A Sign to Serve

The story of Yoon Lee is one of profound resilience and a lifelong commitment to bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities. As a filmmaker, professor, and advocate, his life’s work centers on the idea that communication is a human need and a "sign to serve."

Filmmaking and Artistic Vision

Lee's passion for TV and film began during his studies at Gallaudet University, the world’s only university designed for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. He views film as a powerful tool for impact, historical record-keeping, and widespread communication.

• Production Work: He works as a director, camera operator, and freelancer, often producing educational and training videos specifically for the Deaf community and interpreting students.

• Notable Projects: One of his favorite projects involved filming in Alaska, where he interviewed Deaf individuals to showcase their lives and challenge the hearing world's misconceptions about what Deaf people can achieve.

• Collaborative Approach: When working with sound, Lee collaborates with hearing audio technicians, proving that TV production and teaching are accessible to both Deaf and hearing professionals.

Overcoming Adversity

During his college years, Lee survived a serious car crash that resulted in his using a wheelchair for the past 30 years.

• The "Disabled" Label: While he grew up feeling "normal" as a Deaf person, the addition of the wheelchair introduced new physical barriers and labels. However, he maintains that these labels do not limit his capability to film, work, or teach.

• Resilience: He acknowledges that while he cannot hide being Deaf or using a wheelchair, these traits do not define his potential. He continues his work out of a deep belief in his purpose.

Educational Leadership and Advocacy

Lee has spent decades in academia, including 20 years at Palomar College and his current role at California Baptist University, where he teaches Deaf Studies and Introduction to Interpreting.

• Teaching Philosophy: He believes American Sign Language (ASL) is more than a school requirement; it is a vital means of providing access to the roughly 150,000 Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Southern California.

• Community Building: He organizes large-scale events to increase ASL visibility, such as a Christmas parade with over 200 signing students and annual music showcases. He also hosts monthly social events to ensure Deaf individuals do not feel isolated.

Faith and Calling

A significant driver in Lee's life is his faith. He views his technical skills in TV production and his fluency in ASL as gifts from God, intended to be used as a "calling" to share the Gospel and provide spiritual access to the Deaf community.

You can watch the full story of his journey here: A Sign to Serve by Elizabeth Bujas