Despite recent strides toward gender parity in leading roles, where women matched men for the first time by representing 42% of protagonists in top-grossing films in 2024, significant disparities persist in the Hollywood. Representation of people of color in lead roles dropped from 37% in 2023 to 25% in 2024, falling short of reflecting the U.S. population’s diversity. Behind the scenes, women held only 15% of directorial positions in theatrical movies, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving true inclusivity.
But beyond gender and racial disparities, another group remains critically underrepresented: the Deaf community. Despite the talent within the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing population, opportunities in Hollywood are scarce, with Deaf actors, writers and directors frequently overlooked in favor of hearing professionals. Authentic representation and inclusive hiring practices remain major industry gaps, limiting employment opportunities and the depth of storytelling available to audiences. As calls for inclusivity grow louder, it is crucial to recognize that true diversity must extend beyond race and gender to include individuals with disabilities—especially in an industry built on the power of storytelling.
Michelle Mary Schaefer, a Deaf actor, writer and filmmaker, is working to change that. As the founder of Annabelle Louise Productions, Schaefer has dedicated her career to telling authentic stories and providing opportunities for underrepresented talent in front of and behind the camera.
“I started the company to create authentic stories and give underdog opportunities,” Schaefer explains. “As a person who is Deaf, I’m an actor who hardly gets opportunities, so I write scripts to tell our stories because our voice matters.”
As an actor, she struggled to find roles that were not only available to Deaf performers but also reflective of the diversity within the Deaf community. Rather than waiting for opportunities, she created her own.
Her production company has already seen success with independent projects such as REAL, Babe to Blocked and It’s a Match—two of which are award-winning. But Schaefer acknowledges that progress is slow, and funding remains a major hurdle in bringing more stories to the screen.
Misconceptions And Exclusion
One of the biggest barriers is typecasting, where Deaf actors are confined to roles that solely focus on their Deafness rather than being considered for a wide range of characters.
Additionally, many productions still cast hearing actors in Deaf roles, reinforcing inaccurate portrayals and depriving Deaf performers of opportunities.
“We are so capable, but often we are ignored and rejected,” she says. “Just be open, talk to us, include us, listen to and work with us.”
This exclusion extends beyond casting. In Hollywood, Deaf representation remains minimal, particularly in key creative roles such as screenwriting, directing and producing. Schaefer points out that only about 0.5% of disabled individuals are represented as screenwriters, leaving an entire spectrum of authentic stories untold.
Creating A More Inclusive Industry
So, how can the entertainment industry improve? Schaefer believes it starts with genuine inclusion at every production level.
She asserts, “There are so many stories and roles that Deaf people can do. Don’t limit us to roles like Sarah Norman in Children of a Lesser God—we can do much more.”
Instead of assuming Deaf actors can only play Deaf-specific roles, Schaefer encourages casting directors to consider Deaf actors for various characters, just as they would any other performer. She also stresses the importance of hiring Deaf professionals behind the scenes, including screenwriters, directors and consultants.
When given the chance, Deaf professionals repeatedly prove that they are more than capable. The entertainment industry has made notable strides in representing Deaf characters and incorporating Deaf culture into mainstream media. In the third season of PBS’ All Creatures Great & Small, the series introduces a Deaf character named Penny, portrayed by Deaf actress Lara Steward. This inclusion provides representation and authenticity to the portrayal of Deaf individuals in the 1930s rural setting. Additionally, Under the Boardwalk is an animated film that features a Deaf sea crab named Shelly, who communicates using sign language. Deaf actress Shoshannah Stern voices Shelly.
These productions exemplify how the entertainment industry can inclusively portray Deaf characters, contributing to greater awareness and understanding of the Deaf community.
The Need For Workplace Inclusion
Beyond entertainment, inclusivity in the workplace remains a significant challenge for the Deaf community. Schaefer shares that since graduating with a degree in corporate communication in 2004, she has struggled to find full-time employment due to discrimination.
“I’ve encountered so much discrimination from human resources based on my Deafness rather than my ability,” she reveals. “Since 2012, I’ve only had five interviews.”
To change this, Schaefer urges companies to communicate directly with Deaf employees about their needs rather than making assumptions. Every Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individual has different requirements, and the best way to support them is to ask, listen and act accordingly.
Advocacy And the Power Of Storytelling
Despite the obstacles, Schaefer refuses to let discrimination define her career. She continues to advocate for herself and others, using her scripts and productions as tools for awareness and change.
“I speak up, I advocate, I educate, I stay authentic and I’m open,” she says. “I have noticed that I was able to make an impact and change some folks’ lives while others choose to silence me. But I do not allow that to stop me. I keep going.”
Her commitment to inclusion is reflected in every project she creates. Schaefer is particularly proud of her award-winning web series, REAL, which won seven awards and was featured in 37 film festivals. She hopes to secure funding to turn it into a full-fledged TV series, bringing authentic Deaf narratives to a wider audience.
Schaefer’s work serves as a reminder that inclusivity is not just about representation; it’s about opportunity. The entertainment industry has the potential to be a leader in breaking down barriers, but it requires a conscious effort to hire and amplify Deaf voices.
Schaefer concludes, “Anything is possible when you open your mind, eyes and heart.”