The overall focus of this research aimed to explore onscreen d/Deaf characters, and the various ways they could be portrayed more accurately on the screen in the future. Previously, d/Deaf persons were represented on the screen inaccurately. Multiple methods can be used to ensure they are represented accurately. d/Deafness is often reduced to a plot device, and the practicalities of d/Deafness are also misrepresented. d/Deafness is a wide spectrum, and researchers and writers must acknowledge this when creating onscreen characters. This study researched the various methods and tactics that can be used to do this in a sensitive, respectful, and authentic way.
Through qualitative research, comparative textual analysis data was collected and analyzed through surveys with d/Deaf individuals after they had watched films with d/Deaf characters in them. The findings will provide South African screenwriters and filmmakers with valuable insights and guidelines to create more accurate, nuanced, and culturally respectful portrayals of d/Deaf characters in future filmmaking projects.