Movie Captioning:
I don't see any requirement for movies to have captioning. Without captioning on movies, I'm excluded from understanding and enjoying movies. Although showing open captions on the screen is usually preferable, there is current technology - Rear Window Captioning - that allows the captioning to be seen only by the person needing them. It is about time that people with hearing loss stop being excluded from attending movies. That is patently discriminatory, especially since the technology now exists to rectify the situation. Logos to indicate either open or closed captioning are "OC" and "CC."
TTY telephones:
I see no mention of being able to specifically request a TTY in one's stateroom. That telephone equipment is essential for someone who cannot use a regular voice phone. In addition, there needs to be a TTY at a "front desk" that is answered by staff members, so a passenger who needs to call for help or services can do so, just like other passengers can. The logo for TTY phones should be used to convey that these phones are available.
Notification alerting systems:
Since a person with a hearing loss cannot hear loudspeaker announcements, there must be ways to provide this information in locations around a ship. There should be text boards available for people to read what is being said over the loudspeakers. In addition, there should be visual or tactile alerting systems available in a passenger's stateroom.
In the case of emergency alerts, the principles of "Universal Access"
should be used. Since many people with hearing loss do not self-identify themselves, but would not be able to hear loudspeaker announcements, it is imperative that this information be provided in text in areas around the ship. Senior citizens would fall into this category, as many have a hearing loss, yet typically do not identify themselves as such.
I appreciate this opportunity to offer my comments. Hearing loss, an invisible disability, is frequently misunderstood, minimized, overlooked and forgotten. It is important to address the needs of this population to insure the optimum safety and enjoyment that is the intention of these ADA guidelines.
Ralph Intorcio, Vice President of HLAS
[address]
Sarasota, FL 34234-2934