“Deaf” vs. “deaf” ”Deaf” “deaf”   Accepts deafness as part of his/her identity Exhibits varying degrees of acceptance Is fluent in and advocates for ASL Typically uses more English-like signing Uses ASL as is/her native or preferred language Is typically more comfortable signing English Affiliates with the Deaf Community Has active, partial or no affiliation with Community Views him/herself as a member of Deaf Culture Typically does not view self as member of culture May come from a family of Deaf people Often times comes from hearing family Often times attended a residential Deaf school Often times attended public or private school Has some degrees of hearing loss (varies) Has some degree of hearing loss (varies) Views English as a “second language” Views ASL as a “second language” May or may not wear hearing aids Typically prefers to wear hearing aids Utilizes the services of a professional interpreter May or may not need/use an interpreter Prefers an interpreter when with non-ASL users With hearing, may speak, write or use interpreter May have learned ASL later in life May learn ASL later in life Sees deafness as a difference not a disability May see deafness as a disability not a difference Prefers to socialize with other Deaf people May feel comfortable with D/deaf or hearing Feels he/she belongs to the “Deaf World” May feel caught in-between worlds and cultures