Charitable Stand-Up Comedy Performances by Katt Williams, Bert Kreischer, and Kevin Hart for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing
Stand-up comedy has long been a space for connection, catharsis, and laughter. However, for members of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing communities, accessing this world of humor has often been restricted due to communication barriers and lack of accommodations. In recent years, a growing number of top comedians — including Katt Williams, Bert Kreischer, and Kevin Hart — have taken meaningful steps to make their performances accessible, inclusive, and charitable. These efforts not only break down communication barriers but also spotlight how comedy can serve as a vehicle for social change and equality.
Comedy and Accessibility: Why It Matters
Comedy has the potential to bridge divides, create empathy, and provide healing through humor. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, however, traditional stand-up comedy performances present significant challenges. Spoken-word humor relies heavily on timing, delivery, tone, and wordplay — elements that are difficult to capture without thoughtful accessibility measures.
Stand-up comedy adapted for Deaf and Deafblind audiences goes beyond captioning; it requires reimagining how jokes are delivered, collaborating with interpreters or visual artists, and investing in inclusive design. When comedians and producers prioritize accessibility, they send a clear message: everyone deserves to laugh, to belong, and to be seen.
Katt Williams: Championing Inclusion Through Satire and Outreach
Katt Williams, known for his razor-sharp wit and unfiltered social commentary, has taken steps to reach underserved audiences, particularly through charity-driven events. While Williams is often associated with controversial humor, he has also quietly supported accessibility initiatives, especially during benefit shows and special performances.
Accessible Comedy Benefits
In several of his charity shows over the past decade, Williams has partnered with local Deaf organizations to provide ASL interpreters on stage. One notable event, held in Atlanta in 2023, was part of a benefit for underprivileged youth and featured a live interpreter delivering Katt’s rapid-fire monologues in sync with his performance. Deaf audience members praised the experience, noting how the interpreter captured not only the words but the rhythm and emotion of his set.
Donations and Support
Williams has also donated proceeds from specific shows to organizations supporting disabled communities, including the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA)
Kreischer’s performance style lends itself naturally to visual storytelling. His exaggerated gestures, expressive face, and narrative structure make it easier for ASL interpreters to convey his comedy in real-time. Recognizing this, Kreischer’s production team began experimenting with dedicated ASL nights — shows where Deaf audiences were invited with discounted tickets and enhanced accessibility tools. In 2022 and 2024, Kreischer worked with the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and regional Deaf councils to organize benefit shows in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. These shows included ASL interpretation, live captioning via mobile apps like GalaPro, and even touch-based support systems for Deafblind audience members using haptic seating technology. Beyond logistics, Kreischer has donated portions of his ticket sales to Deaf accessibility programs in the performing arts. His involvement has helped fund scholarships for Deaf comedians and has supported regional sign language interpreter training programs tailored for comedic performance — a niche but necessary skill set. Kevin Hart is one of the most successful stand-up comedians in the world, and with that status comes influence. Hart has long spoken about overcoming adversity and using comedy to unite people across backgrounds. He has also taken specific steps to address disability inclusion in his shows and philanthropic ventures. Hart’s stadium tours — including the “Reality Check” and “Irresponsible” tours — featured select performances with integrated ASL interpreters and real-time captions. His team worked with nationally certified interpreters trained in comedic timing, ensuring that Deaf audiences could experience the rhythm and nuance of his performance without feeling like an afterthought. Kevin Hart’s 2023 show in Philadelphia included a dedicated Deaf section with front-row visibility to interpreters, as well as options for captioning glasses. In a post-show interview, Hart emphasized the importance of comedy as a universal language, saying, “If they can feel the punchline, they should be able to laugh like everyone else.” Hart’s charity arm, the Help From the Hart Foundation, has partnered with startups and nonprofits that support Deaf professionals in the arts. One initiative in 2023 focused on supporting Deaf entrepreneurs in the entertainment sector, including grants for Deaf comics and storytellers aiming to produce their own live shows or digital content. Hart has also used his production company, HartBeat, to highlight disabled talent, and discussions are underway about a Netflix special featuring Deaf and Hard of Hearing stand-up comedians — an idea reportedly inspired by Hart’s interactions with fans at accessible shows. Ensuring that comedy shows are accessible involves more than hiring interpreters. Here’s how leading comedians and their teams are creating inclusive environments: These measures are typically funded through a mix of charitable donations, ticket surcharges, and nonprofit partnerships. When high-profile comedians like Williams, Kreischer, and Hart get involved, they bring both funding and awareness to the cause. In addition to performing for Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences, some comedians are helping elevate Deaf comics themselves. Open mic nights, mentorships, and platform sharing are increasingly common in inclusive comedy circuits. Kevin Hart’s LOL Network and Bert Kreischer’s comedy festival appearances have included Deaf performers, either in stand-up sets or as hosts. These gestures go beyond charity — they represent a structural shift toward equal opportunity in comedy. Several initiatives backed by these comedians include outreach to Deaf schools and colleges. Workshops often focus on teaching comedic timing, storytelling structure, and performing in ASL, helping the next generation of Deaf comedians find their voices — and their laughs. Despite growing support, challenges persist: Continued investment, public education, and charitable giving are essential to overcoming these obstacles. Mainstream comics using their platforms to amplify these issues is a major part of the solution. The charitable efforts of Katt Williams, Bert Kreischer, and Kevin Hart demonstrate that stand-up comedy can be a powerful tool for inclusion. By embracing accessibility and supporting Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing communities, these performers are doing more than telling jokes — they’re breaking down barriers, promoting empathy, and proving that everyone deserves to laugh. In a world often divided by misunderstanding, these acts of charity and inclusion remind us that humor has no boundaries — and that with a little effort, no one has to miss the punchline.Bert Kreischer: Merging Laughter, Inclusion, and Charity
Bert Kreischer, the shirtless comic known for his storytelling and bold, physical comedy, might seem like an unlikely accessibility advocate. But Kreischer’s work on the Berty Boy Relapse Tour and several charitable projects has shown a deep commitment to ensuring that everyone — regardless of sensory ability — can enjoy his shows.Visual Humor and Deaf Accessibility
Collaboration with Deaf Communities
Charitable Contributions
Kevin Hart: Big Laughs, Big Impact
Live Shows with ASL Integration
Supporting Deaf Entrepreneurs
Representation in Media
The Mechanics of Accessibility in Comedy
Elevating Deaf Comedians and Community Voices
Festival Involvement
Workshops and Outreach
Challenges and the Path Forward
Conclusion: Laughter Without Limits