In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

The, rneqfcomrnuniv in czechOsLovak.fa JAROSLAV PAUR language. zechoslovakia has a long-standing heritage involving the culture and education of deaf people. In 1786, the first school for deaf students was established in Prague, with sign language as the language of instruction . During the first half of the nineteenth century, other schools for deaf children were established, also with a preference for sign After the Milan Congress in 1880, however, a significant change occurred in our country. As happened all over the world, hearing teachers spread the oral method through the schools for deaf students. Although the deaf teachers fought this trend, they were slowly but surely removed from the schools. As a result, the oral method became the only method used in Czech schools after 1930: It was said that the use of sign language was the main reason for deaf people's being backward in their education. This situation began to change in the 1960s, partly because of the good results that other countries had with total communication methods, and partly because of increased self-esteem and recognition of their own language among deaf people in Czechoslovakia . Young teachers are no longer afraid to use sign language in the classroom, but it is still difficult to overcome the old prejudices. Although sign language has been used in some classrooms for more than fifteen years, some people still do not appreciate its use for teaching deaf students. Sign language training is offered to teachers-in-training in Czechoslovakia, but only through the department of special pedagogy of Charles University and only for two terms. There are some prepared videotaped programs for schools using sign language. What are the goals in the upbringing and education of deaf children? One, of course, is to offer all deaf people professional training at the same level as that received by the hearing population. At present, however, only 6.5 percent of deaf Czechs are university graduates-this is only one-half of the average for the hearing population. Thirteen percent have finished secondary school, which is only one-third of the average for the hearing population. This situation is not acceptable, and we hope that it will change with the increased use of total communication. At present, because job choices are limited , many deaf people take additional evening classes to improve their qualifications for employment. The Union of the Disabled The Union of the Disabled is a social organization that organizes special classes, publishes a dictionary of sign language, and at present is the primary group concerned with 136 THE DEAF WAY ~ Deaf Cultures Around the World the issue of total communication. The Union cooperates with special workplaces and schools for deaf students to organize sign language lessons for the parents and teachers of deaf children. In addition to the goals of equal education and professional preparation, we at the Union emphasize the importance of deaf people participating in society. To accomplish this, we presuppose that the deaf person needs good speechreading ability and oral skills in addition to knowledge of sign language. It is important to be able to communicate without any "middleman," such as a sign language interpreter, and without the uncomfortable and slow use of paper and pen. These skills are necessary for independence and freedom, although every deaf person has an interpreter at his disposal if one is needed. To summarize, we consider bilingual ability an important aim in the education of deaf students. What about the social pOSition of deaf people in Czechoslovakia? Sign language is a reputable means of communication among deaf people, and according to the Civil Law, deaf individuals have the right to use their language. Authorities also have a duty to use sign language. If an interpreter is not present during an exchange between a deaf person and a government official, any negotiations that result from this exchange are considered invalid. In Czechoslovakia there is no discrimination against deaf people, and no unemployment ; in fact, their interests and needs are protected by law. For example, they cannot be fired from a job without agreement by the State authority. They also enjoy such advantages as free public transportation in the city and a 50 percent discount on intercity transport. Deaf people who are employed receive a stipend from the government equal to onethird of their monthly income. This income is included in the calculation of retirement income as well. Parents of hard of hearing children receive financial benefits provided by the State. The Union is...

Share