If you have read our post “Is this the Beginning of Closed Captioning for All?” published on November 10, 2015, you have noticed NAD comments on the regulation. We have decided to post this Q&A in full. We thank the National Association for the Deaf (NAD) for taking the time to speak with us
Q: Do you think that United States Department of Transportation (DOT) should widen the ruling to other transportation means; train stations, bus stations and other public transport?
A: The NAD’s position is that the DOT policy on visual access to all auditory information in the form of captioning should apply to all means of public transport.
Q: What other initiatives is the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) working on? What should we expect to see in the near future?
A: The NAD is working on many issues across all areas of life for deaf and hard of hearing people including better education programming, improved employment opportunities, youth programs, full access to all kinds of services including but not limited to medical and legal services, and improved government policies. For example, we are advocating with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to mandate online requests for airline accommodations, pre-boarding options, visually accessible gate communications, and captioned in-flight entertainment.
Q: What actions would the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) like to see coming from the government in support of the deaf and hard of hearing people?
A: The NAD would like to see the DOT issue regulations on captioned in-flight entertainment. We would also like to see the Department of Justice (DOJ) issue regulations on captioning in movie theaters and websites.
Q: Are there any other initiatives/regulations that we should expect to happen in the end of 2015, during the course of 2016?
A: We do not expect any regulations to be issued by the end of 2015, but are hopeful that they will come out in 2016.
Q: Are there specific activities that the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) are working on to increase general awareness and understanding of the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing people?
A: Earlier this summer, as America celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the NAD released 25 videos that shared tips for deaf and hard of hearing people to better understand the ADA. The NAD is developing a video series to raise awareness about rights and responsibilities. We also issue numerous press releases, articles, videos, and social media postings to increase awareness. Additionally, we continue to lobby at the federal level to ensure full access for citizens who are deaf and hard of hearing.
