21st Century Access for the deaf and
                     hard of hearing 

Captioning (CART, CC, etc.) is a rapidly growing communication access driven by the combination of technology advancement, mandatory ADA/FCC laws, and a growing baby boomer population who are losing their hearing. 

CART is quickly becoming the preferred access for many. CART was not available years ago, much like computers/smart phones which have replaced typewriters, rotary phones, etc.

The use of technology is an appropriate means of access in the 21st century.  It is changing the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people, allowing them equal, effective and reasonable accommodation.

"What does it mean for communication to be “effective”? Simply put, “effective communication” means that whatever is written or spoken must be as clear and understandable to people with disabilities as it is for people who do not have disabilities."

(Source: http://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap3toolkit.htm)

Examples of Effective communication:   http://www.dartmouth.edu/~accessibility/effcomm/index.html

"Accessible meeting space allows

 everyone to participate." 

(Source: http://www.ada.gov/business/accessiblemtg.htm