deaf person
One who signs
A deaf person is someone who cannot hear, or whose hearing is severely impaired.
The term is neutral and preferred in most contexts over older expressions like "deaf-mute" or "deaf and dumb," which are now considered offensive.
Many deaf people identify with Deaf culture (capitalized) and use sign language as their primary means of communication: The interpreter translated for the deaf person in the audience.
Visual-gestural communication system
- ASLManual visual communication system
- BSLBritish sign language
- fingerspellingLetter-by-letter hand alphabet
- gesturesExpressive body movements
lip-reading · speechreading · facial expressions · visual cues · interpreter · nonverbal · expressive · body language
Ear-worn sound amplifier
- cochlear implantImplanted auditory nerve stimulator
- audiologistHearing disorder specialist
- amplificationIncrease in intensity
- earmoldCustom-fitted hearing component
volume control · programmable · Bluetooth · video phone · vibrating alarm · speech-to-text · TTY
Reduced auditory ability
- hearing lossReduced ability to perceive sound
- self-identificationClaiming an identity label
On-screen transcription of audio
- subtitlesOn-screen dialogue text
- ADAThree-letter abbreviation, multiple meanings
- reasonable accommodationWorkplace change enabling disabled participation
- inclusive designApproach accommodating diverse abilities
Deaf higher education institution
- residential schoolInstitution combining education and housing
- audismPrejudice against deaf individuals
- oralismSpeech-emphasis in deaf education
- mainstreamingIncluding in standard settings
identity · advocacy · empowerment · CODA · Deaflympics · Martha's Vineyard
sign language
Visual-gestural communication system
- ASLManual visual communication system
- BSLBritish sign language
- fingerspellingLetter-by-letter hand alphabet
gestures · lip-reading · speechreading · facial expressions · visual cues · interpreter · nonverbal · expressive · body language · visual language
hearing aid
Ear-worn sound amplifier
- cochlear implantImplanted auditory nerve stimulator
- audiologistHearing disorder specialist
- amplificationIncrease in intensity
earmold · volume control · programmable · Bluetooth · video phone · vibrating alarm · speech-to-text · TTY
hard of hearing
Reduced auditory ability
- hearing lossReduced ability to perceive sound
- self-identificationClaiming an identity label
closed captions
On-screen transcription of audio
- subtitlesOn-screen dialogue text
- ADAThree-letter abbreviation, multiple meanings
- reasonable accommodationWorkplace change enabling disabled participation
Gallaudet
Deaf higher education institution
- residential schoolInstitution combining education and housing
- audismPrejudice against deaf individuals
- oralismSpeech-emphasis in deaf education
mainstreaming · identity · advocacy · empowerment · CODA · Deaflympics · Martha's Vineyard
- disabled peoplewheelchair user, amputee, paraplegic, quadriplegic, guide dog user
- Disabilitiesblind, paralysis, vision loss, developmental disability, hearing impairment
- victimsvictim, victims, casualty, survivors, fatality
- legal capacitylegal capacity, mental capacity, capacity, incapacity, competence