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Hamilton County ramps up closed-captioning campaign for Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents
Summary
County staff described a multimedia campaign and business decal program to encourage restaurants and other establishments to enable closed captions; the initiative includes a Hamilton County Tourism media partnership and a resources guide for businesses.
Committee staff recapped a countywide closed-captioning initiative aimed at increasing access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and visitors.
Committee member Molly briefed attendees on a partnership with Hamilton County Tourism and several municipalities to run a media campaign that has been active since spring. “There is a logo decal that businesses can display to show their commitment to, you know, having at least one television set up for closed captioning,” Molly said.
The committee said the campaign will include social media content in September to mark Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month and that a quick guide for businesses is available on the Hamilton County Tourism website. Jason Wagner, who represents the deaf community but was not present, has provided feedback to the county on implementation, the staff summary said.
Speakers stressed that closed captions benefit more than people who are deaf; captions also help patrons in noisy public spaces and those watching televised news or sports without sound. “No one should have to ask for closed captions to be turned on,” a recorded video excerpt said during the presentation.
The committee said it is working with industry partners, including the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association, to encourage businesses to adopt captioning and to make guidance available on how to enable captions on streaming devices and TV settings. Staff noted that Hamilton County hosts a sizable population of Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents because of a nearby deaf school.
Committee members asked whether captioning would be extended to classes and programs at city facilities; that point was discussed later when committee members reviewed accessibility recommendations for the new Fishers Community Center.
