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By Rick Armon
Beacon Journal staff writer
POSTED: 05:48 p.m. EDT, Jul 16, 2009
A hearing-impaired Ohio State University football fan has sued the school, arguing that the university should offer captioning on the scoreboard and stadium televisions because he can't hear the announcers.
''When I go to a game, I'm never able to follow the game,'' said Vincent Sabino, 32, of Hilliard. ''It takes away from being a fan. It's a game experience thing.''
The lawsuit was filed late last month in federal court in Columbus by the National Association of the Deaf in Silver Spring, Md.
The suit says the university is violating the Americans With Disabilities Act by not providing captioning at all its venues, including Ohio Stadium, Schottenstein Center and St. John Arena.
''It has been almost 20 years, and many places such as sports stadiums still do not take seriously their obligations to make sports events fully accessible in compliance with the ADA,'' association attorney Michael Stein said Thursday.
Ohio State spokesman Jim Lynch said the university is working with Sabino's attorney and understands its legal obligations under the ADA.
''We're hopeful we can reach an acceptable resolution for both parties that will cause the lawsuit to be dismissed,'' he said. ''We are considering a host of options including captioning on the scoreboards.''
The suit seeks captioning for everything from referee calls to song lyrics. It also seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory damages.
''We hope and expect that we will be able to work together to make OSU games fully accessible for deaf and hard of hearing people,'' said Stein, whose group also successfully sued the Washington Redskins in 2006 over the same issue. ''We expect that sports stadiums around the country will take notice of these cases and begin making their sports events fully accessible without the need for a lawsuit.''
It's unclear if other universities and colleges provide captioning at sporting events. A telephone message left with the National Collegiate Athletic Association was not returned.
Sabino, who grew up in Hudson, said some of his earliest and happiest memories are attending Ohio State football games with his father. His wife, father and two sisters attended Ohio State. He graduated from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, N.Y.
He now goes to at least three, and as many as five games a year with his own children.
He said he has difficulty following the game, especially when leaving his seat to go to the concession stand or bathroom. Others can listen to the action on monitors, he noted.
Sabino said he can hear with the help of hearing aids, but has trouble understanding words when there is background noise.
He conducted a telephone interview with the Beacon Journal with an interpreter at his side.
Sabino, who works for a private company that provides services for disabled individuals, said he doesn't know how Ohio State will respond.
''I hope this will work out,'' he said. ''In my mind, it's very easy and it's an accommodation for everybody. If you get closed captioning, everybody can see it. Hopefully, they will see it that way.''
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
A hearing-impaired Ohio State University football fan has sued the school, arguing that the university should offer captioning on the scoreboard and stadium televisions because he can't hear the announcers.
''When I go to a game, I'm never able to follow the game,'' said Vincent Sabino, 32, of Hilliard. ''It takes away from being a fan. It's a game experience thing.''
The lawsuit was filed late last month in federal court in Columbus by the National Association of the Deaf in Silver Spring, Md.
The suit says the university is violating the Americans With Disabilities Act by not providing captioning at all its venues, including Ohio Stadium, Schottenstein Center and St. John Arena.
''It has been almost 20 years, and many places such as sports stadiums still do not take seriously their obligations to make sports events fully accessible in compliance with the ADA,'' association attorney Michael Stein said Thursday.
Ohio State spokesman Jim Lynch said the university is working with Sabino's attorney and understands its legal obligations under the ADA.
''We're hopeful we can reach an acceptable resolution for both parties that will cause the lawsuit to be dismissed,'' he said. ''We are considering a host of options including captioning on the scoreboards.''
The suit seeks captioning for everything from referee calls to song lyrics. It also seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory damages.
''We hope and expect that we will be able to work together to make OSU games fully accessible for deaf and hard of hearing people,'' said Stein, whose group also successfully sued the Washington Redskins in 2006 over the same issue. ''We expect that sports stadiums around the country will take notice of these cases and begin making their sports events fully accessible without the need for a lawsuit.''
It's unclear if other universities and colleges provide captioning at sporting events. A telephone message left with the National Collegiate Athletic Association was not returned.
Sabino, who grew up in Hudson, said some of his earliest and happiest memories are attending Ohio State football games with his father. His wife, father and two sisters attended Ohio State. He graduated from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, N.Y.
He now goes to at least three, and as many as five games a year with his own children.
He said he has difficulty following the game, especially when leaving his seat to go to the concession stand or bathroom. Others can listen to the action on monitors, he noted.
Sabino said he can hear with the help of hearing aids, but has trouble understanding words when there is background noise.
He conducted a telephone interview with the Beacon Journal with an interpreter at his side.
Sabino, who works for a private company that provides services for disabled individuals, said he doesn't know how Ohio State will respond.
''I hope this will work out,'' he said. ''In my mind, it's very easy and it's an accommodation for everybody. If you get closed captioning, everybody can see it. Hopefully, they will see it that way.''
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Stow, OH
Posted 05:56 PM, 07/16/2009
I feel for Mr. Sabino and his disability ,but I have never gone to a football game at that level and been able to hear the announcer anyway, and I have perfect hearing.
akron, oh
Posted 06:06 PM, 07/16/2009
you've gotta be flippin kidding me. why don't we have someone spraypaint the stats and players names and numbers on the field between plays. pay attention, stay in your seat and watch the game. you're there 3-5 games a season, you should know who and what is going on...
Columbus, OH
Posted 06:08 PM, 07/16/2009
Really? Come on. This is just a giant boo hoo waste of time and money. Read a book about football, watch the refs hand signals and pay attention. it is not Ohio State's responsibility to let fans, hearing impared or not, know "what is going on" in the game. If it is that much of an issue watch the game on TV with CC. If this man wants to have everything from the song lyrics to the ref calls and what happended ont he ply spelled out on the jumbo tron, well he wont be watching the play on the field, he will be watching the big screen, which he can do fromt he comfort of his own home or a local watering hole.
Waponi , Wu
Posted 06:35 PM, 07/16/2009
WHAT???
Akron, OH
Posted 06:41 PM, 07/16/2009
I am also hearing impaired and this is not what the American with Disabilities Act is all about. If he were to win, what next? Someone with arthritis demanding an elevator to his/her seat? A totally deaf person requesting a sign language interpreter?
ADA means a REASONABLE accommodation.
akron, oh
Posted 07:02 PM, 07/16/2009
i think garrett morris should do the announcing for the hearing impaired. LMAO
Canton, OH
Posted 07:41 PM, 07/16/2009
NUT IT UP , VINCENT. . .
I'll tell ya, there is a lawyer on every corner. . .
Posted 07:58 PM, 07/16/2009
bs he can carry a small tv and watch the info there and closed captions... omg dude you are an arse...
akron, oh
Posted 08:18 PM, 07/16/2009
WHAT!?!?!
Posted 08:35 PM, 07/16/2009
yup,,he'll win,,,,er i mean some attorney wins,,,geez
canton, oh
Posted 09:11 PM, 07/16/2009
Any football game I have attended, the only thing the announcer really says is xxx gained xx yards, or pass incomplete, etc. Im almost for sure they never do play by play. Unless this guy is blind, how can he not look at the game and see the result of the play. Also, most scoreboards have the last play list on the board. What a waste, stop trying to sue people, just cuz your deaf doesnt mean you cant get a job, go work for your money instead of trying to steal from others.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:21 PM, 07/16/2009
watch the game dummy, no need for a score board, if ya know the game, write the yards per carry, or passes, or all the stats........money grabber
Posted 11:30 PM, 07/16/2009
How about just bringing the issue up first and not just saying, "Hey, I will try to sue them for some money instead." Seems like he just wants money. Scoreboards say what down and and how many yards there is to go just like it says the score.
Posted 11:33 PM, 07/16/2009
Unless he's blind, he can follow the game with his eyes like 100 percent of everyone in a restaurant or a bar does. There are yardage scoreboards all over Ohio Stadium if he needs to know the down and distance (what the PA announces).
If this frivolous lawsuit is ruled in favor of Sabino, it opens the door for every NCAA institution to get sued over closed-captioning (costing athletic departments more money in an economic downturn).
Why stop at Ohio Stadium if he's so sue-happy? Sue Value City Arena, Bill Davis Stadium, Jesse Owens Stadium, etc. Because they'll all have to change if ruled in favor of the plaintiff (and it will open the door for other universities to get sued).
Akron, OH
Posted 12:48 AM, 07/17/2009
right after OSU has to add hundreds of thousands (possibly millions) of dollars of technical equipment plus the people to operate it to satisfy ONE fan that attends 3-5 games a year, tuition will be raised for 40,000 students to cover the cost.
I sympathize with his disability, but come on. If it's that un-enjoyable stay at home and watch it with your family on Closed Captioning on TV.
Posted 06:42 AM, 07/17/2009
What did people do before there were electronic scoreboards?
akron, oh
Posted 06:57 AM, 07/17/2009
When I go to the game and have to take a leak, I am Pis sed off because they made me dring that cola dring and it makes you go, I am suing cause they sell soda that makes you leave the game. Are there in-stall monitors for the Ladies? What about the long lines the ladies have to wait in, they should sue for more stalls!
akron, oh
Posted 06:57 AM, 07/17/2009
Hank, they watched the game-what else!
Posted 07:02 AM, 07/17/2009
They could just add it into the ticket price. At least you dont need caption for the blind.
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 07:18 AM, 07/17/2009
This is what is wrong with our country. Why does there have to be a "fix" for every problem. Sometime Sh(& happens and you are dealt a bad hand in life. Race, handicap, place in this world are all parts of what makes this country diverse and great. Deal with it.
uniontown, oh
Posted 07:20 AM, 07/17/2009
It's a Right!
So is health care!
So is YOU paying MY mortgage!
Welcome to Hope & Change!
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:32 AM, 07/17/2009
what an idiot.
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:34 AM, 07/17/2009
What's the big deal? I find more enjoyment watching the game on TV. I'm not blind, but I see much more because the camera's are closer and can zoom where my eyes can't. I also find the announcers annoying and usually mute the sound.
cuyahoga falls, oh
Posted 07:40 AM, 07/17/2009
My grandparents were deaf and never had a problem with this world. This guy can shove it
akron, oh
Posted 07:43 AM, 07/17/2009
this should never make it to court. it should be thrown out, and this guy should reimburse OSU for legal fee's. this is the stupidest thing i have ever heard of.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:47 AM, 07/17/2009
Again,
In the summer I get an itch in embarrassing places from those hard plastic seats. I am going to sue them for better seating, like Lazy Boy recliners.
Maybe this guy could have one of his ADA friends come to my place and trip on the sidewalk to the city will finally come fix it. I'd even take hsi picture to put it in the paper again, "look at me, I got the sidewalk fixed!"
akron, OH
Posted 07:49 AM, 07/17/2009
if this guy could read the score board already tells him everything the announcer will. i thought the whole reason for going to games in the first place was to watch.
score board will tell you where the ball is at, what down it is, how many yards to go, how many time outs left, who called a time out, who has possesion, who scored, i mean who even can hear the annoucer at a buckeyes game anyway? also they have tv's throught the stadium depending on where you are seated. and i believe those usually have captions on them. i might not be remembering right though.
Munroe Falls, OH
Posted 07:50 AM, 07/17/2009
It's hard to take his complaint seriously when he is asking for compensatory damages...
Posted 07:53 AM, 07/17/2009
how about having announcers that speak several languages too - so if we have illegal immigrants they can understand.
Farwest side - great post. I agree this isn't what the ADA is about - but there are lots of different interpretations of "reasonable accomadations" Love the DD avatar too!
uniontown, oh
Posted 07:57 AM, 07/17/2009
@sweetums ~ What's the big deal? I find more enjoyment watching the game on TV. I'm not blind, but I see much more because the camera's are closer and can zoom where my eyes can't. I also find the announcers annoying and usually mute the sound.
Here's the thing...if you like watching the game on TV then that's ok! You don't need to be at the game to see it on TV. You can stay home and watch the game.
Next thing to happen is someone trying to sue so as to be provided a TV inorder to watch the game while being at the game.
It's all about the money!
Akron, oh
Posted 07:59 AM, 07/17/2009
This is the NEW America people, where a single person can tell the majority what to do. Do not tell me you have not seen this coming.
Posted 08:00 AM, 07/17/2009
The beauty of the American justice system.
Cuyahoga Falls, Oh
Posted 08:03 AM, 07/17/2009
Remember when it used to be Deaf? D-E-A-F? Oh my! We must be so PC!
Canton, OH
Posted 08:08 AM, 07/17/2009
I understand what he's saying, but does he have to SUE them for it? Couldn't he just go the old fashioned route and try to talk to someone about it first?
Akron, OH
Posted 08:09 AM, 07/17/2009
{{{seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory damages.}}}
This is the key to the lawsuit. The rest is jes' window dressin'.
Though I have sympathies to those with disabilities, the expectation that the masses should pay for the few is over the top.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 08:24 AM, 07/17/2009
(Sabino said he can hear with the help of hearing aids, but has trouble understanding words when there is background noise.)
Why doesn't he take a set of headphones and listen to the play by play on the radio. I see a lot of people who sit near me doing that very thing.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:26 AM, 07/17/2009
If he wins this lawsuit, the next step for him would be to sue again because his seats are too far from the scoreboard and he can't read the closed captioning. Lawsuit-happy America, gotta love it.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 08:29 AM, 07/17/2009
what a narcissistic baby. wah.
Posted 08:30 AM, 07/17/2009
"It also seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory damages."
I would have compassion for someone who has lost their hearing...but this guy is a jerk. I'd like to see if I can punch the hearing back on for him.
The fact that they are going for damages is unbelievable.
Posted 08:32 AM, 07/17/2009
I hate closed captioning!
Da ghetto of Fairlawn, OH
Posted 08:35 AM, 07/17/2009
make that "cant hear" the game
Tallmadge, Oh
Posted 08:50 AM, 07/17/2009
Mr. Sabino - SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN. this is frioluous and stupid. you are binding the courts and wasting time. You are the reason people dislike lawyers. I can't hear the anouncer either. you really suck and are pathetic. You think that because you - who are deaf - can't hear, then everybody else must pay for you disability. Go home. you suck .
Akron, OH
Posted 08:53 AM, 07/17/2009
By that metric shouldn't churches offer a screened caption for every sermon? Think of the kind of precedent something like this would set!
Unreasonable if you ask me
Akron, OH
Posted 08:56 AM, 07/17/2009
I don't understand how they can sell peanuts at sporting events. Isn't that dangerous for the children with allergies?
Akron, OH
Posted 08:57 AM, 07/17/2009
I wonder if he would sue for braille announcing if he were blind and deaf?
tallmadge, oh
Posted 09:03 AM, 07/17/2009
How about I just slap your head and sey "Grow Up" you little mommies boy.
I'm deaf, colorblind and overweight. Those are my problems and I don't ask anyone to accommodate me.
Newton Falls, Oh
Posted 09:11 AM, 07/17/2009
If he knew anything about football, he wouldn't need sound or closed captioning. Ever watch a game in a loud sports bar? Same thing.
Akron , Oh
Posted 09:13 AM, 07/17/2009
Another chump looking for a payday. These is the world we have created. What a loser...
Akron, OH
Posted 09:23 AM, 07/17/2009
Wow, so much outrage over something affects very few of you. If you polled fans with hearing, I'd bet a decent percentage would like the the CC on the scoreboard. Sometimes, there's information you can't pick up on by watching the game. Like when Dwayne Rudd tossed his helmet vs. KC and I had no idea why the K was lining up WAY further than where that fat OL was tackled, despite the fact that the clock had run out. Knowing that a jack*ss LB had drawn a flag would have helped.
Don't use Vince Sabino as a proxy for your anger at the PC world. I simply ask, how does this affect you?
Akron, OH
Posted 09:26 AM, 07/17/2009
This is all George HW Bush's fault.
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:27 AM, 07/17/2009
Come on guys, I am sure he is really just doing this to help out all the other deaf people who attend OSU games!
I am sure that whatever amount of compensatory damages he receives will be given to a charity that helps the hearing impaired.
I also have a nice bridge in Brooklyn that I am willing to sell to you for pennies on the dollar.
What a jack@$%!
Stow, OH
Posted 09:29 AM, 07/17/2009
Please get this punk off the home page. I am tired of looking at his greedy face.
akron, oh
Posted 09:50 AM, 07/17/2009
This is the stupiest thing I have ever heard of (LOL). Stay home and watch the game. People sue over the dumest things.
Uniontown, OH
Posted 10:03 AM, 07/17/2009
I've worn hearing aids since I was 5 years old and this guy is a joke! Plus why does his wife look like his mom!
A hood near you, OH
Posted 10:20 AM, 07/17/2009
Stay home Vince. This way you can follow the CC on TV and still search for your next opportunity to bring another absurd suit against another party at the same time.
Pathetic
Akron, OH
Posted 10:25 AM, 07/17/2009
You guys are all so HARSH!!!! I LOVE IT! and I couldn't agree more!
Akron, OH
Posted 10:28 AM, 07/17/2009
@Majykman- And you are a prime example of what is wrong with this world today.
barberton, oh
Posted 10:29 AM, 07/17/2009
really? who listens to the "announcers" at a football game. watching one on tv is a different subject.
akron, oh
Posted 10:33 AM, 07/17/2009
Some people sue over anything. I agree. This so called fan should stay home.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 10:39 AM, 07/17/2009
I hope Ohio State takes his seats away from him!
Posted 10:43 AM, 07/17/2009
uh...i cant hear good at all....captioning is of no use because they absolutely cant spell and use the wrong words...if it is guns it will write gums...or about prices it will be prizes...im telling you they let the hard of hearing do the captioning. because when reading, it never makes sense...is no different than how i hear...and it really disturbs me...especially news captioning
akron, oh
Posted 10:43 AM, 07/17/2009
OJ-there you are. I see you are posting under "Shadowe" also, hmmmm, pocpocpoc!!!
Wadsworth, Oh
Posted 10:43 AM, 07/17/2009
Anything to make a buck......the easy way.
Akron, oh
Posted 10:53 AM, 07/17/2009
I'm all for "reasonable" requests but there is one point here that is glaring at me.... he's been going to these games since he was a kid, he attended the university - I'm sure he went to a few games while he was there, and he's now 32. After 20 years he SUDDENLY has a problem following the game!
He blew his credibility as soon as compensatory damages are brought up.
Akron, Oh
Posted 10:55 AM, 07/17/2009
This JA needs to be refused entrance to the stadium and he needs to wipe that sheeeet eating grin off his dumb arse face.
Posted 10:58 AM, 07/17/2009
TOJ,
If you knew the rules of the NFL you would have known that Rudd throwing his helmet was a penalty, causing the extra play and FG for KC to win.
As far as the anger at this guy, lets start with
1) he is looking for compensatory damages - for what? Because he's hearing impaired and couldn't hear some of the game
2) he's suing, supposedly without having persued any other avenue for a resolution, or just making his own solution like using a radio with his hearing aid
People are tired of others abusing the system to overcome their own personal issues. Requiring proper access to a building so those in wheelchairs to get around is one thing. Requiring every business that operates to provide their product in a way that works for everybody with a disability is wrong. What about a movie theatre, is that closed caption? So will he sue them next? Or churches? Or concerts?
He's hearing impaired, he knows he'll have trouble hearing the game, yet he goes, and then complains about it, and now is suing a public institution over it.
For once I disagree with you, and find myself in agreement with Farwest Side
Posted 11:02 AM, 07/17/2009
Does everyone have to turn every story posted into something political? American's have been "sue happy" for years and this is just another ridiculous example of it.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 11:10 AM, 07/17/2009
Hey Steve, that was awesome, you are so right on!
akron, oh
Posted 11:13 AM, 07/17/2009
Take a look at the photo. It says "Courtesy Vince Sabino", he's the jerk sueing OSU. What an idiot he is, now ALL the OSU fans will see his face, recognize him at the game and pour beer on his head.
He is an idiot to offer his picture to the press and then even think about going back to an OSU game.
Hooterville, Oh
Posted 11:16 AM, 07/17/2009
He has GOT to be a Democrat!!!!
Akron, OH
Posted 11:18 AM, 07/17/2009
I think alot of you need to walk a mile in a def person's shoes before you start blaming the victom. I have more def friends than speaking and it is hard to do social things with them. Things such as simply going to the movies. The fun thing about football games is that they stimulate all the senses and loosing one of them can make for an entirely new experience. If you dont believe me try muting your tv next Superbowl.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 11:20 AM, 07/17/2009
Maybe I should sue TBDBITL for doing Script Ohio BEFORE the game instead of at halftime! I sometimes don't make it to my seat in time to see it beforehand.
Posted 11:26 AM, 07/17/2009
Are you kidding me? This guy has eyes doesn't he?! Quit complaining and be thankful for what you do have! Give me a break!
Reynoldsburg , Oh
Posted 11:31 AM, 07/17/2009
Your parents can't be proud of you for trashing up the legal system like this. Stop being part of the problem and become part of the solution. You should be ashamed to be a Buckeye Fan!!
North Canton, OH
Posted 11:41 AM, 07/17/2009
I went to a Cleveland Indians game once and had no idea what was going on because I'm not really a baseball fan and I'm used to having the tv announcer explain everything. I think I'm going to sue the Tribe. I really didn't enjoy the game and now I know I can get money for it! WOOHOO!
Posted 11:47 AM, 07/17/2009
badbones - good idea - i think i will sue them for not doing script Ohio in Braille.
I think i will sue Metallica too - last concert i went to they didn't have captioning so i couldn't understand anything.
come to think of the last local theater production of my neices i went to didn't have closed captioning maybe i will sue them too.
akron, oh
Posted 11:49 AM, 07/17/2009
I fully blame the mayor of akron for this
Akron, Oh
Posted 11:54 AM, 07/17/2009
So if I were blind I could sue because I can't see the game?!?
akron, oh
Posted 11:57 AM, 07/17/2009
WHAT CAN'T HEAR YOU (LOL) STAY HOME LOSER!!!
east of Akron, AA
Posted 12:02 PM, 07/17/2009
stupid, absolutely stupid. Dumb arse government and OSU will give in, pay millions, then he'll suddenly "hear" how good he has it!
Old Faithful, WY
Posted 12:14 PM, 07/17/2009
vince sabino needs a blanket party. what a chump.
Barberton, OH
Posted 12:22 PM, 07/17/2009
Talk about a frivilous lawsuit.... shame shame
AKRON, OH
Posted 12:32 PM, 07/17/2009
Im short and can't reach the top shelf. Who can I sue?
Ravenna, OH
Posted 12:35 PM, 07/17/2009
Anyone who know anything about football shouldn't need an announcer to know what is going on. What's next, a braille scoreboard?
Posted 12:37 PM, 07/17/2009
"This is all George HW Bush's fault." I second that.........add Don P to that too!
Norka, Oh
Posted 12:40 PM, 07/17/2009
Ram a couple of sharp sticks in his eyes then rearrange his furnature.....
m, m
Posted 12:48 PM, 07/17/2009
Sue to see the song lyrics? 1st of all. How many people really want to hear the announcer. Or can even hear the announcer. 2nd, you read the ref's signals. that will tell you what is going on.
Posted 01:09 PM, 07/17/2009
They need to make the stadium 'accessible' to the hearing impaired! I got news for the idiot attorney who made that claim, if you have a ticket it is! Hey, I tried to get tickets to the USC game and the stadium wasn't accessible to me. I'm going to sue (I have a little acne that has prevented me dating supermodels, so that must mean I'm impaired). I can't wait until I see this guy at a game, I'm going to mouth obscenities at him!
Akron, OH
Posted 01:11 PM, 07/17/2009
Steve,
I'm well aware of the rules, but I didn't see that happen. That's my whole point. The next thing I know, they're running lining with 0:00 and no one in our section knew why.
Regarding damages, I doubt that he'll collect any. It's a negotiating tactic, but maybe I'm wrong and he will get paid. If I was a betting man, which I am, I'd say they settle and he never collects a penny, outside of attorney fees.
Regarding what a business should and should not do to cater to their customers, that's not the point. It's a matter of what they should and should not do to be in compliance with the law. Blame the people that enacted the ADA. Lawmakers seem to get little more than token criticism for legislation they put forward, but when people try to play by those rules, they are crucified.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:14 PM, 07/17/2009
This person needs to get a life. I agree with several of the posts above - Most of the time, you can't understand the anouncments anyway.
The phrase "get a life" comes to mind.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:14 PM, 07/17/2009
McDonald,
Sure, that's me. Your continuous references to homosexuality and, now, trannies speaks more to you than to me, so keep it coming. Even Jeff Foxworthy thinks your material is getting old and overplayed.
In between the nonsense, can you provide ANY of the evidence on ANY of the topics that we've discussed in the last four months? You can mix it up all you want, but only one of us here has yet to back up their claims.
Paradise, Oh
Posted 01:18 PM, 07/17/2009
Hey Vince...you are a loser!
I SAID...."YOU ARE A LOSER!"
Akron, OH
Posted 01:30 PM, 07/17/2009
"I know there may have been concerns that the ADA may be too vague or too costly, or may lead endlessly to litigation. But I want to reassure you right now that my administration and the United States Congress have carefully crafted this Act. We've all been determined to ensure that it gives flexibility, particularly in terms of the timetable of implementation; and we've been committed to containing the costs that may be incurred.... Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down."
- George H W Bush
Akron, OH
Posted 01:46 PM, 07/17/2009
How does he know how much to pay the cashier for drinks and food some registers at sporting events don't display the total for the customer. One reason they have a scoreboard - so people know what is happening in the game. BINGO!
Columbus, OH
Posted 02:19 PM, 07/17/2009
You people are way too harsh! Unless you have lived as a deaf person, you really can't talk about what their experience is. This is something hearing people can benefit from too, as long as they can read.
I know Vince and I can PROMISE you that I know for a fact that he IS NOT asking for money. I don't know what they mean about "compensatory damages" but I know he WILL NOT benefit financially from this. He will buy his tickets like everyone else.
And BTW, he did try to request CC to OSU without a law suit and they refused. They are techniqually in violation of the ADA law, whether you like it or not.
You can blame whoever you want for the ADA law, but the bottom line is that the law states he should have equal access. For those of you telling him to stay home and watch it on TV...seriously, how is that equal access??
And for those of you who are too ignorant to know any better, they do have CC in movie theaters!!!! It does not cost that much and you are all making a big deal out of nothing!
Cherry Hill, NJ
Posted 02:33 PM, 07/17/2009
Actually, captioning of the PA announcer and Jumbotron audio is working out very well at AT&T Park for SF Giants games, as the text is sent via free Wi-Fi in the park to hearing impaired (and, from traffic data analysis many others, too). In fact, the entire FanConneX service, which encompasses The Telegraph (UK) Hearing Blog as part of a trio of profitable services for the hearing impaired. You can read the article here:
http://TinyURL.com/FanCaption
Dan Schwartz
The Telegraph (UK) Hearing Blog at:
http://my.telegraph.co.uk/hearing
Cherry Hill, NJ
@Hi_Dan on Twitter
Posted 02:39 PM, 07/17/2009
Man, this is just UNHEARD of.
Da ghetto of Fairlawn, OH
Posted 02:41 PM, 07/17/2009
@ amsbuckeye
Your buddy is what is wrong with this country-if someone wont bend over backwards, sideways, etc., and cater to your every whim, then sue 'em!
Tell Vince to grow a pair & man up. If he can't figure out what is going on by the score board & the action on the field, then he wont figure it out with CC. Your buddy is a tool & I hope this nonsense is dismissed.
everywhere, oh
Posted 03:21 PM, 07/17/2009
The judge should deny this guy a hearing.
Columbus, OH
Posted 03:28 PM, 07/17/2009
I agree that this should not be in a law suit, but that's what it takes to get anyone to do anything.
For those of you who are opposed to CC at the stadium, then you should protest. You can do that by not reading the CC when you are at an OSU game. That will show them!!
However, I would bet that you will benefit from it at some point or another. So when you find yourself looking at the CC to clarify something that you have missed, then you should probably post an apology.
Posted 03:45 PM, 07/17/2009
TOJ,
I don't believe that the ADA covers requiring private businesses that provide entertainment (movies, sports, concerts) to provide the audio via closed captioning. I tried reading up on it some at lunch and couldn't find anything in there.
It certainly was not the intente of the law. It was meant to provide access to buildings for the disabled, and prevent hiring/firing practices that discriminated against those with disabilities.
If he is awarded money, or if OSU is forced to do this it will set a very bad precedent.
Akron, OH
Posted 04:03 PM, 07/17/2009
Steve,
Here is the relevant ruling:
http://sports-law.blogspot.com/2008/11/redskins-and-ada.html
Westerville, OH
Posted 04:05 PM, 07/17/2009
There is not an NCAA bylaw that says Ohio State (or any NCAA venue) even needs to provide a PA for games. Prior to the renovation, there wasn't even a platform for closed-captioning outside of the televisions on the concourse.
Just be lucky that you have a video board.
What happens if a hearing-impaired person has seats high in the South Stands without viewing access to the video board? Do they sue for better seats?
Ohio State provides closed-captioning on the scoreboards for ceremonies and halftime events. The words of Carmen Ohio are on the scoreboard as well.
This is a frivolous lawsuit and a joke. Every NCAA institution is then open to get sued if this goes through, causing every NCAA institution to upgrade all their venues.
In the end, more sports will be cut due to costs for some institutions.
Akron, OH
Posted 04:18 PM, 07/17/2009
Steve,
I checked a few articles to try and get a laymen's terms analysis of the issue. I found this interesting article, but more interesting was the poll at the end of the article.
When readers were asked if they agreed with the ruling, 69% said yes. Unscientific to be sure, but I think this goes to show that the pursuit of this issue is not absurd at all. I fully understand the fallacious nature of web polls, but found this interesting.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2008/10/but_hearing_people_dont_get_th.html
Akron, OH
Posted 04:24 PM, 07/17/2009
VKC,
Regarding your seats analogy, that would be different because all persons sitting in those seats are treated equally. It is a byproduct of the seat, not the person sitting in it.
I think the thing is most appalling is that the solution does not appear to be very expensive. Much ado about nothing.
"The Eagles offer captioning services via handheld pagers that are available to any deaf or hearing-impaired fan at no charge. Rob Alberino, executive producer and director of the Eagles Television Network, said the service, provided by Englewood, Colo.-based Caption Colorado, cost between $5,000 and $10,000. He could not recall the cost of the hardware. The Eagles have 200 pagers available for fans at home games."
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2006/10/30/focus4.html
North Canton, OH
Posted 04:38 PM, 07/17/2009
@Ams I know you're trying to stick up for your friend, but "compensatory damages" = "Show me the money"
Akron, OH
Posted 04:41 PM, 07/17/2009
really?
Akron, OH
Posted 04:43 PM, 07/17/2009
Compensatory damages claim = leverage.
Nobody knows this guy, so why are jumping his s*it?
akron, oh
Posted 05:04 PM, 07/17/2009
@amsbuckeye: NO, THIS IS NOT WHAT ADA IS FOR. NO, THIS IS NOT A VIOLATION OF THE LAW. Now, shut up. Jerk!
Sabino: Grow up numbnuts!
akron, oh
Posted 05:08 PM, 07/17/2009
@sabino: before you had hearing aids, did you have hearing HIV?
akron, oh
Posted 07:13 PM, 07/17/2009
WOW WHAT A CRYBABY, I HOPE OHIO STATE BANS HIM FROM THE STADIUM
Posted 08:14 PM, 07/17/2009
This is absurd. People blog on these stories and manage to get way off topic. Basing this entire argument on the contents of the article, and my own inferences from it:
1. If Savino's lawsuit is, as the article, claims, based on OSUs inability to provide captioning on the stadium scoreboards, then he is as shallow as the lawsuit he has filed. What other options has he explored? He's been coming to the games since he was a child. Now he goes with his kids. What other options has he tried to accomodate his disabilities, and have they ALL been refused by stadium authorities at OSU?
2. He supplies his own photo for the article. Why? How badly does the ABJ need to take up space, or how narcisistic is he that he felt a photo was necessary? Does he now realize all of the disgruntled posters on this site now have visual confirmation of their target?
3. How hard have you really tried, Mr. Sabino, to make your own accommodations? Wouldn't it be easier to make due on your own rather than tarnish the name of the school whose fan-dom you are an integral part of? You have now constipated an already clogged court system. I hope the system finds its due relief on his case.
Most importantly, the game in its purest form, is meant to be WATCHED.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:51 PM, 07/17/2009
I think this guy needs a good a-s-s kickin' along with his lawyer and ams buckeye.
akron, oh
Posted 10:49 PM, 07/17/2009
this is a good thing people. it helps people to see what a screwed society they live in
canton, oh
Posted 10:50 PM, 07/17/2009
Could I please have his attorney file on my behalf when I get up during the game to go to the restroom and cannot read the closed captioning, which causes me to squint to see the televisions, thus causing me to develop headaches?
Perhaps I could have his tickets to the game so he can come over to my house to watch my TV ( I would accomodate him and turn the closed captioning on) but this commie pinko would probably sue me for not having the rest of my house ADA compliant.
My advice would be to sit in your seats while the game is being played and excuse yourself to the ladies room inbetween quarters/timeouts/halftime or have your wife get your concession stand items. Perhaps you should even consider wearing depends so you don't have to leave your seat so you can follow the action.
P.S. Are you going to sue the Varsity Club also ?
Akron, OH
Posted 11:39 PM, 07/17/2009
Oh for heaven's sake . . . This is insane.
Let him take his laptop computer to the game (or do Ohio taxpayers have to provide that, too?). Use the campus wifi, and watch the play by play, real-time stuff on the OSU Football or ESPN or BigTen website.
He could also take in a small TV that puts the audio in text on the screen when you put it on mute.
He could also have a friend or relative type what they hear on the computer, in large type on a text page.
I think most people have empathy for a hearing impaired person and are willing to help. HOWEVER, a football game is not a necessity, especially when a game is VISUAL and he can SEE it!!
columbus , oh
Posted 11:46 PM, 07/17/2009
I see it from his point, but it is also a distraction and will cost money to do this. As an osu student I dont want to see my tuition raised over something like this. This guys is just trying to get famous and have other people feel sorry for him. Im going to sue because i dont get good seats so i cant see the numbers on the jersey. I think it should be dropped. I think ticket holders should have the right to vote on wether they want to pay more money for one guy that wants fame.
San Diego, CA
Posted 12:00 AM, 07/18/2009
I'm not hearing impaired so I can't walk in Mr. Sabino's shoes. I really don't know what he misses from the game. I can understand a hand held device that provides closed captioning that he can see when going to the concession stand or restroom. Those are about the only times the PA system is really useful to people. I can't think of anything else that isn't already provided. And if the close captioning is only on the scoreboard, how will he see it when he leaves his seat going to the restroom or concession stand?
I think the devices that were mentioned being used in San Francisco or Philadelphia seem to be a better solution.
AKRON, OH
Posted 12:44 AM, 07/18/2009
ANOTHER IDIOT JUST DRIVING UP THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS - OR IN THIS CASE - GAMES. I WONDER IF HE COULD HEAR BETTER WITH - SAY - NO KNEECAPS
Boulder, CO
Posted 01:05 AM, 07/18/2009
You people are so stupid. Do you really think that a deaf person can watch the game and have the same experience as a hearing person?
All stadiums should take their lead from the San Francisco Giants and Milwaukee Brewers - they both offer Closed Captioning. Read about it here:
http://www.fancaptions.com/
http://www.fanconnex.com/
Imagine a world where you are trying to see the field with no sound. It's almost impossible to see what's happening without the announcers. You people that dissed all the hearing impaired comments are idiots.
Closed Captioning should be mandatory! Fans will be demanding it - as they should.
Walnut Creek, Oh
Posted 01:27 AM, 07/18/2009
I think I'm going to sue OSU. I can't climb stairs. I would like sit in the nosebleed section, but for me it is inaccesible. I think they should install wheelchair lifts so I can experience nosebleed section. I hear it is really grand up there..............LOL
columbus , oh
Posted 01:31 AM, 07/18/2009
Were not stupid for one u dont hear annoucers at the game duh. two he just wants to be in the news. three im a student and this poor deaf guy is the one raising my tuition because they have to pay lawyers extra to help on a frivolous law suit. JUst watch the game like normal people do no one listens to the annoucements its called u pay attention and stop looking for reasons to sue.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:09 AM, 07/18/2009
I, personally, would like to wish the WORST for the Sabino's. Oh, and Buck the F*ckeyes!
akron, oh
Posted 08:41 AM, 07/18/2009
Hey, I have been to dozens of games at the Shoe. I can't hear ANYTHING except the crowd. Can this guy read to see what down, yards carried?
The refs use sign language to indicate to the crowd because it is IMPOSSIBLE to hear anything over the noise of 100,000 .
Another example of tyranny.
Lafayette, CA
Posted 11:03 AM, 07/18/2009
We have a great application running at AT&T Park and Miller Park that helps the hearing impaired. Check out www.fancaptions.com
Anti-Politically Correct & Anti-GOP, OH
Posted 11:05 AM, 07/18/2009
I think I will sue because when I go to games I cannot see the yellow down line marker and the red 4th down line that everyone on TV gets. We need to have someone paint that stripe on every down so that those who are not watching on TV will have the same benefits.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:43 AM, 07/18/2009
[banjo music playing in the background]
Antioch, Fl
Posted 12:52 PM, 07/18/2009
I hope I'm not copying anyone else's post, if so, sorry.
I wonder, if he wins, does he plan to sue K-Mart because he can't hear the blue light special announcements? I guess they'll have to install a Jumbotron in each store in the country in case he comes in.
I have a disability of my own, but fortunately it's been addressed just about everywhere I go. I'm going to school through Vocational Rehab.(it really makes you feel old going back to school after 30 years). The school had done everything to comply long before I got there, but it's elevator likes to break down every month or so and about every six month it dies for a few weeks. I have to get one of the maintenance people to take me in the freight elevator, but they've always been as helpful as they can.
akron, OH
Posted 01:09 PM, 07/18/2009
punk
Posted 04:38 PM, 07/18/2009
All the fans that sit in front of him should get t-shirts that say, "Please don't sue me too!" on the back and "F U !" on the front.........
Anti-Politically Correct & Anti-GOP, OH
Posted 07:00 PM, 07/18/2009
Oh, did you notice he grew up in Hudson. I'll bet he's a Republican too.
Larsen, WI
Posted 08:14 PM, 07/18/2009
Oh, did you notice he grew up in Hudson. I'll bet he's a Republican too.
Nope. Got to be a liberal. This fits a liberal to a tee. The kind and compassionate ones.
Massillon, oh
Posted 09:26 PM, 07/18/2009
I cannot believe how these people can make harsh comments and BJ does nothing on those personal attacks, abusive hateful langauge. I think those harsh language needs to be removed!
says above "encourage a lively exchange of ideas and thoughts of regarding topick in the news" but all Vince got was harsh comments! unbelieveable!
akron, oh
Posted 07:30 AM, 07/19/2009
Is he a OSU alum?
Posted 11:32 AM, 07/19/2009
I'm a recovering alcoholic (17 1/2 years sober) I am going to sue all the ball parks I ever attend because they serve beer and I choose not to drink. [sarcasm]. Maybe his 'request' would have more merit if it did not have a $ amount attached to it.
I have a hard time hearing the announcers at every major sporting event I go to, but I am not suing anyone. He needs to get a life drop this lawsuit.
Kent, OH
Posted 05:09 AM, 07/20/2009
LOL
He is making all OSU fans look dumb. I've been down to a few OSU games myself, and they are righteously loud. If you pay attention to the action on the field, you have no need for the video boards.
And before I get some hoity-toity Buckeye fans on my back about my avatar...all I'll say is, I didn't have to pay for my tickets.
gahanna, oh
Posted 05:49 PM, 07/20/2009
I guess since I am drunk most of the games I will sue OSU and request that they hire local actors to renact out the game for me later. Ridiculous!
Glassboro, NJ
Posted 07:40 PM, 07/27/2009
Hey Captain Howdy
I often do turn off the commentary while watching the super bowla and many TV football ganes, because i'd rather enjoy the game than hear them meander on about something other than the actual game and what's happeneing.
Hey Sabinoy you go to a game to watch it not listen to it. If you want play by play take a radio and listen to the action with ear buds!!!!
Sabino is obviously doing this for the money. What a waste of tiem and money. Ohio State should be reimbursed for the leagal fees they encounter for this BS!!!!!!!
