Growing Up Deaf

This book is my life story. I am the only Deaf person in my hearing Italian family. I was surrounded by loving, chattering relatives I never understood. My school, P.S. 47 in NYC, was oral, but I learned American Sign Language (ASL) from older Deaf students. My husband, Vincent Pizzo, is Deaf; our children and grandchildren are hearing. I signed my story in ASL to my friend, Judy Jonas. She interpreted onto audiotape, then typed it. We worked together for over a year until it was right. Growing Up Deaf has short sections describing my different life experiences. Some parts are funny; others are sad and some reflect happy times in my life. You'll read about my struggles to communicate, make friends and have an independent life in New Jersey. Growing Up Deaf shows my frustrations and joys in two worlds: Deaf and hearing. When I grew up there were no interpreters in classrooms or TV closed captions. You will understand why American Sign Language (ASL) is so important to me. Enjoy learning about Deaf culture from an insider's perspective. Rose Pizzo; (2001) 131 pages; soft cover