As an American Sign Language Interpretation major, I've learned quite a lot from class and from spending time with the Deaf community. To avoid offensive actions or comments that you may not even realize are hurtful, here are some quick facts on how to interact with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

1. Being Deaf is not a disease, nor does it need a cure.

Most Deaf people actually enjoy being deaf. It's what they've grown up with. The people, the language, and the culture are part of their lives. They don't see themselves needing fixing.

2. Not all Deaf people speak.

Deaf people speak based on preference. If some have received speech therapy or feel comfortable speaking, they will. But if they prefer using only sign language, that's what they'll do instead.

3. Deaf people like being Deaf.

Deaf people like who they are and wouldn't want to change. That's the way they were born, or the way they've learned to be.

4. Hard of Hearing people are part of the Deaf culture too.

Most people don't think Hard of Hearing people are part of Deaf culture. However, that's not the case. If they prefer to use sign language and feel more comfortable within the Deaf community, that's considered perfectly okay.

5. Only Deaf or Hard of Hearing people can give you a sign name.

You can't just make a sign name for yourself; it has to be given to you. After getting to know a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person, you may receive a sign name based on how they perceive you.

6. Deaf and deaf are two different things.

Deaf with a capital "D" means the culture and the people, while deaf with a lowercase "d" is simply the function of the ears.

7. Deaf people can drive, too.

Most people don't understand that Deaf people can drive. In fact, they are usually safer drivers because they don't have music or external factors distracting them.

8. There are many different forms of sign language.

Sign language is not universal, and it is extremely different across countries. For example, French Sign Language and American Sign Language are very similar because they derived from the same person back in the day. However, British Sign Language is something completely separate.

9. No matter how loud you yell, Deaf people cannot hear you.

Deaf peoples' ears will not work, no matter how loud you yell. You need to look them in the eyes and talk normally.

10. Wearing a hearing aid does not mean you can suddenly hear.

If Deaf people choose to wear a hearing aid, it's simply to hear ambient noise to know what is going on spatially around them. This does not mean they can suddenly hear someone speaking to them.

11. Deaf people are very direct.

In Deaf culture, directness and honesty are a standard. It is not considered rude to tell someone "you got fat!". They value honesty and clarity over everything because a lot of people tend to leave them out of the loop.

12. Look at the face, not the hands.

Eye contact is key. Deaf peoples' eyes are their ears so in order to have a conversation, look at them when they're talking to you.

13. Stomping and table slapping isn't rude.

To get someone's attention in Deaf culture, you need vibration that they can feel. For instance, slapping a table to get a classroom's attention or stomping to get someone to turn around is completely normal.

14. It's okay to ask about signs, and it's more okay to learn them yourself.

Deaf people want you to ask about learning signs. It makes them feel included and like you're trying to get to know them. By learning on your own as well, you'll help break the language barrier and maybe even make some new friends.

15. They're the exact same as Hearing people.

Deaf people are the same as Hearing people. They have a language, culture, and various communities just like Hearing people do. It makes them no different than we are, and they need to be treated like people too.