Many people are unaware of the difference between deaf and Deaf. When left uncapitalized, deaf refers to an audiological impairment: someone who cannot hear is deaf. But someone who is Deaf is a member of the deaf community and an active participant in deaf culture. The word "deaf" in sign language does not make this distinction, but when it is relevant to the conversation a signer will indicate "small-d deaf" or "big-d deaf." In ASL, the latter may also be signed as "strong deaf," indicating pride and power.