The City Council recently passed a bill to increase accessibility for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Sponsored by Southeast Queens Council Member and Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, Intro138 will increase accessibility for public service announcements (PSAs) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing by requiring the creation of a program that will display ASL with accompanying captions on PSAs displayed on advertising structures.
Intro-138 was passed on Thursday, Feb. 13, and includes announcements displayed on advertising structures, including LinkNYC kiosks. Messages would include information on the availability of text-to-911 and video relay services. The bill also requires a report assessing the program’s effectiveness.
Brooks-Powers emphasized in a statement that access to information is fundamental for all.
“For too long, the deaf and hard-of-hearing community has been overlooked in public messaging,” said Brooks-Powers. “This bill is a step toward a more inclusive city where all New Yorkers, regardless of ability, can stay informed and safe. I thank Speaker Adrienne Adams, Chair Jennifer Gutiérrez, and the advocates who have championed this issue for their leadership and support.”
Nicolyn Plummer, a community advocate for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community, added that improved accessibility to 911 services is essential for “addressing the [myriads of] challenges faced by individuals with deafness in New York.”
