A handbook for parents of deaf children who are concerned with finding the best means of communication for their family. The authors stress the importance of teaching language fundamentals as early as possible and explain why the visual-gestural nature of signing is generally the best mode for deaf children. They also describe the origins and rationale behind the major signing options available American Sign Language, Signed English, Exact English, and Contact Sign. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.