What development occurred in 1972 that impacted communication for the Deaf?

The introduction of program captioning in 1972 significantly enhanced communication access for the Deaf community. This development allowed television programs and films to provide onscreen text that conveyed dialogues and important sound effects, breaking down barriers to understanding and participation in media. The emergence of closed captioning meant that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals could enjoy and engage with television content fully, fostering greater inclusivity in society.

By providing critical contextual information and dialogue through captions, program captioning marked a pivotal shift in how media was consumed by the Deaf community. This accessibility facilitated not just entertainment but also education, as Deaf individuals could better access information shared in film and television programming.

While the other options represent important milestones in Deaf culture and the evolution of support services, the specific introduction of program captioning directly addressed communication within a commonly shared media space, significantly broadening access and engagement for the Deaf community during that era.