Press release.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan will introduce closed captioning services at Michigan Stadium for its fans who are deaf or hard of hearing for the remainder of the 2009 season beginning this Saturday (Oct. 17) for the Delaware State football game. It will be available on both video boards and the concourse televisions, and will include all public address announcements and on-field officials’ calls.

“Our athletic department and our university are committed to creating a welcoming and fully accessible environment for all members of our community, including students, faculty, staff and guests,” said U-M Director of Athletics Bill Martin. “This on-going commitment includes insuring that every visitor to Michigan Stadium has an enjoyable and memorable experience.”

Caption Solutions, LLC of Lawrence, Kan., has been retained by U-M to provide the closed captioning. An audio feed of the Michigan Stadium PA announcer and field officials will be provided to Caption Solutions from the video control room at the Crisler Arena production studio. The company also provides real-time stadium captioning services at Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as for the University of Notre Dame and eight of the Big XII Conference schools.

The athletic department has taken many steps to enhance physical access in all aspects of the stadium. Prior to the 2010 season, additional ADA seating will be made available throughout the stadium. In addition, by the start of the 2010 season, all restrooms and points of sale will be accessible with the exception of the few restrooms that remain below grade. Over the course of the 2010 and 2011 seasons, aisles and seats will be widened, and hand rails will be installed to assist fans with mobility and visual impairments.