It’s the law: D.C. theaters must provide open-captioned films

The District of Columbia now requires movie theaters with three or more screens to provide open-captioned showings. This new law was passed by the Council of the District of Columbia in June, and is the result of years of advocacy by the District of Columbia Association of the Deaf and other allies. It became effective the week of October 18. Compliance will be monitored by the District’s Office of Human Rights.

Watch The Daily Moth’s interview with proponents of the new captioning law.

Read the District of Columbia Office of Civil Rights news release about its enforcement responsibilities.

The District of Columbia joins New York City and the states of Hawai’i and Maryland in requiring open-captioned film screenings. Gallaudet alumni were involved in advocacy in all four jurisdictions.