This term reflects cultural and linguistic identities (Deaf with a capital D) as well as medical or audiological descriptions (deaf). It also signals the diversity within the d/Deaf community.
“d/Deaf” recognizes both culturally Deaf people (with a capital D, referring to those who identify with Deaf culture and language, such as ASL) and those who are deaf as a medical condition. Similarly, “d/Disabled” is sometimes used to reflect identity-first language versus a medical framing of disability.