Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to being deaf or hard of hearing -- Worlds collide : growing up with a hearing loss -- Language differences and communication issues -- Deaf culture or condition? -- Issues from the past, issues for the millennium : the professionals' perspectives -- Best practices when communicating with deaf and hard of hearing people.

This is a handbook for readers who wish to learn more about providing services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It provides basic knowledge of the Deaf/HH and an awareness of hearing loss and its influence on family and community life. It's unique in that it draws from the experiences of a Deaf (Rohring) and a hearing (Adams) author, providing a comprehensive perspective. It includes the perspectives from research and literature, from professional practice, and from anecdotal accounts. The book also highlights the aesthetics of American Sign Language and the Deaf culture. It will be a useful resource for hospitals, health care agencies such as hearing & speech centers, school districts, and educational agencies.