Forest Books: Constanze Schmaling And Leila Monaghan (Eds.) HIV/AIDS And Deaf Communities - DW Vol 22:1 May 06

There is an international HIV/AIDS epidemic affecting Deaf communities in every part of the globe. Few statistics exist on the extent of the problem but one study on Maryland (US) infection rates shows that Deaf people are two to ten times as likely as their hearing counterparts to be HIV positive. This volume reviews the problems Deaf people have including poor access to information about HIV/AIDS and safe sex, inadequate treatment programs, and issues such as confidentiality in the community. It also suggests that Deaf empowerment and peer-to-peer information networks are the most powerful tools available for preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and supporting Deaf people living with HIV. The vulnerability of many Deaf people internationally suggests that not only are HIV infections and AIDS problems in Deaf communities, but that Deaf people are more susceptible to contracting HIV/AIDS than their hearing counterparts. This volume focuses on describing the problem of HIV/AIDS among Deaf people both qualitatively (including autobiographical accounts of experiences, fiction and poetry) and quantitatively, and documenting some of the strategies that have been used around the world to combat the spread of AIDS and provide services to affected Deaf community members. Paperback 222 pages May 2006