Comcast has announced a collaboration with the iconic Mexican rock band EL TRI to offer sign language interpretation for their upcoming Music in the Park performance on June 22 at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose, California. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it is the first time EL TRI, known for their Spanish lyrics, will perform with sign language interpreters, enhancing accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing fans.
This partnership is an extension of Comcast's recent efforts to improve accessibility. The company has introduced live American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services at eight Bay Area Xfinity Store locations. Customers requiring ASL support can visit these stores, where representatives will use ASL Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) to connect with live interpreters provided by Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD).
EL TRI, one of Latin America's most renowned rock bands, is set to perform as part of San Jose’s popular Music in the Park summer concert series. The introduction of ASL interpreters at the concert underscores Comcast’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement. Alex Lora, EL TRI’s lead singer, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, "Music is a universal language, and it’s important that everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can share in the experience and energy of our live performances. We can’t wait to rock out with all our fans in San Jose!"
In addition to the interpreting services at the concert and in its stores, Comcast has pledged $60,000 in grants to three community partners: San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, California School for the Deaf, and the World Institute on Disability. These grants aim to expand digital inclusion and accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, including students, families, seniors, and community members.
According to the American Community Survey (ACS), 3.6% of the U.S. population is deaf or has significant hearing difficulties. Pew Research Center adds that 23% of people with disabilities never go online, and 57% lack a home broadband connection. To tackle these issues, Comcast’s Project UP initiative focuses on removing connectivity barriers through programs like Internet Essentials, Lift Zones, and skill development training.
This event also highlights Comcast’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Collaborating with Pro Bono ASL, the event aims to make the EL TRI concert more inclusive for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Rorri Burton, Founder and Director of Pro Bono ASL, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting, “This historical event is meaningful because these interpreters are trilingual. They know Spanish, English, and American Sign Language, which is creating inclusivity within the Latino deaf community which often tends to be left behind.”
Beyond translating EL TRI’s iconic lyrics, interpreters from Pro Bono ASL will also interpret announcements during the traditional Lucha Libre matches that will entertain attendees before the concert. The matches will feature local wrestlers such as "El Gladiador del aire" El Viento and "Rey de las pesadillas" El Cucuy.
Music in the Park details:
• Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
• Time: Doors open at 4:00 PM
• Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose, CA
• Special Feature: ASL interpretation provided by Pro Bono ASL, sponsored by Comcast
