Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Number of tapes: 1
• VHS Release Date: November 1, 1993
• Run Time: 30 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1881133117
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #401,218 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This thirty minute narrated and open-captioned videotape provides a basic overview of Deaf people in America, their language and their culture. The program is designed to help the viewer realize that preconceived notions and ways of thinking about Deaf people may be inaccurate. A culturally-sensitive perspective is maintained throughout the program that encourages the viewer to begin to think of Deaf people as a member of a unique minority group. The tape also provides information about national and international organizations of and for Deaf people, employment opportunities, communication accessibility, resources to contact for further information. A special feature of the tape is a list of some easy to follow, non-threatening communication tips and pointers. These tips and pointers can be extremely beneficial when communicating with a Deaf person.
Sign Media, Inc. (SMI) is the nation's largest independent producer of sign language and deafness, related video and print materials supporting the cultural goals of the Deaf Community. Sign Media, Inc. was founded in 1980 for the purpose of producing "state of the art" instructional videotapes for college and university sign language instructional programs. With well over 350 program titles to date, Sign Media is committed to maintaining its leadership role in the field.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good - but use for younger audience, October 12, 2005

By 

A. Turim "Reading is hot" (MKE, WI, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to the Deaf Community [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a good, easy to understand film, but may be better for a high or midle school aged audience as opposed to college. College audiences may want a more in depth look at the idea of the deaf culture and community.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not good..., May 8, 2003

By 

Carlos Rios (Miami, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to the Deaf Community [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video tape gives a very general overview of the Deaf culture and does not got into details. If you still want to view it, I suggest looking for it at your local library. They may have a copy. Otherwise, don't waist your money.

2.0 out of 5 stars Video needs to be updated..., August 1, 2007

By 

S. Carlson "Suzie C." (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to the Deaf Community [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I was looking for video of Deaf Awareness to show to elementary aged students . However, when I saw the first few moments, I realized I had already seen this videotape in the first year of my Interpreter Training program. I had never checked the date before I purchased. Had I checked, I would have realized this was the same old video.
This video is, well, sufficient for beginning ASL or Interpreting students (if nothing newer is available), but is not appropriate for elementary age. It is also sooooo old-fashioned, that it is just plain boring, even though the advice and information on the video is certainly valid and important. It needs to be re-done...something upbeat, new, fresh and catchy that would not become dated too fast. Lets face it: a LOT has happened since 1993! Technology has completely changed the way Deaf people communicate in this world! We have video-relay, text messaging, IM, all but gone are the days of TTY's!

I remember this video put ME to sleep way back when, and I was very interested in learning about Deaf Culture too!
I wish I hadn't wasted my money, and as another reviewer suggests, search for a copy to rent/borrow before buying. It's just too old and no matter what the age of the audience, you'll be sure to put them all to sleep with this video!