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How Captions Went from Niche to Necessity | Extended Audio Description | The Curb Cut Effect

Season 37 Episode 2 | 8m 33s

EAD For the first three decades of television, there were no captions of any kind, leaving Deaf viewers unable to fully participate in a medium that shaped culture and conversation. The fight for closed captioning was a battle for access and inclusion. Deaf advocates spent decades pushing broadcasters, lawmakers, and technology companies to make television—and later, the internet—accessible.

Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by and . Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Extras
Watch a preview of Mr. Polaroid.
Audiobooks are big business today—but they began as a vital tool for blind readers.
Audiobooks are big business today—but they began as a vital tool for blind readers.
Audiobooks are big business today—but they began as a vital tool for blind readers.
The story of Edwin Land, whose iconic Polaroid camera let everyone instantly chronicle their lives.
EAD Many household products were originally designed by or for people with disabilities.
ASL Many household products were originally designed by or for people with disabilities.
Many household products were originally designed by or for people with disabilities.
ASL The fight for closed captioning was a battle for access and inclusion.
The fight for closed captioning was a battle for access and inclusion.