In an effort to promote inclusivity that may extend beyond New York, two students from Bronx High School of Science have launched a legislative campaign to require movie theaters throughout the state to offer open caption screenings for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Senior Sarah Lin and her sister Julia, a sophomore, are personally invested in the cause, as their mother experiences progressive hearing loss, as reported by News 12 The Bronx.
Sarah Lin stated, "Growing up with a mom who has severe progressive hearing loss, I've seen firsthand how inaccessible movie theaters can be." She is supporting the passage of the Open Captioning Accessibility Act in New York State, which may encourage similar legislation nationwide. According to CBS New York, the Lin sisters are collaborating with the Hearing Loss Association of America's New York Chapter to advocate for the act before the legislative session concludes this month.
While some theaters have already offered devices designed to improve the experience for individuals with hearing difficulties, these measures have repeatedly been criticized, often deemed unreliable. CBS New York conveys the frustration experienced by Katherine Bouton, the president of the Hearing Loss Association of America NYC Chapter, indicating that these devices often fall short. "Most movies, especially in, you know, big theaters have a lot of background noise and a lot of ambient noise and music, and that makes it almost impossible to hear the actual dialogue," Bouton explained, advocating open captions as the solution.
The Lins view the passage of the Open Captioning Accessibility Act as the first step in a broader effort to improve cinema accessibility. Given New York’s influential position, success in the state could potentially lead to similar initiatives in other states. Sarah Lin urged action, as narrated by CBS New York, "New York is such an influential state. So getting this passed statewide would mean probably that other states would follow through. So the next steps is for everyone to reach out to their local assemblyman and senators and write to them, call them, email them and tell them that please vote in favor of the Open Captioning Disability Act."
More information about the act and a petition for public support can be found online, as detailed in the campaign outlined by News 12 The Bronx.
