Title
Resolution to Direct the City Administrator and City Attorney to Develop a Draft Ordinance to Require Activation of Closed Captioning in Places of Public Accommodation
Memorandum
The Ann Arbor Commission on Disability Issues has passed a resolution recommending passage of an ordinance requiring activation of closed captioning, where available, on televisions used in places of public accommodation. This resolution directs City staff to develop a draft ordinance.
The Commission on Disability Issues provides the following memorandum regarding the proposed ordinance:
Summary of Proposed Ordinance: Require closed captioning, where available, to be activated on all televisions used in places of public accommodation. Does not require purchase of new equipment. Civil penalty of $500 if found in violation.
Reasons behind Ordinance:
1. Safety/emergency preparedness
a) It is essential to have closed-captioning on televisions at all times in the case of an emergency so that Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing consumers may be able to access emergency information broadcasted on televisions.
2. Ease of access to content
a) The City of Ann Arbor aims to be inclusive for all of its citizens, and having closed captioning on at all times would remove the barrier of information access for its residents and visitors with hearing disabilities, as well as those with hearing who may have difficulty hearing the aural content on televisions in noisy environments.
Model this Ordinance is based on: Portland, Oregon
Other cities a similar ordinance has been enacted in:
1. Portland, Oregon (2015)
2. San Francisco (2008)
i. Article 44 of the San Francisco Police Code, "CLOSED CAPTIONS ACTIVATION REQUIREMENT ORDINANCE."
Examples of places that would be subject to this Ordinance:
1. Waiting Rooms in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other medical offices
2. Lobbies and reception areas of businesses open to the public
3. Service areas of bars and restaurants
4. Exerc...
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