Deaf Identities

Embracing interdisciplinary paradigms, the authors relate how factors such as culture, schooling, home environment, gender, race, ethnicity, and sexuality intersect to form Deaf multicultural identities that do not remain static but can evolve across the lifespan. The shared personal journeys of the various authors add compelling detail. The labor of these editors and contributors will disable even the most ardent audists, who may indeed lose their stereotypes about Deaf people after reading this book. Though audists may read at their peril, most others will appreciate this up-to-date account of life with Deaf identity. * J. F. Andrews, emerita, Lamar University, Choice *
This is a fascinating book, superbly crafted, and like its predecessor, Dr. Leigh's A Lens on Deaf Identities, a must-read for anyone interested in how dissimilar experiences and contexts for being deaf illuminate questions we all ask ourselves: "Who am I?" and "Who are we?" * Neil Glickman, Clinical Psychologist, University of Massachusetts Medical School and Private Practice *
In the Deaf communities, our work and personal lives are often a complex interplay of differing roles, identities, and responsibilities. With Deaf Identities: New Frontiers, Irene Leigh and Catherine O'Brien weave together a rich collection of narratives that offer a glimpse into the various perspectives as well as the collective vision inherent in the rich tapestry of which our Deaf communities are made. The collected works of professionals and scholars in the field serve to provide a clear framework in both recognizing and differentiating research findings. In doing so, the editors have successfully maximized the impact these findings will undoubtedly have on the community members as well as drive further research." * Shilpa Hanumantha, Associate Professor, American Sign Language Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville *
This book is a must-read for everyone, deaf or hearing, who work with the deaf community because it advances our understanding of the diverse lived experiences within the community and how identity and intersectionality interact with these experiences." * Peter C. Hauser, Director, NTID Center Research Center on Culture and Language, Rochester Institute of Technology *