Everyone deserves accessibility, Right?!

In our society today, certain things we do or take advantage of are considered privileges. Among these privileges are those that can be revoked. The right to vote, freedom of movement, being labeled, and even having to report one's residence--all of these things can be the effect of the loss of privilege.


Should that same concept apply to accessibility?
Are certain conveniences made possible through accessibility accommodations subject to the same revocation?

More after the Jump...

Music Video for ALL to Enjoy!

Here's a music video teaser by Sean Forbes 

We need more videos like these!  It's signed, captioned, and sung.  Look out for the entire video, should be coming soon!

Captions? No captions? Headphones? Captioning devices? What are your movie-going preferences???

Some movie theaters have all or some of these accommodations for the deaf: Captioning on Screen
Rear Window Captioning
Headphone with Volume Adjustments


One of the major issues with rear window captioning is the positioning of the screen.  Other than that, most people have had great experiences with this device.  However, there are many other stories about the embarrassment of having to carry the cup holder designed device to the theater yourself, how complicated it was to get a good reflexion, and etc...  What are your thoughts on rear window captioning?   Silent Echo of Harmony wants to know because one of our major concerns is the lack of deaf support in theaters.  We want to help create a voice for the deaf community concerning accommodations and deaf communications technology.  Silent Echo of Harmony would like to help with providing captioning & accommodations for movies, events, and attractions -- we want it to be with both hearing AND deaf in mind so we can enjoy the events TOGETHER in Harmony =).  As far as movies are concerned: it's the PERFECT experience for the deaf when captioning is on the screen during a movie.... but where do we compromise with those who don't like captioning on the screen?  Headphones aren't the best choice considering there are a great number of of deaf/HOH that can hear sounds with or without hearing aids and still not understand the sounds or dialogue that is heard.  Or would you prefer a hand held device?  Some would argue that too many moments in a movie can be missed from glancing back and forth from the screen and device which would label rear window captioning as the best device for movies thus far.  

Here is more information on a company that creates rear window captioning: MoPix  What we love about it is: not only does it accommodate for Deaf/HOH with Rear Window Captioning but the same system with a few minor additions can accommodate the Blind with DVS Theatrical (Descriptive Video Service). 

Want to see a movie with rear window captioning?  Go to: Captionfish and look for movies in your area.
Then come back to tell us about your experience!  Those who have already tried it -- we would love to hear your stories too!

ASL: A Common Foreign Language Course Option?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a great way to broaden the minds of our high school students across the nation.  Not only would they be enlightened about deaf culture & communication, but it would also expose them to the career advantages that are available.  With such a large number of deaf or hard of hearing individuals in America, there is a need for more professionals that are fluent in ASL (hearing & deaf).  It has been said, "its easier to train the mind of a child than the mind of an adult." - its true.  As children are exposed to more variety of opportunities then learn to use the basic skills of their interests - the more knowledgeable and passionate they can be when choosing a career path. 

Take a look at this article by Nikki Reynen:
Teen Talk: Bridging Communication Gap...

It's insightful to see other young people interested in ASL, the challenge they can face, and the benefits of learning it. 

If you're interested in ASL, take a class -- try it out!  It's challenging but fun!