Deaf Awareness
While deaf people share certain experiences, the community is made up of a wide range of deaf people. Some consider themselves to be part of the unique cultural and linguistic minority who use sign language as their primary language, while others do not. Deaf people have a wide range of communication preferences, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and additional disabilities that shape their interactions with their environment.
Defining Deaf
What do we mean when we say "deaf"?
The National Deaf Center is using the term deaf in an all-inclusive manner, to include people who may identify as deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and hearing impaired. NDC recognizes that for many individuals, identity is fluid and can change over time or with setting. NDC has chosen to use one term, deaf, with the goal of recognizing experiences that are shared by all members from multiple communities while also honoring all of our differences.
What is American Sign Language?
Sign languages are complex, natural languages, with their own grammar, vocabulary, and dialects. There is no universal sign language; countries and regions around the world have their own signed languages. In the United States, American Sign Language (ASL) is the most frequently used, but we also have Black American Sign Language (BASL), and Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL).
The National Association of the Deaf explains that in ASL, “the shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements, all play important parts in conveying information.” ASL is not a communication code that merely represents English. It is its own distinct language.
What Are Some Unique Features of Deaf Culture?
Values, behaviors, and traditions of deaf culture can include the following:
Environment
An emphasis on visual transmission of information. Architectural and interior designs often include excellent lighting, open floor plans, and spatial positioning of furniture that enhances visual sight lines.
Regional Language
Valuing the sign language of the region and supporting sign language use in educational settings, such as bilingual ASL/English programs in the United States.
Social Connections
Maintaining cultural traditions through social activities including athletic events, deaf organizations, and school reunions
Community
A high degree of networking and deep connections within the deaf community.
Technology Use
Creative use of technology to resolve communication issues.
Communication
Specific communication norms and behaviors such as consistent eye contact.
Art
Promoting deaf culture through art forms such as painting, drawing, film, folklore, literature, storytelling, and poetry
Ways of Getting Someone's Attention
Using visual strategies to gain a person’s attention, such as the following:
- Gently tapping a person on the shoulder
- Waving at the person within their line of sight
- Flicking a light switch
What is Some Terminology to Avoid?
Some common terms that are generally viewed as offensive within the deaf community include “hearing impaired,” “deaf-mute,” and “deaf and dumb.” These terms have some intrinsic problems, such as a deficit framing that assumes that deafness is negative, but also have contextual issues, where usage of those terms indicates that the user is unfamiliar with the deaf community. While, again, the deaf community is large and there are varied preferences within that community, it is generally best to avoid these terms.
Do All Deaf People Consider Themselves to be Culturally Deaf?
Though some deaf people fully embrace all aspects of deaf culture and community, others may identify only marginally or not at all. Identity is a highly personal process that is always evolving.
Deaf people may undergo changes in their beliefs and identity as they mature from childhood into adulthood, including how they self-identify in terms of their hearing loss. Some deaf people do not have significant exposure to deaf culture until adolescence or later, and might choose to become part of the deaf community at that time. For this and other reasons, a deaf person’s identity may change over the course of their lives.
Who is Part of The Deaf Community?
The deaf community includes people who identify as hard of hearing, late-deafened, deafblind, deafdisabled, and more. Some experiences are shared by all members of these diverse communities, while others are more unique.
Because of this wide range of experiences, it is important to avoid assumptions and to seek input from each individual deaf person.
Deaf with Disabilities: Transition & Postsecondary Education
Understanding the experiences of deaf people with disabilities is key to providing the right support. Research suggests that nearly half of deaf people have an additional disability, yet many are not reported due to barriers in healthcare, inaccessible assessments, or personal concerns about disclosure.
For colleges and training programs, this means taking a flexible, student-centered approach to accommodations and services. Want to learn more about effective strategies for supporting deaf students with disabilities?
Additional Resources
- NDC’s Communicating With Deaf Individuals
- National Association of the Deaf’s Deaf Community and Culture – Frequently Asked Questions
- Deaf 101 Frequently Asked Questions
- Gallaudet University Deaf History Museum and Resources
- Introduction to American Deaf Culture by Thomas Holcomb (2012)
Additional Resources
Importance of Effective Communication Between Deaf and Hearing Individuals
This brief summarizes the research related to effective communication between deaf and hearing individuals.
Rachel’s Story: Speech-to-Text Services
I was mainstreamed throughout my primary education and through high school. I went to a special public high school that
Michelle’s Story: Using Interpreters
I think it is important to meet and take some time out to learn about each individual person‘s needs because
Expert Lecture: NAD on ADA Requirements for Effective Communication
For deaf and hard of hearing people and other people who have communication disabilities equal access means access to effective
Deaf 101: How Do I Get A Deaf Person’s Attention?
The number one rule is don’t throw something at the deaf person. Not a shoe, not a pencil, not a
Expert Lecture: NAD on Federal Laws Regarding Effective Communication Access
There are three federal laws that work together to protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities in education,
