Advocate for ASL at the Super Bowl: A push for accessibility, joining forces for a ‘Superball For All.’ Support inclusivity and be the change!
Let’s talk about what’s been igniting debates nationwide: The accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing. Unfortunately, progress in this area has been lacking, with a notable issue being the limited screen time for ASL Deaf performers.
A Missed Opportunity for Connection
It’s expected: The Super Bowl lights up screens nationwide, uniting fans for the game and halftime spectacle. Yet, many deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers are left out and unable to savor the experience. It’s not merely about catching fragments of the action during the National Anthem or halftime show. Accessibility should be seamlessly integrated right from the beginning.
It’s not an extra feature; it’s essential for creating experiences, fostering connections, and treasuring memories. Sign language is their means of self-expression, interpersonal connection, and identity. The solution may seem straightforward: What’s wrong with using Picture-in-Picture (PIP) tech during the National Anthem and halftime show? It’s a simple tweak, but it could mean the world to deaf and hard-of-hearing fans. It may show that the NFL and TV networks such as CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, and ESPN are all focused on being inclusive.
Advocacy in Action
The conversation about Super Bowl accessibility, sparked by figures like Marlee Matlin and echoed by viewers, goes beyond a mere call for change—it represents a movement toward a more inclusive society. By advocating for accessibility, every fan, advocate, and viewer needs to use their influence. We must raise our voices, demand change, and reject the status quo. Marlee Matlin’s recent frustration with CBS over the absence of televised ASL performers during the Super Bowl LVIII pre-game and halftime events sheds light on a broader issue of neglect. Her critique extends beyond a single incident, revealing a longstanding pattern of oversight. While Marlee’s performance with Garth Brooks at Super Bowl XXVII in 1993 was televised fully, the visibility of ASL performers has since become sporadic, often limited to brief moments that fail to capture their full artistry. This frustration can spur action.
The Pattern of Exclusion
The history of ASL performers at the Super Bowl, from Rachel Mazique to Justina Miles, is marked by brief appearances that barely scratch the surface of inclusivity. The first-time-ever the deaf ASL performers like Sean Fobes, Warren “Wawa” Snipes, and Justina Miles, who performed the halftime Super Bowl LVII 2023, were groundbreaking and signaled a potential shift toward greater accessibility. However, their absence from the television broadcast reflects a missed opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in one of the world’s most significant stages in the nation.
The Role of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
The dedicated links provided by TV networks represent significant steps toward addressing accessibility concerns. However, they also ignite a broader conversation about the essence of inclusivity and the necessity for direct broadcast accessibility that accommodates all viewers. It’s important to note that deaf viewers accessing the stream experienced significant delays between the live show and the ASL camera feeds, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring seamless accessibility. Despite the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) partnering with the NFL for over a decade, the struggle to enhance visibility for ASL performers remains daunting. While this partnership has laid a solid foundation, there’s a pressing need to revitalize efforts and strategies to ensure networks and the NFL are held accountable. To achieve this, the NAD must go beyond traditional approaches, leveraging social media and legal channels to amplify the demand for change and foster greater inclusivity in Super Bowl broadcasts.
Ensuring Accessibility for Deaf Viewers at the Super Bowl
The journey to make the Super Bowl fully accessible comes with challenges and opportunities. It’s a chance to show empathy and generate meaningful ideas. In the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, one thing is clear: ASL performers are crucial for making the Super Bowl enjoyable for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Their ability to express music adds life to the event for these viewers. ASL performers should always be shown on screen during the show to send a strong message of inclusivity. By embracing diversity and ensuring everyone, especially the deaf, can enjoy the pre-game and halftime, we promote respect and accessibility for all. Accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing goes beyond entertainment. It’s about acknowledging the right to be fully accessible. Showing ASL performers enhances the Super Bowl experience and signifies a commitment to equity and inclusion for all individuals.
Envisioning a Future of Complete Inclusivity
As we strive for a Super Bowl embodying inclusivity, Bringing in and broadcasting ASL performers will get everyone in the action. It shows that being inclusive means ensuring the performers are seen and feel part of the big moments—like during the pregame and halftime shows. We’re all in this together, making every show accessible and fun. That’s how we score a win for inclusivity. Having ASL performers up there with the stars isn’t just about doing the right thing for the deaf community but showing the world that the Super Bowl is a ‘Superball For All.
