An idea floated by the Justice Department some years back to allow deaf and blind folks to enjoy the movie theater experience could soon become reality, reports Opposing Views.
The White House is likely to sign off on legislation in coming weeks that would require movie theaters to provide audio narration and closed-captioning for blind and deaf individuals. A lawyer for the Justice Department made her case for the move:
"Movies are part of our shared cultural experience," said Eve Hill, who represents the DOJ's Civil Rights Division. "When individuals with sensory disabilities have the opportunity to attend movies that they can actually understand through the use of captions or audio description, they are exposed to new ideas and gain knowledge that contributes to their social development."
Movie theater operators are pushing back, however, though not out of any wish to deny anyone the opportunity for social development. As OV's Dominic Kelly points out, the cost per screen to install the requisite equipment can reach as high as $70k.
"To require closed captioning technology at this time is an undue financial burden that may result in these theaters closing," said the National Association of Theater Owners in a statement to the DOJ.
