The Deaf community has formed a unique culture over the years that includes their own language, history, values, behaviors, and experiences. Most Deaf people do not view themselves as disabled, handicapped, or impaired, and do not believe they have lost something (hearing). They are proud to be Deaf and proud of the culture they are a part of.  

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The community highly values collectivism and interconnectedness, and although many hearing communities do as well, the overall hearing society is starting to gravitate towards a more individualistic way of living. Deaf communities are close-knit groups that enjoy being in the company of other Deaf people. Their communities give them a sense of belonging and shared understanding of what it means to be Deaf. They are very open with one another about every aspect of their lives. Keeping secrets, or keeping information from one another goes against their values of having a close interconnected community. The physical appearance of a person is also important and noted in the Deaf community for it is the landscape for all communication. 

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A Deaf persons preferred way to communicate and stay connected is through face-to-face interactions. Often times Deaf events, get togethers, or simple meet ups with a friend will last for hours. Deaf people spend most of their lives in and among the hearing world where most people don't know Sign Language. This makes their time with other Deaf people that much more enjoyable because the language barriers are removed.

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A common mistake made by hearing people is assuming that being Deaf is the same as being Hard of Hearing. These are actually two separate groups and it refers to a persons audiological status, or can refer to the "world" they prefer to be in. A person who is Hard of hearing (deafened is another word) can have mild to profound hearing loss, but still has a certain level of hearing. They could also be a person that grew up hearing and consider themselves members of the hearing world. Deaf people have little to no hearing at all, and have immersed themselves into the Deaf culture.  

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While being a Deaf person in a hearing world does have its challenges, it does not make the person any less capable to do just about anything a hearing person can do. They simply can't hear