Ohio State University may be forced to include closed captioning of all in-game announcements and commentary on its jumbotrons and televisions in concession areas for all football and basketball games. Vincent Sabino, a deaf 32-year-old Hilliard resident and Ohio State fan, filed suit in the Southern District of Ohio on June 30, 2009, under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Sabino is upset that the when the PA announcer says something like, ‘Wells carries the ball for 4 yards and is tackled by Jones,’ he is unable to hear or enjoy the announcement part of the game. He wants to sue Ohio State and force them to include — among other things — closed captioning on all televisions and jumbotrons for the football and basketball games.
Sabino’s complaint specifically states that Ohio State “has not provided auxiliary aids and services such as captioning to ensure that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing have the same opportunities as hearing patrons to enjoy football and basketball games and other programs, services, and activities at Defendant’s various venues.”
The complaint asks for a permanent injunction ordering Ohio State to immediately cease discrimination against those that are deaf and hard of hearing; provide display captioning for all announcements made over the public address system; award Plaintiff compensatory damages; and attorney’s fees.
This begs the question: To those who have bad vision and sit in the nosebleed seats, is the school now going to be responsible to provide bigger television and jumbotrons for those who are blind or can’t see as well?
If this case goes to trial and Sabino is victorious, the ruling will affect every single sporting event and venue in the U.S.
The Plaintiff is being represented by the Law Firm of Willis & Willis Co, LPA.
