I have thrown my support behind RNIB campaign this weekwhen I sat down to watch 
Dr Who with a partially sighted person at a Parliamentary reception which called 
for an increase in the amount of Audio Description on television.

Audio Description (AD) is an additional commentary that describes the body language,
expressions and movements that someone with sight loss cannot see. Currently only 10
per cent of television programmes are audio described. This limits blind and
partially sighted people's access, understanding and enjoyment of television. The
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) organised the event and is calling
for an increase in the amount of AD from 10 to 20 per cent of programming.

I have joined RNIB in calling to make sure blind and partially sighted people
aren't left in the past and can share in the future of this significant part of our
national culture - television.

Whilst watching Dr Who with a partially sighted person I realised
how difficult it is for her to follow it without audio description - who is the
Doctor pointing the gun at and who did he shoot? Blind and partially sighted people
are at risk of being left behind; unable to join in the conversations we have every
day about TV shows.

Following a consultation, TV regulator Ofcom will shortly publish recommendations on
the future of AD. Hundreds of blind and partially sighted people and their family
members responded to the consultation calling on Ofcom to recommend 20 per cent
audio description on all channels.

Steve Winyard, Head of Campaigns at RNIB added: "A decision which does not increase
audio description will leave blind and partially sighted people locked out of the
future of TV. We urge Ofcom to listen to the many blind and partially sighted people
who responded to their consultation and recommend an increase to 20 per cent audio
description on all TV channels."

If more TV was audio described it could reduce some of the isolation that blind and
partially sighted people face everyday. AD is available on digital TV, on DVD
movies, in cinemas, galleries and museums as well as major sporting venues and
exhibition centres.