Profiles Francis Green, father of a child with deafness, who became, in the late 18th century, the first American to publish an account of deaf education and to insist on the education of all children with deafness. Green's relationship with his son, perspectives on sign language and speech, and advocacy for schools for the deaf are recounted. (CR)

A mother of a deaf child recounts her earlier commitment to an oralist position, her gradual realization that she was asking her child to do the impossible, and the child's rapid acquisition of language when allowed and encouraged to use signs. The importance of hearing parents learning sign language is stressed. (DB)

This narrative of a graduate student with deafness describes her experiences in various educational environments including oral communication, total communication, and mainstreamed. The article emphasizes the role of parents as the child's best advocates and advises parents to trust their own instincts and not accept the authority of professionals…