Advocacy at Signs of Fun

Building Confidence. Demanding Access. Creating Change.

At Signs of Fun, we believe Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HH) children shouldn’t just attend camp—they deserve to live in a world that sees, hears, and values their full participation. That’s why we do more than run a summer program: we advocate for real change.

Our work doesn’t stop at the camp gates. When our campers leave, they return to a world where movie theaters don’t offer open captions, classrooms aren’t always accessible, and decisions are made without Deaf voices at the table. We’re here to change that.

Current Campaigns

🎬 Open Captions VA

We’re leading the charge to pass legislation requiring Virginia movie theaters to offer regular open caption showings.
No more broken devices. No more midweek matinees. Access means equality. Period.

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Why Open Captions? Access Without Asking.

What’s the difference between open and closed captions?

Closed Captions (CC):
These captions can be turned on or off by the viewer. In movie theaters, however, they often require special equipment—like bulky caption glasses, personal screens, or seat attachments. These devices are frequently uncomfortable, unreliable, or unavailable. Worse, they draw attention to the person using them, singling them out just to access the same information as everyone else.

Open Captions (OC):
These are always visible on the screen, like subtitles that are built into the film. No devices. No awkward setups. No need to ask for anything at the front desk. Just equal access, right from the start.

Why it matters:

Deaf and hard-of-hearing people deserve full, equal access without needing to use equipment that sets them apart.

Many others benefit too; English learners, seniors, kids, people with auditory processing needs, and folks in noisy theaters.

Open captions are reliable, inclusive, and barrier-free; the same experience for everyone, without pointing out who needs access.

Bottom Line:
Open captions are like curb cuts on sidewalks...built-in accessibility that helps more people than you realize.
No devices. No hassle. No stigma. Just access.

Representation Matters

From testifying at the Capitol to consulting with local agencies, our team shows up. We believe Deaf people should not just be consulted after decisions are made. We should be in the room, helping make them.

Why Advocacy Belongs at Camp

We teach kids to stand tall, sign boldly, and be proud of who they are. That’s not just about surviving the world—it’s about changing it.

Advocacy is where our values come to life: inclusion, language access, and a future where Deaf children lead.
Our campers are already change-makers. We're just making sure the world is ready for them.

Get Involved

Want to support our campaigns?
Know a legislator who should hear from us?
Have a story to share?
Email us: rebecca@signsoffun.org

Beyond the Campfire