Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski announced that the Assembly recently approved his legislation that would require places of public accommodation to enable closed captioning on a television upon request (A.1547). Closed captioning is a television feature that displays a scrolling transcript of the audio of a program. This is a useful assistive technology for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing; allowing them to understand the broadcast. This legislation simply requires that if requested, establishments enable closed captioning on at least one television.

“This legislation requires a minor accommodation for places of public accommodation that will have a major impact on folks who may be deaf or hard of hearing. Enabling closed captioning is a simple, yet incredibly effective assistive technology that will ensure that whatever is being broadcast, especially in the event of an emergency, is being communicated to everyone,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.

Many times, the same program appears in a public area on several different televisions. Under this bill, should someone request it, closed captioning must be enabled on at least one during regular hours of operation. This is an inclusive feature that would allow everyone to know what is being broadcast. Ensuring everyone is able to understand television programs is especially important in times of emergencies, such as weather events like Superstorm Sandy. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing must be able to determine what is being communicated and closed captioning would make sure that happens.

"This bill is an important bill that enables us, New Yorkers, a step closer to an inclusive environment for Deaf & Hard of Hearing people to receive any information from television programming in public places,” said Sean Gerlis, President of Empire State Association of Deaf. “Closed captioning is especially important when it comes to emergency notifications where it is necessary for everyone to receive the information relayed through television in order to be prepared. I want to commend Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski for making an inclusive environment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people a step closer.”

“This is a simple, yet necessary accommodation in ensuring our deaf and hard of hearing community is able to be included in all televised communications. I am certain that this requirement will be easily implemented and places of public accommodation will happy to assist those that request closed captioning,”