Volume 43, No. 1 & 2 World Technology News and Commentary for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
Alright, open your eyes! GOING TO THE MOVIES WITH CAPTIONS
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED SERVICE ADDRESS Also Inside: Accessible Technology in Digital Cinema
Page 14 Permit No. 163 No. Permit
Dulles, VA Dulles,
20910-3803
PAID
Silver Spring, Maryland Spring, Silver
U.S. Postage U.S.
8630 Fenton Street • Suite 121 Suite • Street Fenton 8630 TDI in Action
Org. Non-Profit
TDI Page 26 You’ll Love The Freedom
To learn more about SVRS®, visit www.svrs.com. Copyright © 2013 Sorenson Communications. All rights reserved. SVRS® and respective branding property of Sorenson Communications. TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 1 TDI’s Mission “TDI provides leadership in achieving equal access to telecommunications, media, and information technologies for deaf and hard of hearing people.” World Volume 43.1&2 Editor-in-Chief: Claude Stout Feature Article Managing Editor: Jim House Associate Editor: Bill Graham Accessible Technology in Digital Cinema ...... pg 16 Advertising Manager: Claude Stout Publication Production: Electronic Ink Regular Columns TDI BOARD OF DIRECTORS NORTHEAST REGION Bernard Hurwitz (NY) BOARD VIEWS by Dr. Roy Miller, TDI President ...... pg 2 [email protected] Good, But Not Perfect SOUTHEAST REGION Fred Weiner (MD), Vice President [email protected] CAPITOL COMMENTARY by Claude Stout, TDI Executive Director ...... pg 4 MIDWEST REGION Captioned Movies: Introducing Us to Life’s Mysteries, Wonders, and Realities Stephanie Buell (WI) [email protected]
CENTRAL REGION ACCESSIBLE TECH by James House, TDI World Editor ...... pg 8 Rebecca Rosenthal (KS), Secretary [email protected] The Reluctant Moviegoer WEST REGION Sheila Conlon-Mentkowski (CA) [email protected] When Crickets Sign by Bill Graham, TDI Associate Editor ...... pg 11 MEMBERS-AT-LARGE From Mothra to Captioning Joe Duarte, Treasurer [email protected] Dr. Roy E. Miller, President TDI Affiliate Membership Form...... pg 20 [email protected] Carol Sliney [email protected]
TDI Membership Form...... pg 21 TDI OFFICE STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Claude Stout TDI In Action June - November 2011 ...... pg 26 [email protected]
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR James House [email protected]
BUSINESS MANAGERs Terry Berrigan and John Skjeveland [email protected]
VOLUNTEERs Dawnell Douthit Yvonne Mattiello
Telecommunications for the Thanks to these Advertisers: Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI) 8630 Fenton Street - Suite 121 Sorenson (pg. C2) • ALDA (pg. 3) • Hamilton Relay (pg. 5) • ZVRS (pg. 9) • Maryland Relay (pg.10) Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3803 Verizon (pg. 13) • Convo (pg. 17) • Blackberry (C3) • CapTel (pg. C4) www.TDIforAccess.org
Telephones: Phone (Voice/Video): ...... 301-563-9112 Contact TDI World Editor for reprints of articles in PDF format. FAX: ...... 301-589-3797 To subscribe to TDI eNotes, send an email to to TDI WORLD is published quarterly by TDI to provide information about telecommunications, media and information [email protected] technology access for people who are deaf, late-deafened, hard of hearing and deaf-blind. You may freely copy and distribute all or portions of TDI WORLD for non-commercial use with credit given to TDI. TDI has no affiliation with Follow TDIforAccess on any company advertised, and the mention of company names, products and services in the articles herein comes solely from the authors’ own experiences and does not imply accuracy nor endorsement by TDI. Furthermore, TDI does not warrant any products or services mentioned in TDI WORLD to be in compliance with any applicable federal, state or local disability access laws and regulations or industry standards. 2 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
Board Views Good, But Not Perfect I used to love to go to movies, but that not perfect. pleasurable experience stopped for me For example, take open captions. As about twenty-five years ago when I we all know, with open captions the became deaf. For many years, I simply captions are superimposed on the put that on my list of “Things I used film and displayed on the screen at to do, but don’t do any more.” For the bottom of the picture. For many example, while in high school I played people with hearing loss this is the football, but I don’t do that anymore. ultimate in viewing pleasure. But For many years I played baseball, there are two basic problems. First, and then softball (both slow and fast very few films are open captioned pitch), but I don’t do that anymore. by the producers. So if we rely on In the past, I enjoyed hunting doves, open captions then our movie going pheasants, and quail. Walking the experiences are severely limited. By DR. Roy Miller farmers’ fields in the fall behind my Second, very few theaters show open TDI President hunting dogs was an activity that I captioned films because the theater thought would never end, but I don’t owners say they interfere with the do that anymore. And for much of my viewing experience of hearing patrons. life I spent time on the water fishing Good, but not perfect! with my sons, but I don’t do that “Assuming that we anymore. Yes, there are many things What about Rear Window that I once did that I don’t do anymore. Captioning© system? It is a closed could convince movie I think that we all have such a list, and caption system, and was developed the older we become, the longer our as an alternative to open captioning producers to put list becomes. in order to avoid the criticism that invisible captions on all hearing people did not like to see the Generally we don’t stop doing the captions. With RWC the dialogue of of their films, the use things we enjoy because they no the movie is displayed on a large LED longer pleasure us, but rather because panel at the back of the theater. It of UV glasses would our life circumstances change. And is then displayed at the movie goer’s that’s the way it was with me and the seat on a small reflective plastic panel truly make all movies movies. I stopped going to the flicks that is attached to a flexible arm that because I became deaf, and at that mounts in the cup holder of the arm accessible to people time there was no such thing as an rest. The reflective plastic panels are accessible movie (except for foreign adjusted by the viewer to position the who are deaf or hard films with subtitles, but where I lived captions where they want them to of hearing, anytime no theater showed them). But over the appear on the screen. But, the flexible years, circumstances again changed as arms are often hard to get in the right of the day, any day various technologies were developed location to easily view the captions. that again made going to the movies The reflective panels often are difficult of the week, in any something that I could do. to get solidly anchored in the seat cup theater of multiplex Over time, I have had the good fortune holder. And the movie goer basically of experiencing all of the different has to sit very still because any contact establishments – technologies that are currently used with the plastic panel would mess to make moves accessible to deaf everything up. Then too, very few without the problems and hard of hearing people. I have movies are distributed ready to be enjoyed once again being able to shown with the RWC system, and very that plague current view movies, but seemingly there is a few theaters have been willing to spend problem or two with all of the current the money to install the system. So access technologies.” access modalities. Yes, movie access again, there is limited access. Good, technologies are good, but certainly Continued on page 3 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 3
board views Continued from page 2 but not perfect! The movie industry’s transformation to digital technology opened up new captioning opportunities, and Sony quickly developed its Entertainment Access Glasses. Using holographic technology, these glasses display the captions on their lenses. They seem to floating in the air. Some people like the glasses, but I for one find them Invisible captions promise to bring accessible captions without bulky equipment somewhat problematic. They tend to be heavy, and many people complain that the glasses hurt the bridge of their people with arthritis). The flexible arm flexible arm. Almost perfect! has the same problems as the arm used nose. If you look away from the screen I say “almost” because if a deaf with the Rear Window Captioning the captions go with you. They are person looks away from the screen system. Good, but not perfect! displayed on your glasses no matter for a moment they lose part of the where you are looking, and captions To me, the most exciting development film’s dialogue, whereas a hearing on the wall, your box of popcorn, or in movie access technology is the person still hears all of the dialogue your sweetheart’s face can be very Invisible Captioning project at NTID. regardless of where they might be uncomfortable. And of course, you This technology uses ultra violet light looking. This technology is still in have to hold your head very still if to display the captions on the movie the development stage, but I look you want the captions to appear in the screen (just like open captions) but forward to the day when it becomes same place on the screen, which can they are visible only to people wearing commercially available. Assuming produce a mild stiff neck by the end of a very light pair of glasses coated with that we could convince movie the film. Good, but not perfect! a UV filter. With this technology the producers to put invisible captions captions stay on the screen, they don’t on all of their films, the use of UV The CaptiView Closed Caption follow your nose. Hearing people in glasses would truly make all movies Viewing System by Doremi is the the theater are not bothered because accessible to people who are deaf or latest entry in the toolbox of movie they cannot see the captions. There hard of hearing, anytime of the day, access technologies. The CaptiView are no batteries to die during a movie. any day of the week, in any theater of system consists of a small, OLED There is no expensive equipment to multiplex establishments – without the display on a flexible support arm that be installed in the back of the theater. problems that plague current access fits into the theater seat cup holder. The glasses are light, and there are no technologies. And that would be The display screen is equipped with problems in mounting or adjusting a “almost perfect!” a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, and comes with a privacy visor so that it can be positioned directly in front of the movie patron with minimal distraction to neighboring patrons. It uses wireless transmission of the captions, and if it is working correctly the captions automatically appear when the movie starts. But it has its problems. Its battery may not be charged when the theater attendant gives it to you, or it may go dead at any time during the movie! The display needs switched to the right room in a multiplex theater, and the switch is so small that not everyone can find or use it (it was certainly not designed for 4 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
Capitol Commentary Captioned Movies: Introducing Us to Life’s Mysteries, Wonders, and Realities
If someone were to ask me to list the movies without captions, like the By CLAUDE STOUT TDI Executive Director top twenty-five things that made a Miracle Worker, Fahrenheit 451, profound impact on us in the deaf Mary Poppins, and The Dirty Dozen. and hard of hearing community Sometimes my mother and I went to across America, watching movies with a movie theater, and I never forget captions would definitely rank high on asking her many times what Rhett “Movies are a vital the list. Butler was telling Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. cultural activity for us to I was born almost 60 years ago in 1954. During the first five years of In college, I continued to watch enjoy a richer experience my life, movies were just a blur on captioned movies, now from the U.S. television, which back then were in Department of Education, a major in life along with the black and white and took forever to source of funding for captioned other arts like concerts, come on. movies and television programs years Then I went to the North Carolina later. As more captioned movies were plays and books.” School for the Deaf and spent fourteen shown on television, we experienced a happy years there. One of the things slow but steady rise in the hours spent we often looked forward to were television. Once in a while, movie subtitled movies from the Captioned theaters would offer a first-run movie Films for the Deaf, a unit within the with open captions, and we would go US Department of Health, Education, watch it there as it reminded us of the and Welfare (HEW). These movies captioned films of my childhood. My were shipped in large reels to us girlfriend Judy (now my dear wife) every week, and we ran them on and I set up many dates late late on 16mm projection equipment. We Saturday nights to watch foreign films were thrilled to see Tom going after with subtitles at a popular theater near Jerry, Wiley the Coyote chasing the Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. RoadRunner, and lots of Looney Tunes Then we were able to have more with captions. As we got older, we control over our viewing when began to enjoy less cartoons in favor videotape recorders, and later DVD of family movies for viewers of all ages players became household accessories such as Flubber, Old Yeller, movies attached to our TVs. We were able starring Jerry Lewis, and others with to watch captioned movies at home Elvis Presley. on our time. At first, the number of Once in a while, we would go to movies were limited, but thanks to the movie theater in downtown a lawsuit by Russ Boltz against five Morganton, N.C. We watched some Continued on page 6 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 5
Hamilton CapTel® is making Android™ captioned telephone
BlackBerry® smarter than ever.
Backed by nearly a decade of proven captioned iPhone® telephone technology, Hamilton CapTel is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that make phone conversations simple and accessible for individuals with hearing loss.
Love your Android™, BlackBerry® or iPhone®? Hamilton CapTel has an App that’s just a download away. Prefer a PC or Mac® solution? Hamilton CapTel is available wherever you have an internet-connected computer or laptop and a phone.
iPad® And for your home or office, the latest CapTel phone easily connects via ethernet or WiFi – it’s the perfect solution.
Android™ Tablet If you just can’t hear on the phone, Hamilton CapTel makes it possible to listen and read word-for-word captions of what’s said to you over the phone. Whether you’re at home, in the office or on the go, you can experience clarity and confidence with every call!
Find smarter solutions that work for you PC/Mac® at HamiltonCapTel.com
CapTel® Voice and data plans are required when using Hamilton CapTel on a smartphone. 840i Phone The CapTel phone requires telephone service and high-speed Internet access. (WiFi Capable)
Captioned Telephone Service is designed exclusively Hamilton CapTel may be used to make 911 calls, but may not function the same as traditional 911 services. For more information for individuals with hearing loss and is funded and about the benefits and limitations of Hamilton CapTel and Emergency 911 calling, visit www.HamiltonCapTel.com. regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. Copyright © 2013 Hamilton Relay. All rights reserved. • CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. • Android is a trademark of Google Inc. To learn more, visit www.fcc.gov. BlackBerry is a trademark of Research In Motion Limited • iPhone, iPad and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc. 6 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
CAPitol commentary Continued from page 4 movie studios in the late 2006 in California, the number of available movies in captions skyrocketed over the years. I still remember renting several home video movies at once on many weekends from the BlockBuster Video store near my home in Germantown, Md. We are more fortunate now than before that we can access movies with captions. Options include first-run movies at the theater or wait for the DVD to come out, which usually happens after a few weeks run on “VOD” (Video on Demand) from the comfort of our home. Or we can go to a Classic movies like “Old Yeller” (above), and cartoons like “Tom grocery store or a convenience and Jerry” (left) were some of the few movies that were easier store and rent a movie outside to understand despite the lack of details that come with captions. from a box for a dollar and some change. If we wanted to watch older movies, we can download or request a DVD Association of Theater Owners to be mailed to our home from (NATO) to gain a fuller experience as Netflix, which has pledged movie goers. to caption its entire online Last year, we were thrilled to hear NetFlix library by next year. There are that U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, D-IA by the Disability Rights and many places on the Internet has announced his chief sponsorship where we can stream movies to our Education Defense Fund with support of two legislative bills with the computer or the family television set. from National Association of the Deaf. goal of improving access to the My good friend Jim Hynes tells me As some of you may not know, movies in theaters and on the plane. he loves the flexibility of being able to we tried to include full access to According to the Health, Education, watch movies with his iPad on the go the movies in theaters as a part of because he can pause a movie midway Labor and Pension (HELP) Senate the Americans with Disabilities Committee website, the Captioning and resume later when it is more Act of 1990, but due to extensive convenient. and Image Narration to Enhance Movie lobbying efforts by the studios and Accessibility (CINEMA) Act would Please know it has been the last ten movie theaters via Motion Picture to twenty years we have had more amend Title III of the ADA to require Association of America (MPAA) and movie theater complexes of two or access to the movies at home, in the National Association of Movie Theater theaters, or on our smart phones more theaters to make captioning and Owners (NAMTO), as a compromise video description available for all films and tablets. We are grateful for the with the U.S. Congress, we chose not at all showings. lawsuits that were settled in our favor to make this an additional provision of by the Attorney Generals with some the ADA. We also had meetings with the U.S. states. These legal decisions were Department of Transportation to spurred when deaf and hard of hearing More good news… We have draft amendments to the Air Carrier movie patrons were fed up with the continued to engage in some subtle Access Act that will require airlines lack of closed captioning, especially advocacy efforts over the years by members of ALDA led by its since 1990 with the Motion Pictures to make in-flight movies and other champion, John Waldo. Last but not Association of America (MPAA), entertainment accessible with captions. least, we are grateful for the favorable which represents the major Hollywood The Department has yet to release a outcome of the class action suit against movie studios, and with National Continued on page 7 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 7
CAPitol commentary Continued from page 6 supplemental notice of Last but not least, required to have captions beginning proposed rulemaking on we are maintaining next year. this topic. vigilance around The more that FCC hears from us the clock on movies The second bill introduced when we file complaints, the more previously shown on by Senator Harkin, The Air action we will see from them. We television to be shown Carrier Access Amendments must hold video program owners, on the Internet with Act would amend the producers and distributors accountable captions. We have filed Air Carriers Access to meet their obligations as per The complaints with the Act to require that air 21st Century Communications and FCC against Amazon carriers make captioning Video Accessibility Act of 2010 and others that haven’t and video description (CVAA) kept up with their available for visually- obligation to produce May you enjoy this issue on the displayed entertainment Senator Tom Harkin captions for some technologies and resources that make programming— TV programs shown movie captioning more of a reality. live televised events, recorded online. Let us know if you see any TDI will continue to support your programming, and motion TV programs or movies that were access needs here in the nation’s pictures—that is available in-flight shown recently with captions on TV, capital. We continue to work closely for passengers. would require but not captioned when you saw it on with trade groups like MPAA and airlines to show movies in captions the Internet. Currently programs that NATO. Movies are a vital cultural for their patrons that take flights were shown in the past year must be activity for us to enjoy a richer on their planes. Sen. Harkin and accessible. Older TV programs that experience in life along with the other other members of the U.S. Senate first aired more than a year ago will be arts like concerts, plays and books. HELP Committee have already held a public hearing on these two bills. TDI will continue to watch for future developments and keep you posted on the passage of these two bills by both houses of U.S. Congress. There are some additional resources that have been extremely useful for our access to movies. In this issue, you will read about a few technologies that help provide captions on movie theater screens. Currently, theaters have several options to buy captioning display from Sony (Glasses), Doremi Labs (CaptiView), and others such as Contacta that help install audio loop technology in some theaters those who need amplified hearing support that allows them to enjoy the movies with hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive listening devices. If you haven’t tried it, please do check the CaptionFish website at www. captionfish.com. It has up-to-date information on theaters near you that offer captions for some of their movies, including schedule and sometimes the technology used to display captions. Web page listing nearest captioned movies at www.captionfish.com 8 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
Accessible Tech The Reluctant Moviegoer Like Claude, I do have a lot of reflectors from items bought from memories about movies, both good Home Depot for about two dollars and not so great. I do enjoy movies each. They were proud to have from time to time. However, since saved a bundle from the high-quality the theaters have denied us captioned theatrical reflectors that went for $30 movies for much of my life, I have and change apiece. It showed. Half of reciprocated in kind by denying them the reflectors broke when the patrons my hard earned money and ignored tried to adjust them, and many walked their mega tubs of popcorn and out. I hope it was a lesson learned - do drinks, which was worth its weight in not skimp on accessibility. fool’s gold. The second experience was someone When Regal Cinemas invited me to pestering me at a movie, asking why a symposium many months ago, I I had a rear view mirror when the By JAMES HOUSE jumped at the chance to spend an movie screen was in front of me. This TDI World Editor afternoon at the movies, and thereby movie was Disney’s attempt to glorify suspending my participation in reality car theft, a remake of a legendary cult for a few hours. This symposium flick, “Gone in Sixty Seconds” starring “Offer closed captions, offered a rare opportunity to evaluate Nicholas Cage. The original movie several movie captioning technologies made in 1974 still replays in my mind but please offer more in development before they were every now and then. In trying to deployed to movie theaters across keep up with the spirit of the movie, open captioned showings. the country as part of an industry I tried to joke that it was so I can see I recently had a transition to digital cinema. Digital the red lights behind me from the cinema was the industry’s answer to police. In a way it was half true - the conversation with a deaf appease the millions of frustrated red lights were not chasing me, but deaf and hard of hearing moviegoers they were the caption letters reversed man who had cerebral over the past 85 years since the talkies on the back wall so I could read the came. The talkies trampled the golden mirror reflection in front of me. That palsy. None of the closed era of silent films where everyone encounter fell flat and did not put me enjoyed the comedic antics of Charlie in a frame of mind to really enjoy the captioned options worked Chaplin, Lon Chaney, Greta Garbo, movie. and other silent movie stars. for him because he could Back to The Game Plan. The movie Regal was showing “The Game Plan”, paused midway through a football not stay still. With open a Disney film about a football star game scene, and we switched captions, it does not who wakes up to find a long-forgotten devices. While I welcomed this new 8-year old daughter at his front door, captioning device, it still carried one require you to sit immobile a gift from a former girlfriend. The important disadvantage like the Rear afternoon started with about 20 Window reflector - I was still missing like a statue for two hours, minutes of using the old Rear Window a cupholder. Instead of a reflector captioning reflectors. Not having so on a gooseneck, I had a box about and you have a place to many people in the theater made it the size of jumbo playing cards on a easy for me to adjust the reflector, but gooseneck. I align the narrow end of put your drink without I was still scarred by two previous the box with the bottom of the movie spilling it on the floor.” experiences. screen so I could see the movie and The first experience was a captioned read the captions below the image. A Star Wars showing sponsored by a big improvement since I did not have large corporation which shall remain to aim the reflector against the rear unnamed. A representative proudly wall. The captions were transmitted announced that they jerry-rigged 100 Continued on page 10 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 9 10 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 The original Gone in 60 Seconds featured a 40 minute car chase sequence. The stunt driver star, HB Halicki was killed while filming a sequel in 1989. The Disney version of Gone in 60 Seconds, stars Nicholas Cage, a retired car thief forced to steal 50 cars to save his brother from a gangster execution. This version had captions while the original movie did not. accessible tech Continued from page 8 to the device, and though it was hard away from the movie. The captions to set up at first, it was easier to read. in the eyeglasses followed me. I could But those bright white letters certainly continue following the dialogue, even gave my eyes a workout. The next when I was not looking at the movie. device was more of the same - except A bit disorienting, but functionally possibility of with green letters, a little bit easier on equivalent in a way. It is like being blending into light backgrounds. the eyes. able to close my eyes and listen to I realize its a trade off by offering either a presentation. This was a big leap After about 20 minutes of struggling an open captioned movie at certain ahead from what I was used to. with the Rear Window reflector and showings or closed captioned movies 40 minutes of staring at captions But as far as the whole spectrum of at all showings. Offer closed captions, in two different boxes, it was time captioning technologies go, the big but please offer more open captioned for an intermission. As the ushers winner hands down was something showings. I recently had a conversation swapped the captioning equipment, we that the symposium did not offer. with a deaf man who had cerebral palsy. stretched our legs and compared our Everyone of us attending would have None of the closed captioned options thoughts on what we have seen so far. loved to watch an entire film with worked for him because he could not When we re-entered the auditorium, open captions where the words are stay still. With open captions, it does they gave each one of us a pair of displayed under the movie image. If not require you to sit immobile like a glasses that had a small screen in front some people feel that captions ON the statue for two hours, and you have a of one eye, and can be worn over your screen are distracting, may I offer a place to put your drink without spilling it on the floor. regular eyeglasses if necessary. There very reasonable compromise, which is a control where you can enlarge or would be captions UNDER the screen. Now I have a confession. You can guess shrink the letters within your visual It does not cost anything more than a I am not much of a moviegoer. But I do field. Someone tapped my shoulder to quick adjustment of the projector so still enjoy a cool action flick every once ask me a question, and I had to look the letters are displayed without the in awhile - only if it is captioned. TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 11
When Crickets Sign From Mothra to Captioning
I didn’t go to movies as a kid. I madness of The Rocky Horror Picture grew up on the Southwest side of Show. At Rocky Horror tossing rice Chicago—Blue Collar Land, where and squirting water pistols were more taverns outnumbered movie theaters important than hearing the dialogue. 1,000 to 1. Going to the movies wasn’t In my 30’s what fascination I had with on the cultural radar. My parents movies primarily amounted to a Rear never took me, not once. During my entire childhood, I went to a total of Window experience. I had a girlfriend two movies with friends: Mothra vs whose apartment overlooked a Godzilla and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, courtyard and coach house. From her Mad World. For our eighth-grade window we could see into the kitchen school outing, my class went to see The of the coach house, which was owned By BILL GRAHAM Lion in Winter downtown. The nuns and inhabited by Roger Ebert. Many TDI Associate Editor who picked that one should have had mornings we’d watch transfixed as their heads examined—what could he pattered around the kitchen in normal working-class 13 year olds be robe and slippers, coffee cup in hand. expected to get from a movie like that Double thumbs up for voyeurism. “I didn’t see it coming, besides spitballs upside the head or When I began to date Karina, foreign but having access to gum on their seats? films with subtitles came into my life. After finishing college I moved to the We rented them from Blockbuster— first-run movies in far more upscale Lincoln Park area on this was before films in English were Chicago’s North Side, where movie captioned--and watched them as theaters has changed theaters were magnets with queues at an after-dinner treat. After we got the box office. I lived just three blocks married and started a family, our rare my social life ... It seems from the Biograph Theater, where evenings away from the kids often to make getting together John Dillinger was shot and killed on a consisted of a meal and a foreign date with the Lady in Red. But by then movie at an art house theater. We with friends more my hearing loss had nosedived into treasured those evenings even as my deafness. I only went to the Biograph father turned over and over again in enticing.” once, to partake in the midnight his Southwest Side grave. Gradually, rear-window captioning and the occasional open-captioned films came into vogue, if you can call it that. The open-captioned movies, of course, were shown at weird hours and were rarely anything I cared to see. Judge Dredd? Bloodfist II? Bride of Chucky? Unclogging the toilet seemed a better option. The rear-window films were of more interest but typically involved a long drive to the theater that required a lot of planning. More often than not, we opted to stay home with the kids for yet another game of Chutes and Ladders. Today—slap me, am I dreaming?—
Continued on page 12 12 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
when crickets sing Continued from page 11 things are changing fast. The Regal and 42….Great getting together, good done it for a long time if ever, it’s cineplex within ten minutes of my to see you guys. Let’s do this again existentially liberating to be able to home has the Sony Entertainment soon. pick any show on the marquee. There are also some practical benefits: Who glasses for viewing captions in all of I didn’t see it coming, but having hasn’t felt trapped by never-ending the theaters. Another cineplex, also access to first-run movies in theaters deaf goodbyes? Nobody wants to take within easy driving distance—has the has changed my social life (some out the car keys first and before you CaptiView device. I prefer the glasses would say invented it). It seems to know it’s way past your bedtime and but I’m not at all choosy—as long as I make getting together with friends floodlights are flashing. The movie can understand the movie, I’m good more enticing. For example, we spent schedule offers structure--a clear- to go. over two years trying to “have dinner” cut ending that you can leverage for with another deaf/hearing couple And go I do. Soon after full-service escape. And if you’re like me—a guy who we’ve known forever. There was captioning came to the local Regal, who loves to be around deaf people but always some blocking issue—sick kid, Karina and I invited a deaf/hearing signs poorly and doesn’t have much working late, family visiting, vacation, couple to have dinner and see a movie to say--sitting quietly with a group football on TV, whatever. But when together. Shepherd’s pie and Skyfall. of deaf friends for two hours is oddly we were able to throw in “and see a Fun! Several weeks later, we had relaxing. It’s hard to sign or lipread movie” the scheduling impasse broke a dinner/movie date with another in the dark, so you can just sit there before the month was out. couple. Pad Thai and Thirty Ground quietly and eat your butter-soaked Zero. Wonderful evening! Next time There’s just something magical about popcorn. And pick your nose. And there was six of us. Red-wine Risotto going to the movies. And if you haven’t enjoy the show.
Contribution Form
Please support TDI in its work in making technology more usable for everyone. While we do appreciate your membership, your contribution can help cover our additional advocacy costs. Please fill out and mail this contribution form (photocopies OK) with payment (check, money order or credit/debit card information)to TDI. You may fax or email a scanned copy of this form if you are paying by credit or debit card. To donate online, go to www.tinyurl. com/donateTDI
Name ______Please keep my/our donation anonymous. ______Mailing Address , City, State, Zip ______ $50 $100 $200 $500 Other $______Check Credit/Debit card issuer: ____ MasterCard ____ VISA ____ American Express* 16-Digit Card Account Number: ______Card Expiration Date: ______Cardholder’s Name: ______3-Digit CCV Code (Back of Card):______Signature: ______Today’s Date: ______Sign me up for the free TDI eNotes at this email address ______This donation is in honor or memory of someone. The name and other details are enclosed. ____ My employer has a contribution matching plan for nonprofits. Details of the plan are enclosed. *Note: AMEX has a 15-digit card account number and a 4-digit CCV security code on front of the card.
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI) 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 121, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3803 Video: 301-563-9112 • TTY: 888-202-1120 • FAX: 301-589-3797 • Phone: 301-589-3786 [email protected] • www.TDIforAccess.org TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 13 14 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
Accessible Technology in Digital Cinema
hen the Opened Universal Studios was the first Captioned film company to take a pro-active stance program first began in and offer open captioned prints. One 1993, representatives print was laser etched right onto from the Motion the film. That print was shipped to WPicture Association of America various cities for viewing by deaf (MPAA) warned us that “our efforts and hard of hearing audiences. The would be obsolete within 5 years.” “special showings” were arranged by Open captioned prints became local schools and organizations for available thanks to TRIPOD, an deaf and hard of hearing people. They educational program for deaf and would rent a screen for a one-time by Nancy Linke-Ellis hard of hearing children located in showing at a local theatre and promote captionfish.com Burbank, CA and later, its successor organization, InSight Cinema. Accessible technology Continued on page 15 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 15
Accessible technology Continued from page 14 within the community with flyers and In the fall of 1996, Titanic was released newsletters. These showings were not and became the tipping point of “In the fall of 1996, advertised to the general audience by the captioned movie movement. the theatre because it was considered a Paramount Pictures joined the Titanic was released private rental. program, providing eight prints that the studio booked in collaboration Meanwhile, a new technology with Tripod. It played in over 200 cities and became the advanced in the late 70’s known as a to sold-out audiences despite the lack “platter.” This technology allowed a of Internet or social media networks. tipping point of the theatre to put all 10-13 reels of one film onto a single spool and play in one As audience demand for more captioned movie or more auditoriums simultaneously. captioned movies increased, it became This paved the way for multiplexes known that through the efforts of to be built in the late 80’s and for the its director, the late Jack Valenti at movement.” creation of an additional audio track the MPAA had gotten an exemption for described video (DV) narration for for open captions in the American the patrons who are blind or have low Disabilities Act (ADA) just before vision. it was signed into law by President George H. Bush in 1990. At this During the early years, 1993-1997, point, there was no closed captioned there was no Internet or email access. technology for movies. Patrons sometimes waited months The legal mandate for closed captions for a print of any given film to arrive on television didn’t come until the in their city. There was ample notice, 1996 Telecommunications Act (with but with only one or two showings 100% new programming required by being offered, work schedules had to 2006). For movie theatres, there was be juggled, baby sitters scheduled, and still only open-captioned prints or so forth. If they missed that show, they subtitled foreign films. had to wait for the video to come out. Very few videos were captioned during In the mid-1990’s, the National Center that time. The advanced notification for Accessible Media (NCAM), a led to near capacity audiences, but on non-profit arm of WGBH, a public a very small, limited scale. broadcasting station in Boston, rolled out its Rear Window Captioning As the word spread about open Systems, which became known as captioned films in new releases, MoPix. This was an auditorium based audiences clamored for more cities, closed captioned system in which more films, a larger variety of genres, an LED sign on the back wall of the and many more play dates and show auditorium displayed captions in times that fit their schedules better. reverse, and patrons had to borrow a The cities that participated in the clear reflector placed in the cup holder. Tripod Captioned Films/InSight Soon thereafter, DTS, a digital audio Cinema programs were chosen for company, introduced CSS, a system their density of schools, agencies, that projected open captions right onto organizations and clubs for deaf and the screen. hard of hearing people. Thousands By 2005, it became clear that the of flyers were snail-mailed to groups combined technologies could not everywhere a film played, but the core meet the demands of the growing audience remained within its own community. Accessible technology Continued on page 16 16 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
Accessible technology Continued from page 15
population of its movie patrons of deaf and hard of hearing patrons who were deaf and hard of hearing. declined. One reason was that the They wanted all films, all the time, audience had a flood of films to in every auditorium. While areas choose from; they were accustomed with a higher population of deaf and to being told when a film was playing, hard of hearing people received more in some cases weeks in advance. They films, many smaller cities and towns did not have the mindset to look in were completely excluded. Lawsuits a newspaper at the last minute for were filed and put into motion in show times, and exhibitors had little various states using a variety of legal knowledge to market and draw such a approaches. Even though open niche audience spontaneously. There captions were specifically excluded was no marketing plan beyond InSight from the ADA, the availability of a Cinema. closed captioned system was seen as Before the arrival of Captionfish, the answer by some advocates. a web and mobile based search It’s hard to understate the enormity of engine specifically targeting deaf and this technological changeover. It was hard of hearing audiences in 2009, the first since film was invented. 35mm the information trickled down to projectors had to be replaced by digital audiences with hearing loss outside of hard drives. Unlike sound systems and the traditional deaf community. The proprietary projections, the intent was number of accessible screens remained to create one global standard, similar under 1,000 out of 38,000 total screens to a television broadcast signal. This in the U.S. standard had to be robust and secure Then the Digital revolution arrived. to thwart piracy and bootleg videos Widespread use of the Internet became while providing broader accessibility. an integral part of life for the deaf and At the same time, engineers were hard of hearing communities. There working to vote on a single worldwide were captioned television shows, digital projection standard, and captioned telephones, text pagers, fax research and develop future solutions machines, Internet and social media, for the forthcoming digital conversion. video relay services, as well as Skype. It took the Society of Motion Picture Thanks to Hearing Accessible & Television Engineers (SMPTE) Technology (HAT), people had a nearly 10 years to establish the digital multitude of ways to spend their projection systems that we see today. consumer dollars: live theatre, concert Theaters were reluctant to spend halls, museums, baseball games, money on equipment for a limited streaming video and Internet content audience, or because of the strong on demand. IPads, IPhones, Android preference for open captions by deaf phones and tablets allow for both and hard of hearing patrons. They captions and described content on the believed that if we were patient, go. solutions would come for a better In 2012, Regal Entertainment digital cinema experience. Deaf Group, Cinemark Theatres and and hard of hearing audiences AMC committed to fully accessible Williams Digital Sound System for D-Cinema - They have grew annoyed and gave up going to auditoriums by the end of 2013 for both FM and Infra red systems. There are neck loops that movie theatres altogether in favor of both those with hearing and vision enable users to use infra-red in movie theatres. Hearing Blockbuster and Netflix DVD rentals. aid and cochlear implant users devise their own combina- loss. Of the 39,000 screens in the U.S, tion of neck loops and other technology to enhance their With an influx of films and little 75% have made the digital conversion, own experience. mainstream marketing, attendance Accessible technology Continued on page 17 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 17
Accessible technology Continued from page 16 or 36,000. Of those converted, they go to the platform where it makes Just as deaf approximately 53% now have the most sense. Warner Bros. became and hard of accessible equipment in operation. the first studio to caption its movie hearing people The majority of mid-sized theatre trailers. And the push is on for all give feedback chains, including Carmike, Marcus, studios to do so. and help Cobb, Harkins, etc. have deployed troubleshoot Williams Digital Sound System for systems. The real concern is for the D-Cinema - They have both FM and smaller chains, mom and pop theatres, Infra red systems. There are neck problems with and drive-ins, who cannot afford loops that enable users to use infra-red technology, so $100,000 per screen for digital cinema in movie theatres. Hearing aid and should we have conversion in their theatre. They will cochlear implant users devise their the opportunity no longer be able to get films from the own combination of neck loops and to offer our studios because of the obsolescence of other technology to enhance their own knowledge 35mm prints. They will probably cease experience. operating by 2015, if not sooner. The first generation of Accessible All of the major studios now routinely and expertise Digital Cinema (known as D*Cinema) provide caption files and described to film related Technology to be on the market video for their films. The smaller manufacturers consists of two different cup holder independents, like IFC, have captions before theatre devices, a seat mounted device, Sony created for the on-demand titles, but equipment is captioned glasses, dual track ALDs not across the board for the big screen. manufactured. They can’t afford to caption it twice so Accessible technology Continued on page 18 18 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
Accessible technology Continued from page 17 and Telecoil looping in auditoriums. one is “HI” (SMPTE designation for The traditional use of Infra-red ALDs amplification device for DEAF AND such as Williams Sound and Ultra Star HARD OF HEARING; and channel Laboratories remain in place. two is “VI” (for described video for blind and low vision). This system is called CaptiView created by Doremi Labs – Since it USL offers two seat based options: enables three languages, the cost of one is mounted the cup-holder; the Another component of the CaptiView system is the Fidelio, these systems can be partially offset second is a seat mount device. They which is a wireless audio system that delivers descriptive when used with subtitles in other are developing captioning glasses that narration for the visually impaired (VI soundtrack), and countries. are in the testing phase. amplified sound for the hearing impaired (HI soundtrack) in theaters. Another component of the CaptiView Sony Access Entertainment System system is the Fidelio, which is a This system includes caption wireless audio system that delivers glasses and a receiver and uses Sony descriptive narration for the visually holographic technology. Closed impaired (VI soundtrack), and captioned data is transmitted from the amplified sound for the hearing digital cinema server and received by impaired (HI soundtrack) in theaters. the glasses’ receiver box via a radio CaptiView system from Doremi Labs frequency. The glasses can display This is a cup-holder device that has an adjustable goose neck type arm. It was designed as a proprietary device working only in auditoriums using Doremi servers. USL, Inc is primarily known for their ALDs in movie theatres and live performances venues. This is a small family owned company. In addition to its English and Spanish captioning system, USL also provides an assistive listening system and Descriptive Video. Descriptive narration in specially equipped auditoriums is fed This system is called CaptiView created by Doremi Labs via infrared or FM transmitter to a – Since it enables three languages, the cost of these small portable receiver, enabling blind systems can be partially offset when used with subtitles in and visually impaired moviegoers to other countries. hear the descriptions on headsets from any seat in the theater. USL Closed Captioning System (CCS) This is an infrared system that uses a single emitter to broadcast closed captioned text and two channels of audio into an auditorium. Channel Accessible technology Continued on page 19
USL, Inc is primarily known for their ALDs in movie theatres and live performances venues. This is a small family owned com- pany. In addition to its English and Spanish captioning system, USL also provides an assistive listening system and Descriptive Video. Descriptive narration in specially equipped auditoriums is fed via infrared or FM transmitter to a small portable receiver, enabling blind and visually impaired moviegoers to hear the descriptions on headsets from any seat in the theater. TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 19
Accessible technology Continued from page 18 captions and\or subtitles in six (no backlit devices) can be addressed by Christie Digital and approved different languages. in the manufacturer design phase. by the FDA, will be installed in the The Sony Headphones use an Telecoil Looping in Auditoriums Seattle Cinerama, which is owned by additional receiver to deliver both the Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, in amplified channel and the described For assistive listening, there are early 2014. video channel. auditorium–based induction loop systems. This is where a thin wire is Our Community Call to Action The Debut of Digital Cinema Access placed around the auditorium that Just as deaf and hard of hearing people converts audio into electro-magnetic As with any first generation give feedback and help troubleshoot waves. Hearing aid users can switch on technology, there are bumps and problems with technology, so should their telecoil (T-coil) instead of using glitches. There were issues of audience we have the opportunity to offer head phones. It is pure sound, or as awareness, education of theatre staff our knowledge and expertise to film much as someone’s hearing allows for. on equipment use and maintenance. related manufacturers before theatre It’s a very cost effective way to provide Also overlooked in the process was equipment is manufactured. The proper signage in theatres, and superior audio without having to buy and maintain equipment. primary issue for us right now is to get increased marketing people to go to the movies, use these and promotion of their One of the issues of devices and share their positive AND services. On an average loops is that it can bleed negative feedback. Whether or not Friday night, as many into an auditorium you want to use accessible technology, as 30,000 moviegoers next door. A shield is the reality is that until theatre chains stream through the needed to block sound see an upswing of people using their doors of theatres passing through walls. devices, there will be no incentive to around the country. There is a consumer create more user-friendly equipment There is virtually no movement right now to for the next generation of deaf and downtime to get your Loop America so that ticket, popcorn, take all places of worship, hard of hearing movie patrons. your seat, get yourself schools, pharmacies, set up, trouble shoot, civic centers, hospitals, ask questions or swap airports, and other “Whether or not you out devices if something public places would goes wrong before the install it, allowing hard of want to use accessible movie starts. Theatres are hearing users easier access encouraged to have a cheat to communication. technology, the reality sheet to hand out – in Los Angeles, some theatre staffers accompany you Looping systems in auditoriums could is that until theatre to your seat to help set it up and ensure ideally be installed during renovations it’s working. or the building phase of a new chains see an upswing multiplex. The next generation devices need to factor in a more user-friendly design – The Future of Accessibility of people using their possibly a plug and play approach that Two new projection technologies might allow patrons to use their own devices, there will be no currently in development are smartphone or tablet and download UltraViolet (for mobile and home the captions when they buy their incentive to create more devices) and laser projection for tickets (similar to the way that some theatres. Laser projection has long devices need to be programmed for user-friendly equipment been considered the perfect solution the specific auditorium and film before since it doesn’t use bulbs which are you can use it). for the next generation expensive and frequently in need of There are many obstacles in using replacement. The implementation of deaf and hard of personal devices at this time, but issues of laser projection is a ways off, but of piracy and audience consideration the first commercial system, built hearing movie patrons.” 20 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
TDI AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Check here if this is a renewal [] Alternate Formats Available
TDI Affiliate Membership is open to any business (large or small), nonprofit organization, educational institution (private or public), library, or government agency (federal, state or local).
Name and Title of Contact Person: ______(Contact Personʼs name is for TDIʼs records only. It will not appear in Blue Book or eBlue Book.) Business / Organization Name: ______Description of Business / Organization: ______Street / Mailing Address: ______City, State, and Zipcode: ______(If your address is outside USA) Postal Code, Country: ______(For each of the following phones, please indicate the primary use of that phone.) Main Phone: (_____) ______[] Video [] Voice / Captioned [] TTY [] FAX Alternate Phone: (_____) ______[] Video [] Voice / Captioned [] TTY [] FAX Mobile Phone: (_____) ______[] Video [] Voice / Captioned [] TEXT E-Mail Address (Necessary to receive free TDI eNotes): ______Alternate E-Mail Address (If any): ______Instant Messaging (IM) Service: ______IM Username (ID): ______Website Address: ______
Check all items that you want [] Mailing Address [] E-mail Address and Website Address published for others to see: [] Instant Messaging [] Phones (Includes Main, Alternate and Mobile) (If no items are checked, you will not be listed in the Blue Book or eBlue Book.)
May TDI send you TDI eNotes, the free TDI e-mail newsletter? []Yes []No
All new listings/updates must be received in writing before October 1 to be included in the next edition of the Blue Book. Allow up to 30 days for processing eBlue Book changes mailed to TDI.
Select One TDI Membership Rate: 1 Year 2 Years Affiliate (Business/Nonprofit/School/Library/Government): [] $100.00 [] $180.00
Indicate here the TDI Membership Rate that you have selected above: $______(Outside USA) Add additional $15.00 for International Shipping: $______Additional Tax-Deductible Contribution to TDI (Fed Tax # 35-1146784): $______THANK YOU! GRAND TOTAL: $______
(If Paying by Purchase Order) Attach Purchase Order (If Paying by Check or Money Order) Make payable to “TDI.” (There is a $35 fee for checks returned due to insufficient funds.) (If Paying by Credit or Debit Card) Card issued by: [] American Express [] MasterCard [] VISA
Card Number: ______CCV Security Code:______
Name of cardholder: ______Expiration Date: ______
Signature: ______Todayʼs Date: ______Mail or fax completed application with payment information to: TDI - 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 121, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3803 Phone (Video/Voice): 301-563-9112 • FAX: 301-589-3797 • E-Mail: [email protected] Save Time and Postage – Join TDI or Renew Your Membership Online at www.TDIforAccess.org Revised (04/04/2013) TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 21
2013
January
Mail or fax completed application with payment information to: TDI - 8630 Fenton Street – Suite 121 • Silver Spring, MD 20910-3803 Phone: 301-563-9112 • Fax: 301-589-3797 [email protected] • www.TDIforAccess.org 22 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
TDI In Action December 2011 - May 2012
Editor’s Note: Frequent references to other consumer groups denotes involvement and support from other leading national organizations serving deaf and hard of hearing people. This may include some or all of the following: Alexander Graham Bell Association (AGBell), American Association of the Deaf Blind (AADB), American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA), Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA), California Coalition of Agencies Serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCASDHH), Cerebral Palsy and Deaf Organization (CPADO), Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD), Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Action Network (DHHCAN), Deaf Seniors of America (DSA), Hands & Voices (HV), Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), National Black Deaf Advocates, and Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Our academic partners include the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Telecommunications Access, which comprises the Technology Access Program at Gallaudet University (TAP), and the TRACE Reasearch Center at University of Wisconsin in Madison (TRACE). 21st Century for reconsideration on two items - of Telecommunications Industry coverage of video clips and requiring Solutions (ATIS) countered the Communications & Video synchronization of captioning on Text-to-911 concept with a report Accessibility Act of 2010: devices. endorsing IP Relay to 911 instead. The major drawback of IP Relay is Since VPAAC has completed its work less reliability because it introduces a Video Programming Access Advisory on IP captioning, most of the work third party into the system. To use IP is now focused on the other issues Committee (VPAAC): Relay , you would need robust Internet such as video description, emergency access, which is not always available The IP captioning rules have been information, and user interfaces. The in rural areas, and certain inner city released and published on the Federal FCC has set up a Wiki Spaces page neighborhoods. In response, the FCC Register on March 30, 2012, thus where you can monitor the progress hosted an Accessibility exhibition making the rules effective April 30, of VPAAC from time to time at http:// where ten to fifteen vendors showcased 2012. The first benchmark fell on vpaac.wikispaces.com/ September 30, 2012 when prerecorded their text-to-911 technologies. ■■ On February 8, 2012, Executive programs that have been shown Shortly thereafter, Verizon announced Director, Claude Stout and other on television with captions and that it will implement the service on its national consumer advocates then shown online, must include own wireless networks in a partnership participated in a meeting captions. The next benchmark came with TeleCommunication Systems. sponsored by Google to discuss on March 30, 2013, which applied The EAAC Committee has its own IP captioning performance to live and near-live programming Wiki at http://eaac-recommendations. objectives, video interoperability, airing within 24 hours of taping. As wikispaces.com/ of September 30, 2013, prerecorded and other VPAAC working ■ programs that have been edited for the group recommendations for IP ■ On December 12, 2011, TDI and Internet must be captioned. On March captioning. other Consumer Groups filed comments with the FCC urging 30, 2014 archival programming that Emergency Access Advisory that the transition to NG911 aired before the effective date must Committee (EAAC): be captioned. There will be a grace systems and the implementation period for the video programming The EAAC Committee issued its of interim text-to-911 solutions owner, producer or distributor to recommendations, which included be accelerated. See http:// come into compliance with the rules quick implementation of Text-to-911 fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ within 45 days. On the same date services where anyone with wireless view?id=7021750414 Reply in 2015, the grace period shrinks to texting capabilities could call 9-1-1 comments were filed by TDI, et 30 days and then again to 15 days in and send an SMS message to the al on February 9, 2012. http:// 2016. Devices that display video must nearest PSAP. Major selling points for apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ begin to support captioning (with this feature are direct access for deaf view?id=7021859193 and hard of hearing people, and a way most of the features available to digital Advanced Communication Services to call 911 in situations when speaking television captioning - CEA 708) (ACS): would put callers in danger. Texting no later than January 1, 2014. The only needs a wireless telephone consumer groups supported the entire TDI is currently working on connection, available everywhere. several proceedings on advanced ruling for the most part, except for two items. We have already filed a motion Unfortunately, the Association Continued on page 23 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 23
TDI In Action December 2011 - May 2012
Continued from page 22 This was followed up by an ex parte make calls via VRS, the providers that communication services. With meeting on March 7, 2012 by TDI, handle the calls would get the per- Bingham’s support, TDI and other NAD and TAP with officials of minute reimbursement for these calls. consumer groups filed comments Consumer and Governmental Affairs In this scenario, we would be able to and reply comments responding to Bureau at the FCC followed by reply dial around if the default provider an NPRM issued by the FCC, which comments reiterating the consumer doesn’t respond in a timely manner, led to a Report and Order. While we groups’ opposition to the ACS or is not providing us quality service. exemptions. were pleased that they made clear to The VRS providers would have the incentive to maintain and expand their advanced communication equipment Comments: http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/ own clientele, as well as to generate manufacturers and service providers document/view?id=7021898813 a larger monthly call volume from offering electronic messaging Reply comments: http://apps.fcc.gov/ providing the VRS services for their and non-interconnected and ecfs/document/view?id=7021900506 regular and special customers. This interconnected VoIP communications would hopefully give the providers that the equipment and software for the incentives to maintain or improve the operating systems within the their quality of VRS services. devices are accessible to people with VRS Reform: disabilities. Software downloaded by ■■ On January 20, 2012, Stout took consumers from third party developers Throughout the winter and spring, part in the taping at Gallaudet TV are not required to be accessible. there were a number of meetings Studio with other key consumer advocates, FCC officials, and ■ between officials at the FCC on the ■ On January 30, 2012 TDI and eighth floor, the staff of the Consumer industry representatives to give its academia partners, (TRACE and Governmental Affairs Bureau, and views on the key aspects of the and TAP) filed for partial representatives of consumer groups, FCC’s NPRM on VRS reforms. reconsideration with the FCC including TDI, NAD, ALDA, and The production was done by www. regarding its report and order, CCASDHH. These meetings were ideafnews.com and further notice of proposed primarily focused on the FCC’s serious ■■ On February 8, TDI, NAD, rulemaking that was issued on consideration of shifting to a new and ALDA met with officials of October 7, 2011. Specifically, methodology to reimburse vendors Consumer and Governmental the commenters contend that for provision of VRS. Currently, FCC Affairs Bureau, FCC to discuss the Commission incorrectly reimburses VRS providers on a per- a number of details with the concluded that the CVAA does minute method, and they are strongly VRS NPRM. http://apps. not impose regulatory obligations considering implementing the per-user fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view. on providers of software that the method. We have continued to express action?id=7021859001 end user acquires separately from some strong reservations about this equipment used for advanced new method. We have filed comments ■■ Again, on February 15, TDI communication services. http:// and reply comments for the FCC’s and NAD filed expartes with apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view. NPRM on VRS reforms. Basically, FCC on their participation in action?id=7021857329 we were asking that we stay with the the roundtable discussion on per-minute method to reimburse VRS February 13 with FCC officials ■ ■ On February 13, 2012, TDI providers, but that we are open to their and other stakeholders on and other consumer groups shifting to a new method, which ZVRS the VRS NPRM. http://apps. submitted comments to the is advocating for, a hybrid method. fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view. FCC in response to its NPRM The hybrid method would use a half action?id=7021860515 on advanced communication of the per-minute method, and a half ■ services addressing exemptions of the per-user method. Here is how ■ On March 1, TDI and other for small businesses and this would work, according to ZVRS: groups were represented in defining interoperable video the VRS providers would get a certain a meeting with officials of conferencing services. http:// sum per month for the number of Consumer and Governmental apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view. customers that pick them as default Affairs Bureau and Office of action?id=7021860096 providers, but when the customers Continued on page 24 24 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
TDI In Action December 2011 - May 2012
Continued from page 23 comments in the FNPRM on VRS access to captioned programming. Strategic Planning, FCC to discuss structure and practices. http:// Some of those petitions are for a possible hybrid rate structure for apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ “blanket waivers”, which ask that reimbursement to VRS providers, view?id=7021921072 specific categories of devices be and other concerns with the VRS exempt for two years, regardless FNRPM on proposed reforms of manufacturers, much like what for its Video Relay Service Television Closed the infamous Anglers Order did program. http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/ Captioning Exemptions: for TV programming. This is document/view?id=7021898206 different from previous individual waivers where a company asks ■■ On December 1, 2011, TDI and ■■ This was followed by another for more time to bring specific five other groups submitted meeting on March 5 where products into compliance. TDI comments to the FCC supporting TDI and other stakeholders and its pro-bono attorneys also its proposal to change the had a meeting with officials of coordinated several ex parte Consumer and Governmental language in its rules to reflect the CVAA’s “economically meetings with FCC staff and Affairs and Wireline Competition industry members regarding Bureaus at the FCC to discuss a burdensome” language while continuing to apply section the Commission’s rulemaking number of details with the VRS on Internet-protocol closed NPRM. 713(e)’s four-factor standard to petitions for individual captioning. http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ captioning waivers. http:// ■■ On December 2, 2011, TDI and view?id=7021898205 fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ others signed on to an exparte ■■ TDI and nine other consumer view?id=7021748970 comment by NAD addressing groups filed comments with the ■■ Between January and May 2012, entities subject to Section 202(b) FCC for its FNPRM on VRS TDI and other consumer groups and their obligations in the reforms on March 9. http:// filed their opposition with the matter of Closed Captioning apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ FCC to petitions from 23 video of Internet Protocol-Delivered view?id=7021899659 producers seeking to exempt Video Programming in the their programming from the implementation of the 21st ■■ Then on March 14, TDI and Commission’s closed captioning Century Communications and other consumer groups met rules. Video Accessibility Act of 2010. with representatives from http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/ the VRS industry at NAD to document/view?id=7021749104 review the industry’s response IP Captioning Petitions for to the consumer groups’ recent ■■ On December 14, TDI and other comments to the FCC on its VRS Reconsideration: consumer groups plus TAP NPRM. The industry also shared at Gallaudet had a follow-up their own individual corporate ■■ Following the FCC’s IP meeting with officials from comments for the NPRM. captioning order, TDI and the Media and Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureaus at ■■ On March 30, TDI signed on with other consumer groups filed the FCC to go over some details in DHHCAN and other consumer a petition for reconsideration the NPRM on closed captioning groups on reply comments with of the Commission’s decisions of Internet Protocol-delivered the FCC for its FNPRM on VRS to exclude video clips from the IP captioning rules and video programming. http:// reforms. http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/ not to impose captioning fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ comment/view?id=6017027377 synchronization obligations view?id=7021750876 ■■ On May 31, TDI joined on hardware manufacturers. ■■ Shortly afterwards, TDI the DHHCAN and other consumer Simultaneously we had to prepare same parties followed up with groups and submitted a joint opposition to industry petitions exparte letter to address a few for reconsideration that would officials under four different additional topics raised in reply have harmed our interest in full Continued on page 25 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 25
TDI In Action December 2011 - May 2012
Continued from page 24 First Century Communications circumvention prohibitions of the and Video Accessibility Act of Digital Millennium Copyright Act Commissioners – Genachowski, 2010 (CVAA). In this petition, we (“DCMA”). Copps, Clyburn, and McDowell urged the FCC to require “video - at the FCC on December ■■ On February 10, 2012, NAD, clips” to be captioned, and that 19 to discuss details of the HLAA, and CCASDHH filed the timing and synchronization NPRM on closed captioning their own comments supporting obligations be extended to device of Internet Protocol-delivered the above referenced proposal manufacturers under section 203 video programming. http:// that some classes of works be of the CVAA. Below are several fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ exempted from prohibition parts to the petition. view?id=7021751452 against circumvention of http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ technological measures that ■■ After the holiday season on view?id=7021914512 control access to copyrighted January 9, 2012, TDI and other works (captioning of video groups met with the staff from http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ programming via a number FCC Commissioner Mignon view?id=7021914513 of venues). http://nad.org/ Clyburn’s office on the “video http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ news/2012/3/nad-files-comments- clips” issue, a few days prior to view?id=7021914514 copyright-exemption-captions the FCC’s report and order with its IP-captioning rules. See http:// http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ ■■ On March 2, the original parties, apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view. view?id=7021914515 TDI, Gallaudet University, and action?id=7021753361 and http:// Participatory Culture Foundation http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view. filed reply comments with the U.S. view?id=7021914516 action?id=7021753493 Copyright Office to recommend ■■ On May 29, TDI submitted its that the Librarian grant four ■■ On February 24, TDI and other comments to the FCC Office of exemptions from the anti- consumer groups with TAP met Managing Director on whether circumvention measures of the with officials of the Media, and certain revised information Digital Millennium Copyright Consumer and Governmental collections by the FCC related Act for motion pictures and Affairs Bureaus at the FCC to to IP closed captioning audiovisual works delivered via discuss the video clips issue with and apparatuses satisfy the Internet Protocol or fixed disc- its IP-captioning rules to ascertain requirements of the Paperwork based media for the purpose whether any combination of Reduction Act of 1995. of improving accessibility, or video, distribution service, in the alternative, a broader and player might fall into http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ accessibility-oriented exemption unanticipated gaps between the DownloadDocument?documentID=32 for several classes of work. http:// new rules under sections 202(b) 6149&version=0 www.copyright.gov/1201/2012/ and 203 of the CVAA, and the comments/reply/tdi__gallaudet. revised standards for economic pdf burden exemptions in the IP and Copyright Exemption: TV contexts. Consultation for A Filing ■■ On December 1, 2011, TDI, http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ Gallaudet University, and the by Public Interest Public view.action?id=7021865346 Participatory Culture Foundation Airwaves: ■■ On April 27, TDI and other filed a proposal in its comments, groups officially filed a petition as well as reply comments, with ■■ TDI filed comments regarding the for reconsideration with the FCC the U.S. Copyright Office in the Enhanced Disclosure Proceeding on its Report and Order in the Library of Congress to exempt under the Standardizing Program matter of Closed Captioning the proposed categories of works Reporting Requirements for of Internet Protocol-Delivered including creating or enhancing Broadcast Licensees docket Video Programming in the accessibility features in video Implementation of the Twenty- programming from the anti- Continued on page 26 26 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
TDI In Action December 2011 - May 2012
Continued from page 25 Telecommunication Access: intrastate relay services. on January 27, 2012, and filed ■■ On March 20, TDI and other reply comments on February 9, ■■ On December 4, 2011, TDI consumer groups filed comments encouraging the Commission issued an eNote to commend TRS with FCC regarding misuse of to require stations to disclose providers such as AT&T, Convo, Internet Protocol (IP) Relay information on captioning Hamilton, Purple, Sorenson, Service. http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/ activities and the accessibility of Sprint, and ZVRS in showcasing comment/view?id=6017026018 emergency information. In our their innovative mobile apps for ■ comments we asked that television deaf and hard of hearing at the ■ On May 3, Stout participated in a broadcasters disclose which M-Enabling Summit. meeting at the FCC on captioned programs were not captioned and telephone relay services. The ■■ On January 12, 2012, TDI and why. We feel this will tell us more meeting was initiated by HLAA other consumer groups, including because a company, Miracom than just merely asking which the RERC on Telecommunications programs are captioned. had approached them as well as Access signed onto comments TDI, and shared its frustrations ■■ Comments: http://apps. by HLAA filed with the FCC with delays regarding pending fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ regarding adoption of the most certification to provide Captioned view?id=7021857027 current hearing aid compatibility Telephone Service (CTS) under its standard into the Commission’s InnoCaption label. FCC said they ■■ Reply Comments: http:// rules. want the CTS industry to come apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ up with some standards before view?id=7021859246 http://www.hearingloss.org/sites/ default/files/docs/HLAA_Comments_ any consideration of new CTS ■■ TDI filed comments with ANSI_HAC_Standards_WT_07-250. applications. FCC on April 23, on whether pdf ■■ On May 31, Representatives from certain existing and proposed ■ TDI and other consumer groups information collections by FCC ■ On February 15 and 27, 2012, TDI met with officials of Office of related to closed captioning of went to Capitol Hill with NAD and National Association of State General Counsel, and Consumer video programming satisfy the Relay Administrators (NASRA) to and Governmental Affairs Bureau, requirements of the Paperwork meet with the staff of the Senate FCC on several issues related Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). Finance Committee and the to fraud and abuse of Internet http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/ office of U.S. Senator Ron Wyden Protocol Relay Service. http:// document/view?id=7021913002 (D-OR). The meetings were to apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/ ■■ On May 14, TDI filed comments request an exclusion for TRS in view?id=7021921554 and other consumer groups signed the proposed Wireless Fairness on, with the Media Bureau at the Tax Act legislation that would FCC in response to a petition make it possible for states to levy Emergency Preparedness initiated by Sky Angel to adopt a TRS surcharges on wireless and common-sense interpretation of VoIP carriers. ■■ On December 5, CEPIN multichannel video programming ■■ In Annapolis, Claude Stout sent out an eNote as a way of distributors (“MVPDs”) that testified before two key distributing a survey by the deliver what consumer understand committees within the Maryland Interagency Coordinating Council to be multiple “channels” of state legislature supporting Senate on Emergency Preparedness programming. We also urged Bill 746 and House Bill 1087 on and Inclusion for People with the Bureau to reject a technical March 6 and March 8, respectively Disabilities to gather data on interpretation of MVPDs that that would authorize the state to people’s experience during an would depend on a narrow, require that VoIP and wireless earthquake that struck the mid- cable-specific understanding of carriers impose a surcharge on Atlantic states. “channels.” http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/ their customers’ monthly bills document/view?id=7021917779 to cover the costs of providing Continued on page 28 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2 27
TDI In Action December 2011 - May 2012
Excerpts of Claude L. Stout’s Remarks for the Farewell Program for Commissioner Michael J. Copps
Federal Communications from within a federal agency, parents values all come into play.” Commission who have children with disabilities, TDI was honored when he came service providers who work with December 13, 2011 once again to speak at our recent clients with disabilities, a government Conference last June in Austin, It is truly a pleasure to be here with official designated to enforce access Texas. We presented him the Karen Commissioner Copps, his family, and policy, an industry representative Peltz Strauss Public Policy Award, an his friends. I was asked to speak on with the responsibility to ensure award that goes to a distinguished behalf of two groups of Americans we get access with its company’s individual who has made outstanding citizens who are grateful for his products and services, and most of contributions to improving services – the Native American all, the person with a disability. accessibility to telecommunications, community, and the disability media, or information technology community. I am honored to do in the U.S. through efforts in public this task, as I have been deaf all my policy development. Upon accepting life, and I am happily married to a the award, he said, “For broadband wonderful Native American, my wife, to work it has to be available to all Judy. and be utilized by all. Its premise As many of you know, Commissioner is accessibility to everyone--no Copps has a long track record of matter who they are, where they working to close the digital divide live, or the particular circumstances on Tribal lands--where it is arguably of their individual lives. Access to at its worst. Often referring to the high-speed, high-value broadband lack of services in Native American is a defining right of this new age. Tribal communities as a “national Let’s treat it as a civil right because disgrace that hurts us all,” his focus that’s how it should be seen.” on the needs of Tribal Nations and his government-to-government work We are very proud of the progress the with them has been tireless. FCC has made in the ten years under his active leadership and efforts. We …... had a smooth transition from analog Commissioner Copps has made as to digital television, and while he was one of his top priorities, an enormous Acting Chairman for a few months, commitment to meeting the needs FCC Commissioner Michael Copps he convened a technical working of the disability community, and group to work on captioning issues it has been a wonderful ten-year that arose as a part of the transition. partnership between him and us in Copps jumped into the effort, Today, the FCC is addressing the disability community. Disability without hesitation after when he disability access on all fronts from advocacy is not limited to just one spoke at the TDI Conference in within the Commission, not just level, those who work for non-profit Sioux Falls, South Dakota in the from one office, the Disability groups to represent various sectors of summer of 2001. He said eloquently, Rights Office. Commitment and the disability community. It comes “Every American is a stakeholder in sensitivity to addressing all kinds of from a number of levels, be it the communications because each of us disability access is at a high record- President of the United States, a U.S. is affected in so many important ways breaking level today. It warms House Representative or Senator, a by how the public spectrum is used. Commissioner or a staff member Our freedoms, our diversity and our COPPS Continued on page 28 28 TDI WORLD - VOLUME 43 ISSUES 1 & 2
TDI In Action December 2011 - May 2012
Continued from page 26 ■■ In the new year on ■■ On May 17 and 18, Stout took part in Ultratec, ■■ Over the next few months, January 5, 2012, TDI and Inc.’s celebrations honoring CEPIN sent out several eNotes other groups signed on to the achievement of its addressing the safe use of candles comments filed by NAD Founder and President, as an inexpensive source of heat with the U.S. Department Robert Engelke, who received and light, publicizing FEMA’s of Transportation an honorary degree in 2012 Ready Toolkit, fire escape on proposed rules concerning accessibility humane letters from the planning, and the dangers of University of Wisconsin at carbon monoxide poisoning. of air travel web sites and kiosks at U.S. Airports. Madison. Rob Engelke TDI Activities http://nad.org/ ■■ On May 25, TDI news/2012/2/nad-comments- issued an eNote congratulating accessibility-airlineairport- ■■ On December 13, 2011, Claude Mike Ellis on his receiving the websites-and-kiosks Stout gave farewell remarks Sprint Legends Award, one representing the disability and ■■ Later on in March 7, TDI and of the highest honors given Native American communities other groups signed on to from Sprint to one of its own for departing FCC Commissioner comments by NAD filed with executives who have significantly contributed to the company, the Michael Copps at the FCC. the U.S. Access Board relating telecommunications industry, and (Excerpts of presentation on to a rulemaking on its standards the community. previous page.) for electronic and information technology as well as its guidelines ■■ Just before the holidays, TDI for telecommunications issued an eNote to reflect on the accessibility. http://www. accomplishments of TDI during regulations.gov/#!documentDetail the year 2011, and to introduce a ;D=ATBCB-2011-0007-0033 video done by two MSSD student interns, Oliver Lee and Mika ■■ On May 3, Stout was taped Bennett-Fraychineaud, followed at Gallaudet TV Studio for a by another year-end eNote segment on the history of TRS thanking sponsors for supporting for a federal project related TDI during its annual Holiday to interpreting services for Party. Vocational Rehabilitation clients. Mike Ellis
COPPS Continued from page 27 with their families and friends over menus that cater specifically to their the phone. He is inspired, knowing mobile needs, and soon they will his heart to hear that those of us that Americans who are deaf-blind no longer be frustrated in accessing who use sign language and using will soon for the first time benefit televisions with simple interfaces Video Relay Service can now have greatly from the FCC’s new national and menus to enjoy more and more seamless, natural conversations deaf blind telephone equipment programs with video descriptions. with our hearing counterparts. He distribution program. They will no Commissioner Copps, you are truly is elated when senior citizens who longer have to pay $5K to $7K to get a champion for native Americans lose their hearing later in life, can a Deaf-Blind Communicator device. and people with disabilities across easily resort to using hearing aid He feels more assured that the blind the country. We want to thank you compatible phones, and know that community is benefitting from for a job remarkably well done in the captioned telephone relay services having some “talking” phones, either ten years at the FCC. And we wish are available to keep them in touch high-end or low-end, with audible you a happy retirement. Introducing BlackBerry 10
Accessibility menu Customize your accessibility settings and quickly access features such as TTY settings from the dedicated Accessibility menu.
BBM ™ Video Use the front-facing camera for face-to-face video chat with BBM Video.
New BlackBerry Keyboard Type more efficiently with contextual auto-correction, next-word prediction, and a personalized learning engine that gets to know the way you type. BlackBerry® Z10 BlackBerry Hub Stay close to what’s important and keep everything that matters to you in one place. Simply peek into the BlackBerry® Hub from any app with just a swipe, and flow effortlessly in and out of your messages and conversations.
BlackBerry Messenger No matter who you’re talking to, BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™) is designed to get your messages to where they’re going in no time. With BBM, you’ll know exactly when your message has been delivered and read1.
Text Messaging (SMS and MMS) Communicate on the go with contacts who are using phones or other mobile devices that support SMS and/or MMS1.
Hearing aid compatibility Certain models are rated for use with hearing aids2.
Alerts and notifications Customize your alerts and notifications using tone, vibrate, BlackBerry® Q10 on-screen alerts or the LED indicator.
Discover more features at blackberry.com/accessibility
1Data plan required. Check with your service provider for pricing and details. 2For a list of BlackBerry models rated for use with hearing aids visit blackberry.com/accessibility. © 2013 BlackBerry. All rights reserved. BlackBerry® and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. reconnect
When it comes to Captioned Telephone, trust your conversations to the inventor of the technology: CapTel®. With more than 10 years of captioning experience, independently-proven caption quality, and phones to match any environment (including landline, IP-based, and mobile apps), CapTel sets the standard for unlocking the telephone.
Celebrating Captioned Telephone 10 years of Captioning 1-800-233-9130 Service email: [email protected] www.CapTel.com
See what CapTel users have to say! Visit www.CapTel.com captel-TDI_World Pub_840i_f.indd 1 1/4/13 3:02 PM