field of media representations the lack of participation of people with various types of disabilities in the programming offered; this with the intention of being recognized as citizens participating in society. Another area of opportunity has to do with the more refined development of technologies that help audiences with disabilities to consume any type of audiovisual content.
That is why this study provides inputs to technology development industries, media, civil society organizations and authorities to continue promoting actions that allow building a more inclusive country.
The qualitative study "Relationship of audiences with disabilities and audiovisual media and content" can be accessed at the following link: http://somosaudiencias.ift.org.mx/
