[DeafDeaf]

This kind of argument—while framed as a concern about practicality—misses the heart of what reasonable accommodation actually means. It’s not about giving unfair advantages or bending the rules for convenience. It’s about removing barriers so that everyone has a fair chance to participate, contribute, and belong.

Originally Posted by BrianL99

Should there be an ASL Interpreter for the music in the Squares?

If music is a public performance meant to be enjoyed by all, then yes—providing ASL interpretation is a reasonable accommodation. Deaf individuals experience music through rhythm, emotion, and lyrics conveyed visually. Interpreters don’t “translate sound”—they translate meaning, allowing Deaf attendees to engage with the performance like everyone else. It’s not about changing the music—it’s about making the experience accessible. Yes, the entertainment department does provide interpreters for selected events!

Should slow runners, get a head start at marathons?

No—but marathons already accommodate different abilities. There are wheelchair divisions, age brackets, and staggered starts. These aren’t unfair—they’re structured inclusivity. Everyone competes within their category, and no one’s participation is dismissed because they move differently.

Should wheelchair participants be on equal footing with runners?

They already are—just in different divisions. Wheelchair athletes train rigorously and compete at elite levels. Their inclusion doesn’t diminish the race—it expands its reach. Equal footing doesn’t mean identical treatment—it means equitable opportunity.

Should 5 foot men be able to play in the NBA, but have a lower hoop to shoot at?

This is a false equivalence. The NBA is a private league with performance-based selection. Public spaces and services, however, are governed by civil rights law, not entertainment contracts. The ADA doesn’t guarantee stardom—it guarantees access.

The standard is "reasonable accommodation". If one can't hear, it's reasonable to expect a "written" alternative. The rest of the world shouldn't be tasked with providing and/or paying for "equal accommodation", it's not practical nor warranted.

Sometimes—but not always. ASL is a native language for many Deaf individuals. Written English may be a second language, and relying solely on text can exclude people from real-time interaction, emotion, and nuance. A written handout doesn’t replace a live experience. Reasonable accommodation means choosing the most effective method, not the cheapest workaround.