History: the early years
Following the introduction of sound in the cinema in the late 1920s, access to entertainment and information for Deaf people was still through newspapers or via hearing friends and family. By the mid-1950s, many hearing people had bought a television set, but there was no incentive for Deaf people to do so as there were no subtitles or sign language being broadcast.
At the end of the 1950s, the BBC transmitted the first programme made specifically for a Deaf audience. It was called For Deaf Children. Presented by a hearing person, the programme took a strongly oral approach using gesture, speech and captions. Although For Deaf Children was primarily aimed at the young Deaf, the BBC was anxious that all children should be able to enjoy the programme and it quickly attracted a large hearing audience.
Because of the success of this series, in 1960 the BBC decided to broaden the scope of the programme and rename it Vision On. Tony Hart, who had enjoyed great success in For Deaf Children, presented the show alongside former actress Pat Keysell. Pat used speech and some signs in her presentation, and Vision On became hugely popular, running until 1977.
