1. “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