The book are both in English and Spanish Journey Beyond Silence..

Deaf Mexicans, especially, in Mexico, tend to be overlooked in the educational system. Without public support for the education of deaf children, the task is left to a few private insti-tutions and teachers.

Yet we find success stories of deaf Hispanics in all walks of life. They have overcome obstacles to educate and better themselves.

Seeing these stories in writing will serve as an inspiration as well as draw attention to how crucial it is to create opportunities for the deaf to learn to communicate.

Be inspired by these true stories of deaf Hispanics who have succeeded despite obstacles in the hearing world. Margarita Adams, a leading researcher in the history, of the deaf in Mexico, builds a powerful case supporting the need for effective deaf education. Deaf Hispanics may live in a world of silence but "Journey Beyond Silence" finally gives them a voice!

The book are both in English and Spanish History of The Education of The Deaf in Mexico and Mexican Sign Language.

Great of the history of people's education deaf in Mexico is vague and confusing. There are few chronicles and information is scarce. For example, when carrying out my research work in archives and libraries in Mexico, I couldn't locate the names of some of the schools or the dates on which they operated..

Information collected in Mexico in 1994 indicates that currently private schools accept students deaf until the age of 18 years.

Now she devotes her time providing the much-needed educational workshops for professionals who work with the Deaf Mexican population. Her goal is to teach Mexican Sign Language and Mexican Deaf Culture across the U.S.A. and Mexico.

Story by Margarita Mucino Adams
Produced by Joe Dannis

"Unlike other cultures, Deaf culture is not associated with a single place, or a native land; rather, it is a culture based on relationships among people..." - A Journey into the Deaf-World - Lane, Hoffmeister, Bahan

The Lives of Deaf Mexicans: Struggle and Success opens with the sights and sounds of Mexico and population statistics. The estimated Deaf population is three hundred thousand. Thirty deaf babies are born every day.

Margarita Mucino Adams tells us the Mexican Deaf are isolated, illiterate or under- educated and poor, but they are vital to the future of Mexico. Today the deaf are placed in various schools around Mexico City. In rural areas, schools do not exist. Back in the 60's when America was finally taking note of deaf needs, the Mexican government closed down the one government funded deaf school. Those raised in the old deaf school feel the newer schools teach different signs in different areas, which they feel will cause confusion and hinder communication among the deaf. There is a similar problem in America as you move from state to state. When private funded schools opened the Hearing teachers wanted oral teaching because they couldn't sign. Other countries have gone through the same battle, including America.

Adams interviews Deaf leaders, teachers, parents and older students who explain the need for deaf education, so the deaf can grow up to be successful adults. The author then proves success is possible for the deaf as she interviews deaf professionals - a taxi driver, boat driver, store owner, artist, a draftsman, and a tailor.

The Lives of Deaf Mexicans is a captivating documentary. Knowing the basics of Deaf History in America, I found it interesting to compare the two countries. It was touching to see so many deaf determined to overcome educational and social hindrances. I watched the DVD twice before moving on to the bonus with producer Joe Dannis. In the bonus, Dannis explains his goals in creating the documentary and why he chose Mexico. He tells of some memorable experiences while filming and the realization that there were four students in the first Paris deaf school who went out in to the world to spread Sign Language and Deaf Education. He discovers that one of those students went to Mexico. He also explains the phone/tty/fax situation and Deaf Club popularity in Mexico. Dannis generously gives credit to Margarita Mucino Adams for her knowledge and contacts.

The DVD has voice-over, closed captioned, and English & Spanish subtitles. The documentry is easy to follow and the caption is easy to read and understand. I would love to see more of these documentaries informing the public about deaf cultures in other countries.