Sign language translations will soon be provided in a number of major programmes being broadcast by Bahrain Television.

Culture and Information Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa told Shura Council members yesterday that Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC) had already planned in the past to have sign language translations in the programmes.

However, due to the absence of funding as well as administrative and technical support, it was limited to only the weekly show Hayakom Ma'ana (You are Welcome to Join Us), she said.

The minister said that the first phase of the new plan would include providing sign language translation for the live Friday sermon and one of the daily news segments.

'The second phase will involve having it introduced in most of the news segments, but this will require support from other government and civil society organisations, as we look for equality in all what we present to the public,' said Shaikha Mai.

'We believe that this portion of the community deserves attention and we are working to provide it with the relevant services as soon as we overcome the obstacles we are currently facing.'

She was responding to a question by the council's woman and child committee vice-chairwoman Muneera Bin Hindi on the reason behind Bahrain Television missing out on sign language while other television channels have it.

'We hope that this highly awaited project gets implemented as soon as possible,' said Bin Hindi, who is also the president of Bahrain Mobility International (BMI).

'It is unfair to leave out the deaf from their basic right to know what's going around them - events, festivities and news.'

The council introduced sign language services two years ago, as all of its sessions are accompanied by translations on screens at the chamber to help deaf visitors follow discussions.

The taped session is also broadcasted on Bahrain TV with sign language translation as a free service provided by the council.-TradeArabia News Service