Open Access Smart Caption

2022

People with disabilities often encounter significant obstacles to participation in the arts. In partnership with Peoples Light, Accenture, and in consultation with the National Theatre, London, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University proposes a project that will revolutionize arts accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing communities. By integrating Smart Glasses technology with a new Augmented Reality (AR) system called Open Access performance venues. Lightweight and entirely customizable, our smart glasses will project in-line digital captions into the wearers field of vision, optimizing the captioning experience for a diverse group of users. This application of OASC technology is in early stage testing at the National Theatre, London currently its sole user. Our project will bring the technology to the US for the first time, furthering its development to include American Sign Language (ASL) and multi-language translation and making the technology available for local and national replication. This innovation will enable people with hearing loss (and non-English speakers) to experience the power and beauty of live performance on their own terms and in the company of their friends, family members and neighbors. Many theaters cite real barriers (cost) and perceived barriers (disturbance to typical patrons) as the reason they offer a limited number of captioned performances. OASC makes it possible for theaters to provide full access without undue hardship. When these barriers are removed, we will learn if theaters will embrace and promote the value of universal accessibility.

Arts, Media and Culture

Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information

Recreation-Related Activities, Other

Family Members/Caregivers, General Public

Limited English, Specific Groups

Single-County, Mulit-County, International

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