Happy Deaf Awareness Month
As we kick off Deaf Awareness Month, there’s no better time to add a documentary to your watch list. Deafness isn’t a monolith, and the films featured here reflect a broad spectrum of experiences, from DeafBlind and Black Deaf perspectives to deep dives into Deaf history. This September, we’re not just acknowledging that deafness exists—we’re celebrating it!
When watching these documentaries, pay attention to how captions make signed content accessible to non-signing audiences. Now, imagine trying to follow along without English subtitles. This is a crucial reminder to apply by captioning your own content, whether you create documentaries, publish podcasts, or post videos on social media. Be sure to include the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing communities in your audience by always providing captions, transcripts, and other accessible features such as audio descriptions. Our Accessible Media Service team at Inclusive Communications Services can help you make your content inclusive and engaging for all. Contact us to get started!
Quick note: some of these films might only be available in the U.S., and links can change over time. Feel free to drop a comment with your favorite title or if you need a link update!
Documentary Movies about Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing Communities
Title: See What I’m Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary (2010)
Where to Watch for Free: Tubi
Also Available: Roku, Amazon
About the Documentary: This film follows four deaf entertainers: a comic, drummer, actor and a singer as they attempt to cross over to mainstream audiences.
Title: Feeling Through (2019)
Where to Watch: Youtube
Also Available: Apple TV+, Kanopy
About the Documentary: A late-night encounter on a New York City street leads to a profound connection between a teen in need and a man who is DeafBlind.
Title: Through Deaf Eyes (2007)
Where to Watch: Youtube
Also Available: PBS, Kanopy
About the Documentary: This 2 hour film explores nearly 200 years of Deaf life in America.
Title: Signing Black in America (2020)
Where to Watch: Youtube
Also Available: Amazon DVD
About the Documentary: The history and development of Black American Sign Language, a vibrant dialect conveying an identity that mirrors spoken language varieties of the black hearing community.
Title: Deaf Out Loud (2018)
Where to Watch: AETV
Also Available: Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon, Kanopy
About the Documentary: Three predominantly deaf families raising their children in a hearing world work to forge their own paths forward and combat the daily social stigmas many deaf people face.
Title: In a Silent World (2018)
Where to Watch: Youtube
Also Available: Amazon, Tubi, Roku
About the Documentary: The journey of a gifted musician and his wife, a communication professor, as they navigate raising their deaf daughter.
Title: Land of Silence and Darkness (1971)
Where to Watch: Youtube
Also Available: Amazon, Frevee
About the Documentary: This film explores the life of Fini Straubinger, a woman who is DeafBlind, as she connects with others who share her condition and advocates for their inclusion and understanding in society.
Title: The Preservation of Sign Language (1913)
Where to Watch: Youtube
About the Documentary: A short film featuring George Veditz, a prominent Deaf leader, advocating for the protection and perpetuation of American Sign Language at a time when it was under threat from the oralism movement.
Title: Sign the Show (2024)
Where to Watch: Tubi
Also Available: Apple TV+, Youtube
About the Documentary: This film highlights the experiences of Deaf and hard-of-hearing concertgoers, featuring interviews with performers, interpreters, and fans, and advocating for greater accessibility in live music events.
Title: Deaf Identity by Morpheyes Studio (2024)
Where to Watch: Youtube
About the Documentary: The first episode of a docuseries all about Deaf culture, featuring a multitude of Deaf professionals sharing their perspectives as scholars, artists, leaders, researchers, advocates, and more.
Discover and Enjoy More Deaf Stories
Do you prefer curling up with a good book instead of watching a screen? We’ve got you covered! Continue celebrating Deaf culture by diving into our blog, where we’ve curated a selection of must-read books by Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing authors. These works offer powerful stories, unique perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the Deaf experience. Whether you’re in the mood for fiction or memoirs, you’re sure to find something that resonates with you!
