ABSTRACT

It took centuries for deaf people to break out of the shackles of misunderstanding. And even today, there continues to be misunderstanding, notwithstanding the fact that deaf people more than ever are achieving their potential in education, communications (thanks to ever-evolving

Figure 1.1 Dr. Gabriel Lomas administers an intelligence test

technology), theater, law, and many other areas and can psychologically move on in their efforts to live productive and happy lives. This progress has come about as a consequence of the presence of a more enlightened era and populace that understand diversity and multiculturalism. Within the domains of psychology, sociology, anthropology, linguists, education, and mental health, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, sociologists, neuroscientists, anthropologists, linguists, educators, psychiatrists, and allied mental health professionals have served as catalysts that propelled the changes we see today.