(D)eaf Advocacy

Capital "D" individuals identify themselves as culturally Deaf and have a strong deaf identity. The capital "D" is okay with communicating in a different language and does not associate deafness with having a disability.

Lowercase "d" deaf individuals do not associate themselves with anything regarding deaf culture or identity. The lowercase "d" is the “medical term” for someone with severe to profound hearing loss. They do not associate with the deaf community.