The Academy’s YouTube Channel to Feature Free Live ASL Interpretation of the Telecast

When the 94th Academy Awards are held on Sunday, viewers on the Academy’s YouTube channel will finally have the option to have American Sign Language interpretation. Now, this may be in part due to the success of, and Oscar nominations for, CODA, but it’s also a welcome step forward in terms of accessibility for the Academy. Having an ASL option just makes sense, especially here in 2022. It’s about time.

From The Hollywood Reporter‘s piece, which also features an interview with VP of Impact and Operations for The Academy, Jeanell English:

When the 2022 Oscars are telecast on ABC Sunday night from Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, Deaf and hard of hearing viewers will have access to a live stream of American Sign Language interpretation, a first in the show’s 94-year history.

Featuring certified deaf interpreters, the stream will be available on the Academy’s YouTube Channel, free to access on viewers’ personal devices including their phone, tablet or computer, where the stream will operate as a second screen. Additionally, the ASL feed will be directly accessible to viewers streaming the full show at Oscars.com.

Source: THR