Technology helps blind and deaf
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/12/05/movies.disabled.ap/index.html
The new technology has been around for a while, but movie theatres are now taking advantage of it, using it to help the blind and deaf enjoy movies. New Jersey and New York are placing pressure on theatre chains across their states, citing discrimination laws and possible fines/lawsuits so that the chains comply. A number of national chains are voluntarily agreeing, however, eager to be friendly to all citizens and reach out to more customers.
While some of the chains offer subtitles directly on the screen, a number of tech-savvy theatres are making rear-screen views available. Subtitles are projected from the rear of the theatre on acrylic screens that are available to hearing-impaired people, helping them enjoy the movie experience without having to place distracting subtitles on the screen.
While some of the theatres are being forced, I think it is great that a number of theatres are also voluntarily taking advantage of the new technology to be able to help people. So much of the new techonology that is developed is used for fun, or as extra bonuses for those who can afford it, which is great and nice, but also demoralizing when so many other people could truly benefit. I think that large movie chains who are already successful are taking the time and effort to reach out to the hearing-impaired community and make sure that they can enjoy movies as well, without any clear benefit to the movie chain itself, is great. I hope that more people and companies will follow this trend in the future!
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