Deaf Culture: Exploring Deaf Communities in the United States
Third Edition
Irene W. Leigh, Jean F. Andrews, Shilpa Hanumantha Lacy, Brianne L. Weber
Details: 425 pages, B&W, Softcover, 7" x 10"
ISBN13: 978-1-63550-740-9
© 2028 | Coming Soon
Release Date: 12/31/2026
For Instructors
Purchase
Available for purchase starting 12/24/2026
Print Book: $89.95
eBook: $89.95
Deaf Culture: Exploring Deaf Communities in the United States, Third Edition offers an engaging, culturally affirming introduction to the history, languages, identities, and lived experiences of Deaf communities. This best-selling text combines historical foundations, contemporary scholarship, and authentic Deaf perspectives to explore cultural belonging, diversity, and the contributions of Deaf people to society. Its interdisciplinary approach connects Deaf culture with education, psychology, audiology, technology, legal rights, and the arts. The text is ideal for introductory undergraduate courses in Deaf studies, American Sign Language, communication sciences and disorders, special education, and related fields.
Written by a collaborative team of Deaf and hearing scholars, the book explores how language access, family experiences, and education shape Deaf children’s development and learning. It examines hearing differences and auditory technologies from a Deaf-centered perspective and follows Deaf experiences across the lifespan, including relationships, employment, health, and aging. Discussions of identity, cultural expression, advocacy, and careers help students build cultural awareness for future study and professional practice. Clear explanations, case examples, and reflective activities connect key concepts with real-world experiences. QR-linked ASL videos captioned in English bring Deaf perspectives directly to students, creating a dynamic bilingual, multimodal learning experience.
Two new coauthors, Shilpa Hanumantha Lacy, PhD, and Brianne L. Weber, PsyS, bring additional expertise in psychology, deaf education, language access, and intersectional Deaf experiences.
New to the Third Edition
Significant updates throughout reflect contemporary developments in Deaf communities, scholarship, technology, and professional practice, including:
- Two new chapters on Deaf people and the legal system examine communication access, hearing bias, and Deaf rights in education, healthcare, employment, and criminal justice through case histories and videos.
- A substantially revised chapter on communities within the Deaf community explores Black, Latine, Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, immigrant, and multilingual experiences, emphasizing intersectionality, resilience, and advocacy.
- Broader coverage of signed-language diversity includes Black American Sign Language, Indigenous sign languages, and ProTactile.
- Expanded discussion of Deaf-centered education addresses early language access, language deprivation, literacy development, bilingual education, translanguaging, and multimodal learning.
- New discussions of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies examine opportunities and limitations in accessibility, ASL learning, and education, emphasizing Deaf-led innovation.
- Updated coverage of Deaf leadership, healthcare, mental health services, arts, media, and careers highlights contemporary contributions and opportunities.
- QR codes throughout the text connect readers to videos and online supplementary information.
Key Features
- Clear, student-friendly explanations introduce essential concepts and theoretical frameworks.
- Text boxes and reflective activities deepen understanding, encourage discussion, and promote critical thinking.
- Case histories and contemporary examples connect cultural concepts with experiences in education, healthcare, employment, and the legal system.
- Chapter resources, including videos and web links support further exploration beyond the text.
- Ancillary resources for instructors, including PowerPoint slides and a test bank, support teaching and assessment.
PluralPlus Online Ancillaries
For instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Links to Videos
For students: Chapter Quizzes, Links to Related Resources
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Part I. Deaf Culture: Yesterday and Today
Chapter 1. Deaf Community: Past and Present
Terminology
Deaf Culture
The Deaf Community Membership
Deaf Children of Culturally Deaf Parents
Deaf Children of Hearing Parents
Hearing Members in Deaf Families
Hard of Hearing Individuals
Late-Deafened Individuals
Deaf Blind Individuals
Multiple Communities
Demographics
Deaf ASL Signers
Historical Highlights of Deaf Communities
1988 Deaf President Now (DPN)
Contemporary Descriptions
Deaf-World
Deafhood
Deaf Gain
Deaf Ethnicity
People of the Eye
Deaf Epistemologies
Conclusions
References
Resources
Chapter 2. Deaf Lens on Etiologies and Auditory Technology
What It Means to be Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Identification
Determining One’s Hearing Level
Audiologists and Audiograms
Hearing Labels
What Causes Changes in Hearing Levels?
Genetic Causes
Non-Genetic and Acquired
Conductive
Sensorineural
Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid Issues
Cochlear Implants
History of the Deaf Community’s Views Towards Auditory Technology
Media Hype
Thoughts about Language Exposure
Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Audiology
Genetic Testing
Genetic Treatments
Genetic Controversy
Conclusions
References
Resources
Part II. Signed Languages and Learning
Chapter 3. American Sign Language
Background of ASL and Other Sign Languages
Indigenous Communities and “Hand-Talk”
African American Communities and BASL
European Communities
Euro-American Communities
Home Signs and Gestures
Village Sign Languages
How Sign Languages Are Spread
International Sign (IS) and Signed Languages Used Globally
ASL and English: Features, Modality, and Iconicity
ASL Content
ASL Structure
Role of Deaf Interpreters (DIs)
Fingerspelling: The Manual Alphabet
ASL Learners and Strategies
Hearing Persons Learning ASL
ASL Education in High School and Higher Education
AI-Based ASL Learning and Teaching Technologies
Language Attitudes: Linguistic Imperialism
Conclusions
References
Resources
Chapter 4. How Deaf Children Think, Learn, and Read
Intelligence, IQ Tests, and Misdiagnosis
Thought and Language
Language Deprivation
Incidental Learning
Cognitive Processes
Visual Attention and Visual Memory
Joint Attention
Reasoning
Metacognitive Abilities, Theory of Mind (ToM), Executive Functioning (EF)
Theory of Mind (ToM)
Executive Function (EF)
Language
Early Language Learning and Language Milestones
The Brain, Multilingualism, and Sign Languages
Literacy Learning
Language and Literacy Learning
Deficit versus Asset Models
Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Conclusions
References
Resources
Chapter 5. Deaf Education, Deaf Culture, and Multiculturalism
Why Deaf Culture Matters in Education
Student Factors
Shifts in Student Background Landscape: 1975 to 2026
Deaf Education: 19th Century to Present
ASL/English Bilingual/Multilingual and Multimodal Approach
Bilingual Theory, Translanguaging, and Sign-Mediated Strategies
Comprehensive Programs
How TC and SimCom Differ From Translanguaging
Monolingual Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) Approaches
Communication and Teaching Approaches for DeafDisabled Students
Migrating Across Settings
Changes in Language Teaching Approaches and School Settings
Universal Design, DeafSpace, and Technology
Standards, Achievements, and Assessment
Transition and Postsecondary Educational Opportunities
Preparation of Teachers
Teacher Preparation for DeafDisabled Students
Preparation of Educational Interpreters
Deaf Interpreters (Dis) in K-12 Settings
Conclusions
References
Resources
Part III. Deaf Lives, Technology, Arts, and Career Opportunities
Chapter 6. Deaf Identities
Deaf Identities
Categories of Deaf Identities
Disability Framework
Social Identity Theory
Racial Identity Development Framework
Deaf Identity Development Framework
Acculturation Model
The Narrative Approach
Intersectionality
Race/Ethnicity
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Disability
Conclusions
References
Chapter 7. Deaf Communities Within the Deaf Community
Why ‘Deaf Community’ is Plural
Microaggressions in Deaf Spaces
Three Types of Microaggressions
Microaggressions at the Intersections
A Minority Within a Minority
What People Build in Response
Mina, Again
The Black Deaf Community
A History Carried in Language
Black Deaf Gain
A Community Still Building
Latine Deaf Community
A Community With Many Origins
Council de Manos
Deaf-LatCrit
A Community Building Forward
Asian Deaf Communities
The "Asian" Umbrella Problem
National Asian Deaf Congress
A Hard Recent History
Indigenous Deaf Communities
A Sign Language Older Than ASL
Sovereignty and Deaf Identity
Sarah Young Bear-Brown and Indigenous Deaf Advocacy
Deaf LGBTQ+ Communities
Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf and Deaf Queer Resource Center
Generational Shifts
Drago Rentería
DeafBlind Community
The ProTactile Movement
DeafBlind Is Its Own Culture
Haben Girma and DeafBlind Visibility
DeafDisabled Community
The Word DeafDisabled
A Community Still Forming
Najma Johnson
Deaf Immigrant and Multilingual Communities
Sign Languages, Plural
Legal Vulnerability
A Community Across Borders
Toward Coalition and Recognition
What Intersectionality Asks
Coalitions Across Difference
A Final Return to Mina
References
Chapter 8. Navigating Lives
Introduction
Forms of Discrimination
Resilience
The Role of Relationships in Strengthening Resilience
The World of Work
Health Issues
Mental Health Issues
Aging Issues
Conclusions
References
Resources
Videos
Weblinks
Chapter 9. Technology and Accessibility
History: Foundations for Access
Deaf Community and Access
Captions
Telephones, TTYs, and Videophones
DeafBlind Access
Trilingual Deaf Persons’ Access
Alerting and Wake-up Devices and Systems
Baby Alerting Devices
Residential Security and Alarm, and Emergency Systems
Assistive Listening Systems and Devices
Innovative Technology and AI
Conclusions
References
Resources
Chapter 10. Deaf People and the Legal System: Education, Healthcare, and Employment Settings
Deaf Legal Theory (DLT)
Education Laws
Laws for Infants, Toddlers, and Early Childhood
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, Part A, B, C, and D)
LRE: A Controversial Topic
Lead-K and the Deaf Child Bill of Rights
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) in Education Settings
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Laws in Foster Care Placement
IDEA, ADA, and Section 504
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and Every Child Succeeds Act (ESSA)
DOE, OSEP, OSERs, and RSA
Communication Access in State and Federal Agencies
Healthcare
Employment
Social Security
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
ADA in the Workplace
EEOC: Its Role and Responsibilities for ADA Protections
Higher Education
Conclusions
References
Resources
Chapter 11. Deaf People and the Legal System: In Criminal Justice Settings
Applying the Deaf Legal Framework
Protective Legal Framework
Effective Communication
The Justice System
Linguistic Incompetence
Victims of Crimes
Intimate Partner Violence (IVP)
Victims of Fraud
Victims of ICE
Prevalence and Types of Crimes
Homicide Convictions
Sexual Offense Convictions
The Criminal Justice Process
Barriers at the Arrest
Booking, Medical/Psychological Intake, and Orientation
Barriers in Court
Barriers in Jail or Prison
Barriers in Probation and Parole
Conclusions
References
Resources
Chapter 12. Arts, Literature, and Media
Arts
Visual and Tactile Arts
De’VIA
Performing Arts
Deaf Theater
Theatre Sign Language Interpreting
Deaf Artists in Television and Movies
Deaf Movers in Game and Reality Shows
Deaf Dancing and Music
Literature in the Deaf Community
ASL Literature
Films and Movies
Deaf Film Festivals and Youth Film Camps
Deaf Humor and Sign Language Humor
Other ASL Literature Genres
Deaf Literature: Translations from English to ASL
Deaf Periodicals
Books
Bilingual Books in ASL and English
Online ASL and English Literature
Media
Deaf Images: Photography and Graphic Arts
Conclusion
References
Resources
Chapter 13. Advocating and Career Opportunities
Introduction
Deaf-Hearing Collaboration
Career Possibilities
ASL Interpreters
Teachers and University Professors
Early Childhood Educators
Audiologists
Speech and Language Therapists
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Job Coaches
Mental Health Service Providers
Hotline Volunteer
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
School Counselor
Social Worker
Clinical Psychologist
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
Attorneys and Paralegals
Other Career Possibilities
Conclusions
References
Chapter 14. Final Thoughts on Deaf Culture and Its Future
Technology
Deaf Power
R & D (Research and Development)
Support for Hearing Parents
ASL Education
Deaf Education
Legal Issues
Deaf Scholars
Deaf Diversity
Arts, Literature, and Media
Final Words
References
Index
Irene W. Leigh
Irene W. Leigh, PhD, is a Deaf psychologist whose experience includes high school teaching, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and private practice. From 1985 to 1991 she was a psychologist and assistant director at the Lexington Center for Mental Health Services. She taught in the Gallaudet University Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program from 1992 to 2012, was Psychology Department Chair from 2008 to 2012, and attained professor emerita status in 2012. Dr. Leigh serves on review boards of professional journals and was associate editor of the Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education from 2005 to 2011. She has presented nationally and internationally on identity, depression, parenting, attachment, cochlear implants, and psychosocial adjustment, and has published more than fifty articles and book chapters in addition to authoring, coauthoring, and editing or coediting several books. As a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, she served on two task forces and the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest.
Jean F. Andrews
Jean F. Andrews, PhD, received a bachelor's degree in English language and literature from Catholic University, in Washington, DC, a master's in education in Deaf education from McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College) in Westminster, Maryland, and a doctorate in speech and hearing sciences from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Dr. Andrews was a classroom teacher of reading at the Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, Maryland. From 1983 to 1988, she prepared educational interpreters and teachers of Deaf students at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky. From 1988 to 2015, she taught classes, prepared teachers and doctoral level leaders, and conducted applied research at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Dr. Andrews' research interests include language and literacy, Deaf Studies, ASL/English bilingualism, and forensic issues with deaf offenders. She has also served on the governing board of the Texas School for the Deaf. Currently, she is working on ASL/English science materials for struggling Deaf readers.