Entertainment for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Entertainment accessibility is an essential aspect of cultural inclusion and social participation for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). In Saudi Arabia, rapid technological advancement and cultural transformation under Vision 2030 have expanded the entertainment sector, yet accessibility for DHH audiences remains limited. This empirical study explores the availability, quality, and inclusivity of entertainment options for DHH individuals across digital media, cinemas, and public events. Using a mixed-method approach, data were collected from 48 DHH participants and 12 entertainment-industry professionals through structured surveys and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative findings indicate that while 62 percent of DHH respondents regularly engage with online entertainment platforms, only 37 percent report that captioning or sign-language support is consistently available. Qualitative evidence shows that there are still communication obstacles, low awareness levels among content creators and that there are no clear accessibility policies in Saudi entertainment establishments. As compared to the global literature, such as the works by Schwartz (2012) and Miller and Wheeler-Scruggs (2002), the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia remains at the initial stages of incorporating the concept of universal design. The research finds that the enhancement of accessibility is possible through the coordinated policy, training of industries, and cooperation with Saudi Deaf community to create inclusive entertainment spaces. The findings are part of the emerging argument in the field of cultural accessibility, and its results prove that fair access to entertainment is crucial to the social cohesion, creative expression, and realization of national inclusion objectives.