LOTS TO LOVE

HIT TV show Love Island’s next series will be the most accessible yet Hopefuls taking part in the 10th series will record self-descriptions for blind and partially-sighted viewers

Producers of the ITV programme will also be audio-describing a tour of the Love Island villa, giving audiences an understanding of the visual geography of the key locations

The self-descriptions will be available on the ITVX YouTube page And as part of a package of accessibility improvements, ITV has worked closely with Monterosa, creators of the Love Island app, to make several design upgrades

All episodes of the next series, which launches this summer on ITVX and ITV2, will be subtitled Specialist teams across the broadcaster work closely with Lifted Entertainment (part of ITV Studios), who produce the show, to secure access to episodes as early as possible to prepare subtitles in advance of transmission

ITV’s director of accessibility David Padmore said: “We’re always looking for ways to make our shows more accessible to our audiences

“We hope that having these islander self-descriptions and villa tours available alongside the show will really help bring this summer ’s Love Island to life for our audience ”

Sonali Rai, RNIB’s broadcast and audio-description manager, said: “By embracing self-descriptions, ITV is demonstrating a great understanding of the importance of providing equal access to content

“This proactive initiative sets a remarkable example for the industry, highlighting the power of alternative solutions in creating an inclusive viewing experience ”

ELIGIBILITY to benefits and the ways they can be claimed are changing

The pandemic and the cost of living crisis has put more pressure on a social security system already battered by years of cuts Keeping up with the changing rules is more crucial than ever

The new Disability Rights Handbook, at a cost of £20 for individuals, £43 for organisations and advisers, might seem a lot to have to fork out But it could also be the best investment you’ve made for ages Full of tips to help you make a successful claim, the guide has top advice for: n Anyone with an illness, injury or disability n Carers, children and young people n People in education or work, looking for work, not in work or in retirement n People injured at work or serving in the Armed Forces n Disability Rights UK, Plexal, 14 East Bay Lane, Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3BS Tel 020 3687 0790

Help At The End Of A Phone

n ANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933 n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support Tel 01253 472 202

Textphone 01253 476 450 n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853 n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655

789 7365 n Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 n STOKE: Disability Solutions

Tel 01782 683800 n WOLVERHAMPTON

Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552 n WEST MIDS Amputee Group 07891 794733; 07585 958322; 07557 228154