Deaf Culture: Exploring Deaf Communities in the United States

Irene W. Leigh, Jean F. Andrews, and Raychelle L. Harris

Details: 300 pages, Illustrated (B/W), Softcover, 7 x 10"

Included Media: Companion Website

ISBN13: 978-1-59756-791-6

Release Date: 30/06/2016

How does Deaf Culture fit into education, psychology, cultural studies, technology and the arts? Deaf Culture: Exploring Communities in the United States tells readers how by providing theoretical and practical information. With the recognition of American Sign Language (ASL) as a bona fide language, the perception of Deaf people has evolved into the recognition of a vibrant Deaf Culture centred around the use of signed languages and the communities of Deaf people.

This text also describes how rapid advances in technology, including the Internet as well as new visual and auditory technologies, have not only created opportunities for Deaf people to influence how technology can be used, but additionally has become a powerful force in influencing the behavior of Deaf individuals within diverse national and international societies. This has created opportunities for incorporating diversity and international perspectives into Deaf Culture. Within each chapter are multiple vignettes, examples, pictures, stories, and a test bank to enhance content interest for readers and facilitate instructor teaching. Theories are introduced and explained in a practical and reader-friendly manner to ensure understanding, and clear examples are provided to illustrate concepts.

Key Features:

• Reader friendly
• Strong focus on including different communities within Deaf culture
• Thought-provoking questions, illustrative vignettes and examples
• Written by Deaf and hearing authors with extensive teaching experience and immersion in ASL and Deaf culture
• In addition, students of American Sign Langue and Deaf studies will find an introduction to possible opportunities for professional and informal involvement with ASL/Deaf culture children and adults. Deaf Culture fills a unique niche as an introductory text that is accessible and straightforward for those beginning their studies of the Deaf-World.

  Reviews

  Deaf Culture: Exploring Communities in the United States is a comprehensive book that discusses the challenges and successes of persons who are Deaf in the United States. This review of the history of the language and culture of Deaf persons as well as contemporary use of technology that benefits both persons who are Deaf and others in society focuses on individuals and innovations that have supported success of individuals within Deaf culture.
  Martha J. Cook, PhD, CCC-SLP
  Assistant Professor
  Department of Communication Disorders
  Southeast Missouri State University

  This book provides up-to-date information about the Deaf Community in a "reader-friendly" fashion. It covers many topics that are important to know about when trying to gain an understanding of the Deaf Culture.
  Rebecca Swenson, MA
  Lecturer and Coordinator of Deaf Studies Minor
  State University of New York at New Paltz

  This text provides a comprehensive view of the Deaf culture and community. The authors take readers on a journey through the lives of Deaf individuals from every perspective. They leave no topic out. It's refreshing to have a current reference on the topic that encompasses so much material and presents it in an educated, unbiased manner.
  Megan Gross, MSEd, NIC
  Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
  Miami University

  This book offers a unique and fresh perspective on the exploration of Deaf culture and the development of one’s Deaf identity. I feel that the perspective offered regarding the psychological aspects of Deaf identity, particularly when compared to other cultural minorities, is very beneficial to understanding Deaf culture.
  Dana L. Ulmer, AuD, CCC-A
  Clinical Assistant Professor of Audiology
  University of Florida

  This manuscript presents a thorough, careful consideration of issues surrounding the Deaf world. It will serve as an excellent text for students with no background in Deaf history, language, and culture.
  Steven Surrency, PhD
  Communication Sciences and Disorders
  University of South Florida