Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people can now watch the TT races with live subtitles of the race commentary.
TT fans from all over the world will have access to the new service via TT Live at ttlive.iomtt.com
The Manx Deaf Society arranged for stenographers to provide subtitle text for the Vauxhall Radio TT commentary on race days which is accessible on any smart phone, tablet or PC with an internet connection.
The live service will be available tomorrow (Wednesday) and on Senior Race Day, and has been available for previous races.
In addition to the new system, a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter will provide signed commentary of the racing action at the TT Grandstand tomorrow.
Members of the Isle of Man Deaf community will have VIP Grandstand seating and will enjoy a tour of the tower.
Ian Buxton, chair of Manx Deaf Society, said: ‘If you take away the scoring and the commentary at a football match any fan would lose interest very quickly. Now imagine watching the TT with no sound and no commentary to explain what is happening.
‘It is pretty hard to follow with hearing, impossible without, until now. Like many things on the Isle of Man, D/deaf TT idea grew more legs than expected!
‘We don’t think that there has been major motor racing event with simultaneous BSL and subtitle support before. This could be a world first for the Isle of Man.’
Adam Duke from Duke, who sponsored the service with RL360, worked with the palantypist team at MyClearText to develop the live subtitling system.
He said: ‘We can’t wait for TT fans world-wide to enjoy the racing using the new system. Duke is delighted to partner with the Manx Deaf Society and create this transformative new service which will improve accessibility of this great event and benefit all followers of the TT.’
Donations can be made to the Manx Deaf Society on the TT Live website.