Capitalize "Deaf" when referring to the Deaf community as a cultural group.
* Deaf culture: This refers to the shared experiences, values, and language (American Sign Language) of Deaf individuals.
* Deaf people: This emphasizes the cultural identity and shared experiences of the community.
Do not capitalize "deaf" or "hard of hearing" when referring to the condition of hearing loss.
* deaf individual: This refers to a person with a hearing loss.
* hard of hearing person: This refers to someone with partial hearing loss.
Key Points:
* Focus on the individual: Instead of "a deaf person," consider phrases like "a person who is deaf" or "a person with hearing loss."
* Avoid generalizations: Recognize that experiences within the Deaf community are diverse.
* Respect individual preferences: Some individuals may prefer specific terminology based on their personal identity.
Examples:
* Correct: "The Deaf community has a rich cultural heritage."
* Incorrect: "The deaf community has a rich cultural heritage."
* Correct: "A deaf individual may use sign language to communicate."
* Correct: "The article discusses the experiences of people who are hard of hearing."
Additional Resources:
* National Association of the Deaf (NAD): [https://nad.org/](https://nad.org/)
* American Sign Language (ASL): [https://asl.org/](https://asl.org/)
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is respectful, accurate, and inclusive.