Have you ever seen an option for a movie in your local listings for a screening that contains “open captions”? These are screenings in which subtitles are on the screen for the movie which not only transcribe the dialogue, but music, character names of who is saying the dialogue, and sound effects as well. Unlike closed captions, they are not presented in a black box. These are designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to watch a movie.
Before open captions were introduced, audiences who were deaf or hard of hearing had to rely on closed-captioning devices that would be placed in a cupholder in your seat. However, these devices came with problems, such as breaking in the middle of a movie. In fact, at Showcase Cinemas (where I work) there’s a promo at the beginning of trailers about accessibility devices like these, reminding audiences to make sure their closed-captioning devices are working. Soon, people who need subtitles won’t have to worry about faulty devices, as New York State may be passing a law requiring open caption showings in movie theaters.
While a law began requiring open captions in some showings in New York State in May of 2022, a new law is being considered. This law will require a quarter of movies shown at a theater to use open captions on their screenings during peak, or highly attended, periods of the day. That way, people who wish to utilize open captions can do so easily.
As someone who understands why some people might need subtitles, passing this law would be a great idea. Not only would deaf and hard of hearing people benefit from this, but some people with autism can’t watch media without subtitles. This is because subtitles can help them focus on the dialogue without being overwhelmed by loud background noises in the media they watch. In addition, people who are learning the English language can use the subtitles to help them learn the language.
I really wish that this law would pass. No matter who needs the subtitles, this would make movie theaters in New York State more accessible places to those with disabilities that require subtitles. Should this law be passed, I would see this as a big victory for making public spaces more inclusive. Everyone deserves to enjoy the stories presented by movies.