What is open captioning?

Open captioning refers to the practice of displaying text on a screen, typically at the bottom of a television or movie screen, that allows viewers to read the dialogue and other audio elements of a program. This is different from closed captioning, which can be turned on or off by the viewer, as open captions are always visible.

Open captioning is often used in public places such as movie theaters, airports, and sports stadiums, as well as in educational settings and for accessibility purposes. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as for those who may have difficulty understanding spoken language due to language barriers or cognitive challenges.

One of the main advantages of open captioning is that it provides a more inclusive viewing experience for all audiences, regardless of their hearing abilities. It can also help improve overall comprehension of a program, especially in noisy environments or for individuals who may struggle to understand spoken dialogue for various reasons.

Overall, open captioning is an important tool for enhancing accessibility and ensuring that all viewers can fully engage with and enjoy audiovisual content.