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The handicap of deafness is not in the ear; it is in the mind.

We have our own culture, our own community. A lot of people don't realize that. They just assume that deaf people are very unfortunate, very disabled, but no.

Most profoundly deaf people have speech that is very difficult to understand.

Differences among deaf people are okay, but we need to recognize those differences and work together.

I like to say that the greatest handicap of deafness does not lie in the ear, it lies in the mind. I hope that through my example, such as my role on 'The West Wing,' I can help change attitudes on deafness and prove we can really do everything... except hear.

I know deaf people. I have discussed the issues with them I've also thought about them a lot so I have some insights that go a little further than people who haven't had contact with the deaf community.

There is no relation to sound for deaf people. It is a totally different mental process.

But as far as my work is concerned, I see no impediment, and various advantages, to being deaf.

I started to realize that there are a lot of people who are unaware of deaf culture, and I've been given a great platform to reframe the deaf community.