University Challenge: Christmas episode axed after ableism complaints

by footballersrok

16 comments
  1. >One of the affected contestants [who is blind] said: “One minute before the show, we were told there was no audio description and that your captain will instead have to explain everything.”

    >The contestant said the visual images, which needed describing, included a pie chart and maps.

    >The other contestant, who is neurodivergent and has challenges with audio processing, said they had requested subtitles in advance so they wouldn’t be at a disadvantage when trying to answer questions at speed.

  2. I can’t see the name of this show without immediately thinking of The Young Ones.

  3. If you struggle to answer questions at speed, perhaps entering a competition entirely based around answering questions at speed might not be for you.

  4. Struggling to find sympathy here. There’s only 1 or 2 picture rounds per show, so I don’t see why the visually impaired one would need to have them described to them when they have 3 other people who can answer those questions. They already each have specialist topics that they’re best at answering.

    The one with hearing issues was told ahead of recording that subtitles wouldn’t be possible, but still agreed to go ahead. Seems unfair to then turn around and complain afterwards (although they do cite some unspecified “other” issues as well).

    > the experience was “overwhelming and overstimulating”, and that it impacted their ability to function for a week afterwards.

    I’m sorry but you shouldn’t be putting yourself in this position in the first place if this is the possible impact it will have on you. I will never apply to be on any sort of TV show because I know it would make me extremely anxious.

  5. >the experience was “overwhelming and overstimulating”, and that it impacted their ability to function for a week afterwards.

    This is the most embarrassing article I’ve ever read

  6. Sounds like the two affected were in the same team and lost so they can show the rest of the series.

  7. Hope they never apply for Catchphrase! Gonna really struggle on that show!

  8. Like a blind man entering a pool tournament and complaining the table wasn’t in brail , this stuffs getting ridiculous now.

  9. The audio description should be made available on air for a11y.

  10. So they were invited and then not given adjustments 😬

  11. Was it a person in a wheelchair and they didn’t supply a ramp to get to the top bit of the showdown

    Cause that’s just not on

  12. >A BBC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that an episode in the upcoming series of Alumni University Challenge will not be broadcast because two of the contestants felt their access requirements were not sufficiently met by the production.

    The statement that the contestants “felt” their needs weren’t met, as though it’s all in their head is an added insult.

  13. Many people view disability through the medical model of disability, which blames the individual and I’d just like to suggest or highlight some other approaches, in this context the social model of disability would have helped.

    Social Model of Disability: This model shifts the focus from the individual’s impairment to the societal and environmental barriers that restrict their full participation. It emphasizes that disability is not solely caused by impairments but is a result of inaccessible environments, discrimination, and societal attitudes. According to this model, removing barriers and promoting inclusion is crucial for enabling individuals with disabilities to fully engage in society.

    Biopsychosocial Model: This model considers disability as an interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors. It acknowledges that an individual’s impairment interacts with psychological factors (such as coping mechanisms) and social factors (like societal attitudes and support systems) to shape the experience of disability.

    Human Rights Model: Centered on human rights principles, this model views disability as a matter of social justice and equality. It emphasizes the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate fully in society, access education, employment, healthcare, and enjoy all human rights without discrimination.

    Minority Model or Cultural Model: Similar to the social model, this perspective considers disability as a cultural identity or part of human diversity. It focuses on empowering disabled individuals by recognizing their unique experiences, histories, and cultures.

    Eco-social Model: This model considers the complex interactions between the individual, their environment, and society. It highlights the interconnectedness between environmental factors, social structures, and individual experiences of disability.

    Each of these models offers a distinct lens through which disability can be understood, advocating for different approaches to support and empower individuals with disabilities, ranging from a focus on removing societal barriers to recognizing disability as a form of diversity and identity.

    Hopefully this whistle stop tour of lenses you can understand disability may help you when interacting with disability stories rather than blaming or attacking people.

  14. This comment section is a fucking disgrace. Disabled people being dunked on and laughed at by cunts. What a surprise.

    If you don’t need accommodations, well lucky you. Many of us do, and the BBC failing to 9ffer even the most basic (audio for images) is inexcusable.

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