For patrons who cannot hear dialogue or see key action, distributing an accessible film is only part of the cinema experience. DOJ's final rule, published December 2, 2016, requires covered digital screenings to provide captioning and audio description when the movie comes with those features, subject to undue-burden and fundamental-alteration defenses. This December 3 weekend account concerns Friday's publication, not a new Saturday action. [2016-28644][2014-17863]

The rule addresses devices and assistance rather than requiring theaters to create missing features. From January 17, 2017, when theaters provide these features, notice and employee-assistance requirements apply. That distinction gives access a practical dimension: equipment must be accompanied by information about available showings and someone able to help patrons use it. [2016-28644][2014-17863]

The August 2014 proposal contemplated six-month digital compliance and asked whether analog screens should receive four years or await later rulemaking. The final rule instead gives auditoriums already digital on December 2, 2016 until June 2, 2018 for equipment and access compliance. Later conversions have until December 2, 2018 or six months after complete digital installation, whichever is later. Both documents belong to one DOJ proceeding. [2016-28644][2014-17863]

Exclusively analog auditoriums are outside these specific requirements, not outside the ADA altogether. The defined theater scope also excludes drive-ins. For patrons, the useful distinction is between a feature included with a film and its availability at a particular showing. The rule creates obligations within that chain; it does not demonstrate immediate access everywhere or remove every practical barrier to a shared night at the movies. [2016-28644][2014-17863]

Source documents

  1. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations-Movie Theaters; Movie Captioning and Audio Descriptionhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2016-12-02/html/2016-28644.htm
  2. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations-Movie Theaters; Movie Captioning and Audio Descriptionhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2014-08-01/html/2014-17863.htm