The argument that a theater cannot get movies with subtitles is rubbish. All movies come with subtitles, including oldies and indies except in very, very rare cases. A decent theater shows those versions at different sessions. Hearing-impaired people are often speed-readers anyway. Subtitles clearly fulfill a general need; an AI reports (as usual, without citing its sources) that:
“Studies indicate that a majority of viewers, often around 70%, use subtitles regularly, with some even keeping them on all the time. This trend is not limited to those who are hard of hearing…”
I never go to opera or concerts, but if I went I would definitely like to see a screen with the lyrics.
I dunno. Maybe swap out that silver bugle at the end for tin foil? Yeah, now we’re talkin’ ins. coverage - chipping in a fraction of what we pay o’course.
I know, I know! He kinda looks like Groucho, and I struggled with a name for the image. Then I justified it saying, "Heck, I’M a Groucho every time I see these ridicklus images of HEARING aids. Such is my logic.
I like the emoticon! Groucho is said to have acquired/chosen his moniker because his earnings in vaudeville made his drawstring wallet, known by vaudeville performers as a “grouch bag,” very full. He and his brothers became famous in vaudeville comedy before making films.
Edit: @1Bluejay - I found an article at the below link, with the picture of the man and woman using the device which is long-since an antique. No identification of the man. Various sources named the woman as being Angela Sinclair.
I went to a performance of “Tosca” once. They had supertitles, in English, for those of us in the USA who don’t speak Italian. The performance was in Sacramento, California and we lived there at the time. They used some of the members of the Sacramento Children’s Chorus, so my son had a very minor part in it. It was a lovely performance all around, I’m glad I went, but it’s the only time I’ve seen opera live. I wish all venues used supertitles.
LOL! What a find! I enjoyed the article and found this line resonated: “When you think back to the chunky devices of yesteryear, which looked as if you had a prawn curled behind your ear, you feel blessed.”
Yeah! Funny how the very same stock photo was used - proving the author has a sense of humor about his 'earing! I used to shoot skeet and trap with headphones on, but with NO margin left to lose, gave up the sport.
The prawn behind the ear instantly made me think of the ugly mannequin-colored HA in that photo of a senior lady - the big plug in the ear and the big chunk of plastic behind the ear! Bleccch!
The Sydney Opera House has implemented Auracast in the Drama Theatre, Playhouse, and Studio but future installations in the Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre are yet to be confirmed.
The venue claiming they cannot get movies with subtitles is not generally true. Our local theater has subtitles for every movie on Thursdays. It is a popular night. It is a digital theater, but they all should be by now. I suggest contacting an owner.
I know you are right. i have contacted the director and now I am also in contact with the local disability office of the city. Have you attended the open subtitled movies? I did for the first time at another theater. It was a great experience.
Yes, i have attended numerous movies with closed captions on the screen. The last was “The Life of Chuck” which was a wonderful movie. The theater is not part of a chain, just local folks interested in supporting the community. I’m sure they could offer information on closed captions. https://www.tryontheatre.com/ Good luck!
To tackle the lack of official subtitles for film showings:
They’re unofficial subtitle sources online like https://www.opensubtitles.org. SRT files could be downloaded and played with the supplied official video.
If they’re able to commission a company to provide live captions on the day, they could instead commission a company to prepare subtitles in advance. https://caption.plus/
The difficulty will be copyright and other legal issues.
In the United States, the Americans With Disabilities Act, for Title II and Title III requires venues provide hearing assistance. (Many types comply)
When I was construction project manager, Telecoil was the least expensive solution for the long term. Auracast will be tremendously less expensive. But, hearing assistance was also the first thing to be whacked from the budget.
The bottom line is that government, public accommodations and commercial services must comply- both for employees and for guests.
This article may be of interest, or provide ammunition to help get something implemented where you find Auracast or Telecoil would be of benefit:
Note that closed captioning at movie theatres does not comply with ADA. If one is sight impaired, or has reading disability plus hearing loss, the captions don’t suffice.
Unfortunately, much of ADA is poorly enforced, even in government facilities. An example is the local post office which has no way for someone in a wheelchair to enter and no handicap parking. None! The next closest has 32 stairs to climb to enter. Thirty-two!
