Captioning Methods

Regarding ways to display Captioning to users, please consider the following:

        Before selecting or purchasing a method for displaying captions (reader board, projection screen, hand-held device, etc.) test the effectiveness of the 
different display methods under performance conditions by enlisting people with
significant hearing loss (Deaf, Hard of Hearing) to determine which method is most effective and preferred.
        While technically feasible, hand-held display devices are difficult to use, and are acceptable only if there are no other display options possible.”

Regarding Hand-Held Display Devices - specific negatives:

• The initial set-up of the devices can take time/expertise.  In addition, these devices may lose the Captioning signal or "freeze" unexpectedly; to restart and/or reacquire the signal may also take time and expertise.  All of this will interfere with enjoyment of the event.
• There is concern over the possibility of dropping this device and breaking it.  Also, this is something that could be easily lost or stolen.  Who is responsible?
• It would be hard to juggle this device, plus food, drink, jackets, etc.
• The use of this device is often quite tiring; there is the need to constantly re-focus from near (the device) to far (the event).
• There can be actual physical discomfort from the need to hold this device for extended periods of time.
• "Yuck Factor."  Visits to the restroom, eating snacks, etc.  There is a huge potential for germs or just messiness on these devices.
• Captions are only available for those who know, and are willing, to pick up the units or download software and therefore are of no use to people with some degree of hearing-impairment who did not get the handheld unit as well as to 
  “normally-hearing” people who cannot hear in an environment with lots of
  background noise (e.g. most athletic events). 
  This is seen as a particular problem when there are emergency announcements.
• The waiting in line to pick-up or drop-off these devices is a definite hassle.