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New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Teen leads push to make subtitles mandatory in NY movie theaters: ‘Accessibility is a right'
As if senior prom, finals and college applications aren't enough, a Queens teenager is taking on the New York legislature this spring. Sarah Lin, a senior at Bronx Science who has made headlines crusading to make the movies more friendly for the hearing impaired, is continuing her fight in Albany by pushing for a proposed bill that would make it mandatory for movie theaters across the country to provide closed captioning at more screenings. She has become the face of the movement and the brain behind its social media push, giving the cause typically focused on the elderly community a much-needed facelift. 5 Sarah Lin is advocating for legislation that would make it mandatory for movie theaters to provide more screenings with subtitles. Stephen Yang With only two weeks left of the legislative session, Lin has been working in overdrive. 'I've definitely been very busy with school, but I think you always end up finding a way to make time for what you're passionate about,' Lin, 18, of Kew Gardens, told The Post. 'Knowing that I'm able to make such real, impactful change and seeing the actual reactions and the responses from the deaf and hard of hearing community has pushed me to want to continue working on this and continue trying to pass this bill statewide.' The Open Captioning Accessibility Act would require indoor movie theaters across the state with more than 10 shows per week to provide subtitles for at least half of their peak showtimes. 5 Lin's mother, Annie Siu, is hard of hearing. Stephen Yang The rule has been in effect in New York City since 2021 and is relatively easy to achieve because playing films with subtitles comes at no extra cost for the already struggling theaters, Lin explained. Despite this, the bill has been crawling through the state legislature since it was first introduced in April, a delay that advocates blame on the tense budget negotiations that kept politicians from their lengthy list of proposed bills. The bill has already died in two prior sessions — but advocates didn't have Lin on their side back then. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) scooped up the teenager after learning about her foundation Theater's Unsilenced, with works to provide subtitles glasses and sound-amplifying devices to theaters across Queens — a feat that landed her last year's Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction award. 5 A New York City mandate requires theaters to play at least half the screenings at peak hours with subtitles. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP 'It was refreshing to come across a young woman like Sarah,' said Jerry Bergman, 79, chair of HLAA's Advocacy Committee and lifelong movie buff who began losing his own hearing as he entered his 60s. 'We're an organization, non-profit mostly of retired people … People who've gradually lost their hearing as they approached retirement,' he continued, adding that suffering through a film without accessibility features like subtitles is 'not the way to see a movie.' This time around, the Assembly bill has 13 sponsors and cosponsors, while its Senate counterpart has seven — a show of support Bergman attributed to the teen. Since joining the group, Lin has used her platform — and social media savviness — to reach wider audiences and encourage her followers to press their local politicians to publicly support the bill. 5 'I've definitely been very busy with school, but I think you always end up finding a way to make time for what you're passionate about,' said Lin. Stephen Yang She also starred in videos for the HLAA, including one that featured deaf Walking Dead actress Lauren Ridloff. 'I'm reaching out to many different people and using my platform in order to show how accessibility is a right and not just a privilege and making that known to everyone in the New York area,' Lin said. The cause hits especially close to home for Lin, whose own hard-of-hearing mother has had to sit home and miss out on plenty of family movie nights over the years. Joining forces with political players marks a major escalation in the volunteer work Lin has already been working toward for years — during the pandemic, she and her sisters, Katie and Julie, spearheaded Deaf and Hard of Hearing Friendly, a project that provided face masks with a clear vinyl covering so that community members could continue to communicate via lip-reading while staying safe from the coronavirus. 5 Lin's advocacy for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community warned her last year's Girl Scout Woman of Distinction award. Stephen Yang During her time as a Girl Scout, Lin raised money through the annual cookie sales to buy dry erase messaging boards, which she then doled out to cinemas across Queens, including the same hometown cinema her mom had previously given up on visiting. 'She is so excited, and she's so thankful that I've been able to have this opportunity to be a part of this incredible mission,' Lin said. 'And if this could actually happen, I'd be so proud to be part of this mission. And that means that she's a part of it too.'
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Nationwide Walk4Hearing Kicks off to Support Thousands of Americans with Hearing Loss in 2025
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) brings community awareness events to 20 U.S. cities beginning in May ROCKVILLE, Md., April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hearing loss is a 'silent' epidemic in more ways than one. As the number of Americans with this invisible disability grows, many people feel isolated and unsure of where to turn. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) —the leading voice of 50 million Americans with hearing loss—begins its 2025 Walk4Hearing season next month to raise awareness, funds and hope for people with hearing loss in 20 communities. HLAA reports one in seven Americans has hearing loss, and people of all ages are now at risk. The organization urges anyone affected by hearing loss to join, volunteer or donate to a Walk. The first 2025 Walk4Hearing is on May 3 in Tampa, Florida, with 19 others across the country through November. 'Walk4Hearing events are a show of support and hope to thousands of people with hearing loss in their hometowns across the country,' says HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley. 'They empower people to live well with hearing loss and give friends and family a chance to join teams that raise funds and awareness.' Kelley adds, 'Hearing health is an often overlooked, but critical part of overall wellness. Even a mild hearing loss can affect daily life, relationships and employment.' At three months old, Kiyomi was diagnosed with hearing loss. Her family searched for a community where they could find support, connection and answers about raising a child with hearing loss. They found that kinship at the Houston Walk4Hearing—HLAA's oldest continuous Walk event—where they met and were inspired by other families with similar experiences. Read their story here. Many Walk4Hearing events offer free hearing screenings and access to hearing care professionals and assistive technology experts, along with community support from local HLAA Chapters and State Organizations and other local nonprofits who share HLAA's commitment to hearing health. Since 2006, Walk4Hearing has raised $20 million for essential programs and resources. National honorary co-chairs of the 2024 Walk4Hearing are: Robert Engelke, president and founder of CapTel, Inc. —a company that provides captioned telephones for people with hearing loss and low vision. Brandon Sawalich, president and CEO of Starkey —one of the world's leading hearing technology companies. Learn more about the HLAA Walk4Hearing and national sponsors at ABOUT HLAA The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the leading voice of the growing number of people with—and at risk of—hearing loss in the U.S. We advocate to increase access to care and treatment, break down stigmas through education and awareness, and empower people with hearing loss through a nationwide community of support. Our work impacts millions, improving the lives of people with hearing loss, and elevating the importance of hearing health and accessible communication, through national legislation and public policy, and a network of chapters, state organizations, and grassroots efforts. Our Walk4Hearing events raise awareness and funds in cities across the country and bring hope to families dealing with hearing loss. Visit for more information. Meredith Resnick View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hearing Loss Association of America
