The accepted forms of etiquette within the Deaf community are somewhat different from those in the general society. In fact, many members of the Deaf community disassociate themselves from speech. Members will wave, tap or throw a small piece of paper to attract a person's attention. Deaf culture had no prohibition against staring, because it is necessary for effective communication. In hearing culture, however it is often considered rude.
Members place a strong emphasis on fostering and maintaining social ties within the community.
Research on the Deaf community, its values, mores, and folklore, is in its infancy. Several social scientist are presently working to develop a more detailed and accurate picture of this distinctive way of life. The Deaf community is separate from other disability consumer groups by the virtue of communication process, not physical disabilities. The Deaf community considers itself a minority group, a separate entity because of its unique culture, language and social norms. Since American Sign Language is not a written language, some deaf people's reading and writing skills vary between third and fifth grade level.