My ADA Story: The ADA and Effective Communication

By Gloria Garton

A poster titled “REGAL Assistive Technology” depicts two smiling women sitting in a movie theater using assistive technology designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

I was in my 30's when I started to lose my hearing as a result of Alport's Syndrome, which is a rare form of a genetic kidney disease that causes hearing loss and kidney failure.  The ADA was only 5 years old at this time.  Thanks to the ADA, I was able to request accommodations at work and when attending school events or meetings for my only daughter. 

The ADA also allowed me to enjoy watching TV and movies with family and friends thanks to closed captioning.  I would be missing out on so much without closed captioning/assistive listening devices.  Initially, I remember that it was very hard to find movie theaters that offered closed captioning/assistive listening devices.  That has changed dramatically over the years, including the quality of the sound and its ease of use.

However, many challenges still exist, most frequently at school related events and public meetings.  As an individual with hearing loss, it is important to me to educate others about the Effective Communication requirements of the ADA.  I enjoy sharing this information with others so they too can enjoy and live life to its fullest.

NCCDD’s Note: Regal movie theaters offer assistive technology that includes:

• Assistive Listening
• Closed Captions (provided through caption glasses or a caption display that can mount in a cup holder)
• Descriptive Video for people who are blind/low vision

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA

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