ABSTRACT
A question that might fi rst arise is why such interfaces are needed. By and large, interactions with computers involve
reading or writing text. Deaf signers, at fi rst blush, would not appear to be disadvantaged in their ability to read and write. However, interfaces requiring reading and writing also have the potential to disenfranchise many deaf users (see also Chapter 6 of this handbook). As this may seem counterintuitive, the chapter begins with a discussion of deafness, sign language, and literacy to indicate why this is the case.
