deaf

People with hearing loss, or are hard-of-hearing, oral-deaf, deaf-blind or late-deafened, many of whom identify as Culturally Deaf- sharing distinct sign languages, traditions, histories and values. Deaf with a capital “D” represents a range of experiences from being culturally Deaf to having hearing loss, and using multiple forms of oral and visual communication. Sign languages are regionally and culturally specific with unique syntax and grammar, distinct from written and spoken languages. Individuals may identify as having a disability rather than being culturally Deaf.