THE PLAZA LEADS THE WAY
IN FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED

09:00 - 05 August 2004

The plaza cinema in Truro is leading the way in helping disabled film fanatics enjoy the latest blockbusters.

L Angela Williams, of Cornwall Deaf Association, tries out the headphones.

The theatre is now fully accessible to all cinema-goers, thanks to the introduction of specialist equipment for the hard of hearing and visually impaired.

Two screens now boast soft subtitles and audio description headsets to explain the action to viewers with impaired sight.

The equipment was put to the test with its first audience on Monday during a screening of Shrek 2.
General manager Stuart Jenkins said: "It went very well. The people who came specifically to use the equipment were absolutely over the moon."

The Plaza also held an open day, when members of the public could see and hear the aids in action, in addition to existing equipment such as a lift for wheelchair users and an infra-red system for the hard of hearing.

Angela Williams, from Cornwall Deaf Association, said: "I thought it was absolutely excellent. I wear two hearing aids myself, and the headphones worked well for me.

"Before, I didn't go to the cinema because I couldn't understand the film and you couldn't enjoy it. Instead you would have to wait until you could watch it on DVD or video.

"Now this is a social outing that you can enjoy as much as anyone else."

© Northcliffe Electronic Publishing Ltd.