WHAT IS HANDS 4 NEWS?
Hands 4 News was formed out of the realization that television news and programming is not nearly as accessible enough to the deaf community as it should be. The lack of signing for news stations or closed-captioning for certain TV programs presents extreme challenges for American Sign Language users to fully understand the messages being conveyed on screen. Hands 4 News aims to provide full accessibility for deaf viewers.
OUR MISSION
Hands 4 News is dedicated to requiring sign language for television news stations—both at the national and local levels. Additionally, Hands 4 News advocates for mandatory closed captioning for the deaf community across all network and cable television stations. By doing so, we will increase the level of accessibility for news and television to fully include the deaf community in this critical form of media.
- Mandatory Sign Language For Both National And Local News
- Mandatory Closed-Captioning For Every Television Station
HOW DID HANDS 4 NEWS FORM?
Hands 4 News formed as a result of the experiences of Jasmine and Caitlin Levine. Jasmine and Caitlin’s studies with acclaimed author and professor of American Sign Language, Russell Kane, led them to discover the importance of closed-captioning to the deaf community. The Levine girls soon realized the absence of American Sign Language from prominent news stations, such as CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC, among others. Additionally, Jasmine and Caitlin formed friendships with members of the deaf community through their experiences. They saw firsthand the struggles that ASL users face when turning to television for information. Together, Jasmine and Caitlin hope to raise awareness for American Sign Language on the news in order to create a more inclusive viewing experience.