REVIEW ARTICLE - A Free Hand: Enfranchising the Education of Deaf Children (see abstract of review in this issue)

A Free Hand: Enfranchising the Education of Deaf Children (Walworth, Margaret, Moores, Donald F., & O'Rourke, Terrence J. [Eds], Silver Springs, MD: TJ Publishers, Inc, 1992 [see listings in IRPL, this issue]) is reviewed from two perspectives: that of a professional with over 50 years experience in the field of American Sign Language (ASL) & that of a PhD student. The first review describes the context & debates surrounding the development of this book & sketches issues central to the education of deaf children. The volume brings together presentations & papers from the Hofstra symposium representing two main positions: one group advocates the use of English only on paper & ASL only for face-to-face communication, whereas the other group advocates leaving options available in language & education. These two positions are described & chapters are outlined. The second review focuses on the similarities between the discussions in this book & those central to earlier debates around educating deaf children. The reviewer's own experiences as a deaf student are presented. Some of the questions left unanswered by this volume are addressed. 2 References. L. Taub