Amidst the discriminatory undertones of the current political landscape and American position, an organization celebrating diversity and equality has emerged, taking the both the west coast and Broadway by storm.

That's right, I'm talking about the Deaf West Theatre Company.

A pioneer in creating theatrical opportunities for deaf actors, the Deaf West Theatre Company recently made history by not only having one of their Los Angeles-based productions -- "Spring Awakening" -- move to Broadway, but also snagging three prestigious Tony Award nominations.

For a completely self-funded, professional theatre relying on American Sign Language (ASL) as its primary communication tool, a nomination is an incredibly progressive feat.

Consider the implications of these nominations: not only has ASL been brought to a more public platform, but the entire format of the American musical has been innovated -- from incorporating the deaf community into a traditional entertainment medium to inviting a brand new generation to experience the theatre.

Furthermore, the first ever Broadway actress to suffer from lower-body paralysis and perform in a wheelchair, Ali Stroker, also made her debut through the Deaf West production.

So why all the fuss?

"Spring Awakening" is an edgy show exploring sexual identity, teen pregnancy, and the sociology of developing minds through the voices of angsty teenage protagonists.

But it's so much more than just a cutting-edge show to entertain avid fans of musical theatre. This production of "Spring Awakening" extended acceptance and equality to both actors and patrons of all walks of life. In a field that preaches individuality, it finally matched its word by gaining momentum within the deaf and disabled communities.

While a number of big-budget Broadway musicals seem to make beauty out of characters' scripted disabilities, the Deaf West production found the beauty of real-life disability, involving those who may never have had such recognition extended otherwise.

In fact, according to the National Census of the Deaf Population, the number of ASL-speaking individuals in the United States is close to half a million. With so many Americans speaking this non-verbal language, isn't there sufficient evidence to suggest that integration of these individuals is to be expected?

The Deaf West Theatre Company undoubtedly shines a spotlight on a topic that begs more discussion.

This production of "Spring Awakening" is one of the most important shows to land on Broadway within the past century; it is so much more than just a show. It's a social statement on the stigma associated with disability. Though there's still an arduous path to be endured for deaf and disabled actors and patrons, Deaf West aided in normalization for all individuals more than any other work of modern musical theatre.

Producing a musical when half the cast cannot hear the music is an astonishing feat, but its societal impact is so much more important than the technicalities associated with its production.

Let's bring deaf individuals and ASL into the conversation. Let's verbalize what they cannot and end the stigma of disability, just as Deaf West has so masterfully begun.