This year’s Super Bowl LIX has an incredible lineup of ASL performers: Stephanie Nogueras, Matt Maxey, and Otis Jones IV. These talented artists will bring the National Anthem, “America the Beautiful,” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to life in ASL. Additionally, they will be a part of the ASL Halftime Show – but will everyone get to see them?
The Super Bowl’s Recurring Accessibility Problem
Every year, the Super Bowl announces its ASL performers with excitement. And every year, Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers scramble to access a separate livestream to watch them. Instead of being included in the main broadcast, the ASL performers are tucked away behind a secondary link on a website.
And here’s the kicker: History proves that equal visibility for performers is possible. Back in 1993, Marlee Matlin performed the National Anthem in ASL, standing right next to Garth Brooks on stage. Viewers didn’t have to watch a separate feed—the entire world saw her interpretation live on the main screen.
Last year in 2024, Matlin called out CBS network producers for continuing the frustrating tradition of sidelining ASL performers. The pregame introduced the Deaf performers, but the main broadcast failed to show even a second of their performances. For over 30 years, Deaf audiences have asked for better, and yet the issue remains.
The Simple Fix: Picture-in-Picture (PIP)
This isn’t a tech issue—it’s a priority issue. Picture-in-picture (PIP) technology has been around since the 1980s. If you’ve ever watched a sports replay while still keeping an eye on the live game in the corner of the screen, you’ve experienced PIP in action.
At Inclusive Communication Services (ICS), we specialize in making digital content accessible for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. One of the tools we use regularly is PIP, integrating sign language interpreters into prerecorded videos. Our work spans a wide range of content, including educational courses, museum tours, employee training videos, and advertisements.
When adding PIP, we carefully plan placement to ensure it doesn’t obstruct key visuals, graphics, text banners, or captions. Our approach is both creative and intentional—making sure accessibility enhances the viewing experience rather than feeling “distracting” or “aesthetically unpleasing.” While PIP does require thoughtful planning, it’s a fully achievable solution for major networks, even in live broadcasts.
So why aren’t networks using this simple feature to include ASL performers? The issue isn’t about feasibility—it’s about willingness.
But What About Captions?
A question we hear all the time at ICS is, “Why aren’t captions enough?” Captions are essential for accessibility, but they can’t capture the full experience of music.
Lyrics tell us what is being sung, but they can’t convey the melody or emotion behind the performance. And music is more than just words—it’s about feeling, rhythm, and expression. ASL performers and interpreters bring those elements to life in a way that captions alone never could.
Take “The Star-Spangled Banner,” for example. It’s one of the most challenging songs to sing, and just as difficult to sign. A skilled ASL performer doesn’t just translate the lyrics—they embody the power and passion of the moment. But if the performers aren’t visible, an entire audience misses out on that magic.
The Bigger Issue at Play
This issue goes beyond the Super Bowl—it’s about how mainstream media continuously treats sign language and Deaf culture as an afterthought or even a “distraction.” We recently addressed this issue in a blog responding to a news reporter who called for the removal of sign language interpreters during emergency broadcasts.
Year after year, networks miss a powerful opportunity to educate millions of viewers about ASL and the Deaf community. Imagine how many people might be inspired to learn sign language if they saw it front and center during one of the biggest televised events of the year. Imagine the shift in perception—embracing accessibility as the norm.
You might be thinking, “Isn’t it enough that there’s a separate feed?” or “At least Deaf performers are invited.” But when access is pushed to the margins, we deny the broader audience the chance to become advocates and allies.
Visibility matters—it shapes first impressions and fosters understanding. When people see accessibility in action, they’re more likely to hire a Deaf employee, support a hard-of-hearing student’s IEP, or take steps to make conferences more inclusive for attendees with disabilities. When accessibility shares the main stage, we reshape awareness—and that awareness sparks action.
What You Can Do to Advocate for Inclusion
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is pushing for full access to ASL performers at Super Bowl LIX. You can join the effort by writing to network executives, advocating for equal visibility for Deaf performers. Take action here: NAD’s advocacy letter template.
Lead by example—start making your own media accessible. If you’re creating content, ensure all videos are captioned and that images on social media and your website include alternative text for the blind and low vision community. Small steps make a big difference.
In the workplace, advocate for accessible corporate and website video content. Whether it’s integrating sign language interpreters via PIP or adding audio description, ICS can help you get started with a free consultation.
Meet the 2025 Super Bowl ASL Performers and Where to Watch
Curious about the incredible artists bringing ASL to the Super Bowl this year? Check out their backgrounds and follow them on instagram:
Stephanie Nogueras: You may recognize Stephanie Nogueras from her roles on Switched at Birth, Killing It, Grimm, and The Accused. Beyond acting, Stephanie is passionate about being an ASL consultant, coach, and mentor.
Otis Jones IV: Otis Jones IV, known as “O4” in American Sign Language, has earned critical acclaim for roles in adapted productions like Fidelo and American Idiot. He has also collaborated with major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney, Apple, and Coca-Cola.
Matt Maxey: Matt Maxey is the founder of DEAFinitely Dope, a platform created in 2014 to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities through sign language and music. He has toured with Grammy-winning artist Chance the Rapper.
Where to Watch: This year’s broadcaster is Fox, and as expected, the ASL performances will be on a separate link. Tune in at bit.ly/SB-ASL to watch live.
