Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Monday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu signed a city ordinance to require closed captioning on all public-facing televisions for those who have hearing disabilities.
The ordinance covers businesses like restaurants, bars, banks, and gyms to add subtitles to their TV's, and it's legislation that saw unanimous approval from the City Council.
“Improving communications access in public spaces across Boston is critical to Boston truly being for everyone. This ordinance removes barriers for people with disabilities, and I am grateful to the Disabilities Commission, Disability Advisory Board and the entire Boston City Council for their leadership and advocacy," Wu said in a statement.
WBZ's Nichole Davis spoke to ordinance sponsor and Council President Ed Flynn, who said Boston is one of the first cities to implement a local law of this kind.
"I think it's important for us to be more inclusive, including people with disabilities as well. Especially during this time such as an emergency, it could be a snow emergency, it could be some vital information that you're hearing or seeing on the television— closed captioning plays a critical role for our persons with disabilities," Flynn said.
Read More: Boston Police Discover Body, Suspect Allegedly Dives Out 12-Story Window
In a statement Flynn says the ordinance gives those with disabilities full access to resources that the public shares. He goes on to say that businesses that do not follow the new city ordinance will not be fined, but encourages owners to be good to their neighbors and be in compliance.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 already mandates that businesses "communicate effectively with people with communication disabilities," which includes captioning.
WBZ's Nichole Davis (@NicholeDWBZ) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App