A contemporary and vibrant Deaf culture is found within Deaf communities, including Deaf Persons of Color and those who are DeafDisabled and DeafBlind. Taking a more people-centered view, the second edition of Deaf Culture: Exploring Deaf Communities in the United States critically examines how Deaf culture fits into education, psychology, cultural studies, technology, and the arts. With the acknowledgment of signed languages all over the world as bona fide languages, the perception of Deaf people has evolved into the recognition and acceptance of a vibrant Deaf culture centered around the use of signed languages and the communities of Deaf peoples. Written by Deaf and hearing authors with extensive teaching experience and immersion in Deaf cultures and signed languages, Deaf Culture fills a niche as an introductory textbook that is more inclusive, accessible, and straightforward for those beginning their studies of the Deaf-World. New to the Second Edition * A new co-author, Topher Gonzalez Avila, MA * Two new chapters! o Chapter 7 "Deaf Communities within the Deaf Community" highlights the complex variations within this community o Chapter 10 "Deaf People and the Legal System: Education, Employment, and Criminal Justice" underscores linguistic and access rights * The remaining chapters have been significantly updated to reflect current trends and new information, such as: o Advances in technology created by Deaf people that influence and enhance their lives within various national and international societies o Greater emphasis on different perspectives within Deaf culture o Information about legal issues and recent political action by Deaf people o New information on how Deaf people are making breakthroughs in the entertainment industry o Addition of new vignettes, examples, pictures, and perspectives to enhance content interest for readers and facilitate instructor teaching. o Introduction of theories explained in a practical and reader-friendly manner to ensure understanding o An updated introduction to potential opportunities for professional and informal involvement in ASL/Deaf culture with children, youth, and adults Key Features * Strong focus on including different communities within Deaf cultures * Thought-provoking questions, illustrative vignettes, and examples * Theories introduced and explained in a practical and reader-friendly manner * PluralPlus companion website with a test bank and digital slides/presentations for instructors

- Coverage of deaf people and cognition, neuroscience, bimodal/bilingualism, and education technology - Strong multicultural focus - Case studies from authors' clinical and educational practices - Three deaf and one hearing author-a deaf/hearing bilingual team

- Coverage of deaf people and cognition, neuroscience, bimodal/bilingualism, and education technology - Strong multicultural focus - Case studies from authors' clinical and educational practices - Three deaf and one hearing author-a deaf/hearing bilingual team

The Star School staff of the Engaged Learners project at the New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe has completed its fourth year of a 5-year federally-funded program. This project aims to improve language-teaching practices of teachers who work with learners who are deaf by providing training in current bilingual theories and pedagogical techniques, including Engaged Learning practices, through a convergence of Internet, Web, and distance learning technologies. The project promotes proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English for all students based on the belief that bilingualism enhances cognitive, social, and linguistic growth. This publication describes the projects fourth year activities and the overall project impact. Information is provided on: (1) participating teachers and mentors; (2) training materials; (3) teachers experimentation with ASL/English bilingual assessment for students with deafness and teachers written reflections on the training; (3) teachers utilization of technology while using ASL and English; (4) plans to refine and revise the staff development model in the projects fifth year; and (6) the establishment of the Center for ASL/English Bilingual Education and Research. More than 163 teachers and over 500 students participated during the first 4 years of the project.

Dr. Jean Andrews' story of Leroy Colombo is an engrossing biographical tale about a deaf man succeeding during an era when disabled people were largely shunned. Colombo chose a life that allowed him to excel in saving lives as a lifeguard and winning swimming contests. Andrews deftly sets up scenarios that explain why Colombo's remarkable feats resulted in his being beloved and never ignored in the beach community of Galveston, Texas during his lifetime. This is a good read.