The Super Bowl and the Deaf Community: Progress and Challenges

The Super Bowl stands as a pinnacle of American sports, uniting millions in celebration. For the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, this event holds particular significance, highlighting both advancements in inclusivity and areas needing improvement.

Historical Context

Since 2010, the NFL has collaborated with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) to feature Deaf performers during Super Bowl pregame festivities. This partnership aims to enhance accessibility and representation for Deaf audiences. Link.

Notable Performances

In 2023, Justina Miles made history as the first Black Deaf woman to perform American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations during the Super Bowl pregame and halftime shows. Her dynamic rendition of Rihanna's halftime performance garnered widespread acclaim and went viral on social media platforms. Link.

Challenges in Broadcast Accessibility

Despite the inclusion of Deaf performers, broadcast practices have often fallen short. In 2024, CBS faced criticism for not featuring ASL performances during the live broadcast, leaving Deaf viewers without access to these interpretations. Link.

Super Bowl LIX: A Step Forward

The 2025 Super Bowl LIX, scheduled for February 9 in Glendale, Arizona, promises enhanced inclusivity. The event will showcase ASL interpreters Stephanie Nogueras, Otis Jones IV, and Matt Maxey, ensuring that both pregame and halftime performances are accessible to Deaf audiences. Link.

Ongoing Advocacy

While progress has been made, the Deaf community continues to advocate for consistent and comprehensive inclusion in all Super Bowl broadcasts. Ensuring that ASL interpretations are prominently featured during live broadcasts is essential for true accessibility.

Conclusion

The Super Bowl's efforts to include Deaf performers signify positive strides toward inclusivity. However, to fully honor the Deaf community, it's imperative that broadcasters commit to showcasing ASL interpretations, ensuring that all fans can partake in the excitement of the event.