Queens Teen Pushes for Closed Captioning Legislation in Movie Theaters
In a remarkable blend of youth activism and passion for accessibility, Sarah Lin, an ambitious senior at Bronx Science High School from Queens, is taking her fight for closed captioning in movie theaters to the New York legislature. Amidst the challenges of senior prom, finals, and college applications, Sarah is focusing her efforts on making the silver screen more inclusive for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Armed with determination and a clear vision, Sarah has become the voice of a growing movement advocating for the proposed Open Captioning Accessibility Act. This legislation aims to require movie theaters across the country to offer closed captioning at a significant number of screenings, ensuring that more people can enjoy films without facing accessibility barriers.
Sarah’s commitment to this cause is evident. “I’ve definitely been very busy with school, but you always find time for what you’re passionate about,” the 18-year-old shared. Her motivation stems from seeing the real impact of her efforts on the deaf and hard of hearing community, and she is dedicated to pushing the bill forward in Albany.
The proposed law would mandate that indoor movie theaters with more than ten shows per week provide subtitles for at least half of their peak showtimes. This requirement mirrors a rule already in place in New York City, which has proven relatively easy for theaters to implement without accruing additional costs.
Yet, despite its importance, the bill has faced significant delays in the state legislature, largely due to ongoing budget negotiations that have sidelined many legislators from considering new proposals. It’s worth noting that this bill faced setbacks in previous sessions before Sarah joined the advocacy efforts, highlighting her impactful role in reinvigorating this vital legislation.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) recognized Sarah’s dedication through her foundation, Theater’s Unsilenced, which provides theaters with subtitle glasses and sound-amplifying devices. Her efforts earned her the esteemed Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction award last year. Veterans like Jerry Bergman, an HLAA member and movie enthusiast, commended Sarah’s initiative, emphasizing the essentiality of accessibility features in movies: “Suffering through a film without these features is not the way to enjoy a movie.”
This time around, the bill has gained impressive support with 13 sponsors and cosponsors in the Assembly and seven in the Senate. Much of this backing can be attributed to Sarah’s outreach efforts. Utilizing her adeptness with social media, she connects with a wider audience, empowering supporters to urge their local politicians to stand behind the bill publicly.
Sarah has also collaborated with HLAA to create awareness-raising videos, featuring inspiring figures such as deaf actress Lauren Ridloff. “I’m reaching out to many different people and using my platform to show that accessibility is a right, not just a privilege,” she stated, determined to make these essentials known across New York.
The cause is personal for her; Sarah’s mother, who is hard of hearing, has missed out on countless family movie nights. This direct connection to the issue fuels Sarah’s passion and commitment to making a change. Additionally, during the pandemic, she spearheaded efforts to provide clear vinyl face masks that enabled the hard-of-hearing community to communicate via lip-reading while adhering to safety protocols.
During her Girl Scout years, Sarah raised funds through cookie sales, purchasing dry erase messaging boards for local cinemas, including the theater her mom had previously stopped visiting due to accessibility challenges.
Looking ahead, Sarah is eager for the potential passage of the legislation. “If this could actually happen, I’d be so proud to be part of this mission. It means my mom is a part of it, too,” she expressed with excitement.
In a landscape where accessibility often takes a back seat, Sarah Lin serves as a poignant reminder of the young leaders who are tirelessly working towards fostering equality and inclusiveness for all. This legislative push symbolizes not just a law, but a movement towards recognizing that everyone deserves equal access to films, ultimately enriching the communal experience of cinema for all.
