Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in North Wales can enjoy the latest movie blockbusters thanks to a cinema’s backing for Deaf Awareness Week.
The Odeon, at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham, already screens at least three subtitled films a week.
During Deaf Awareness Week, May 7-13, the cinema will increase the number of screenings to two subtitled films a day and has the option to show even more if there is a demand.
According to Odeon manager Andrew Elvis, he wants cinema to be inclusive and available to everyone.
He said: “We really do want more people to take advantage of what we have to offer. It is really a case of supply and demand.
“If there are deaf and hard-of-hearing people that want to come along and enjoy a film then we want to be able to accommodate them.
“We are showing more subtitled films during Deaf Awareness Week but would be happy to increase the number of films available on a regular basis.”
The cinema’s plans has been given the thumbs up by members of Mold Deaf Club.
Former social worker Barbie Nirvana, 59, from Bala, was born hard-of-hearing but is now profoundly deaf. She also uses a wheelchair.
Speaking at Mold Deaf Club, which she visits with her friend, Cynthia Arthur, 55 also of Bala, Barbie says she is pleased the Odeon is showing subtitled films.
She said: “The biggest problem we face is awareness. I never feel lonely at home but I can feel terribly lonely and isolated if I go out with hearing people. The problem is, it’s as if I’m in a big plastic bubble.
“If hearing people don’t face me I can’t lip read and you end up unable to communicate and more and more withdrawn. I have found it easier to rely on my deaf friends for company which is quite sad in a way.”
She added: “The trouble is deafness is invisible and hearing people simply can’t understand.
“It helps, if I go to a restaurant or somewhere, if there are trained staff who are able to understand my needs. And of course I’m not a baby, being deaf doesn’t mean I’m a child or an imbecile it means I can’t hear, that’s all.”
Cynthia Arthur, added: “Hearing people make us disabled, especially in social settings. As deaf and hard of hearing people we are not disabled with each other.
“Everyone should be treated the same and if it means a film having subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing people then, so long as it is advertised as such, no one can complain.”
Barbie added: “I can understand a hearing person getting annoyed if they want to watch a film without subtitles but they should also think about deaf and hard-of-hearing people too. Why shouldn’t we be able to enjoy going to the cinema?
“It’s great news that the Odeon here at Eagles Meadow is supporting Deaf Awareness Week and I am sure many deaf and hard-of-hearing people will be coming along to enjoy a film.”
Andrew Elvis said: “I am delighted that Barbie and Cynthia are pleased we are trying to raise awareness and are showing more subtitled films.
“If the demand is there we will endeavour to increase the number of films on offer for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers.
“And having spoken to Barbie and Cynthia we are now going to ensure we e-mail North Wales Deaf Association regularly with the listings and times we will be screening subtitled films.
“I would encourage any deaf and hard-of-hearing customers to check what we are screening during Deaf Awareness Week.
For a list of subtitled films and screen times at Eagles Meadow please visit www.odeon.co.uk
