ANU undergraduate student and disability advocate Charlotte Young has joined the Sign on Screen team as a Research Assistant, to maintain the Film Finder sign language cinema database and help plan future events. Here, Charlotte introduces herself and her interest in sign language cinemas.
When Gemma first told me about an opening for a research assistant position at Sign on Screen, I felt like it was too good to be true. I’ve always been passionate about languages (shoutout to my French major, partially taught by Gemma!) and in 2023, I co-founded the ANU Auslan Club with her and a few other students. As someone with hearing loss, I’ve always felt a connection to sign language, even though I hadn’t learned it—so the world of sign language and accessibility was already close to my heart.
The project itself was so exciting: creating the first-ever global collection of films, shorts, series and documentaries that either feature sign language or focus on deaf characters. It ticked all the boxes for me. First, I couldn’t miss the chance to work with Gemma and her brilliant team. Second, as an avid film lover, I spend much of my downtime watching movies, getting lost on YouTube, or pondering reviews left on on Letterboxd. And finally, as a disability advocate, this project felt like a natural way to combine my personal interests with my professional passions.
But more than just a part-time role, this project is a chance to help elevate stories from the Deaf community that are often overlooked in mainstream media. Representation matters, and the potential for Sign on Screen to make a difference is what excites me the most. As a firm believer in the power of storytelling, I’m thrilled to be part of something that not only shares important narratives but also advocates for accessibility and diversity in film.
You can learn more about all the Sign on Screen team members on our People/Partners page.
