The Deaf: Their Position in Society and the Provision for Their Education in the United States

"The Deaf" by Harry Best is a sociological study written in the early 20th century. The work examines the position of deaf individuals in American society and evaluates the provisions made for their education. It explores the often overlooked status and challenges faced by the deaf community, how society perceives them, and the legislative actions relevant to their welfare. The opening of the study introduces its objectives, emphasizing a need to understand the deaf population's standing in society while surveying their historical and contemporary treatment. Best outlines the scope of his investigation, which includes extensive research from various documents, reports, and personal correspondence related to schools and organizations for the deaf. He discusses the differentiation between the terms "deaf" and "dumb," clarifying that deafness is primarily concerned with the loss of hearing, and most deaf individuals possess the ability to speak to varying extents. Furthermore, the text provides insights into the number of deaf individuals in the United States, their conditions, and the medical or social mechanisms in place affecting their lives, forming a foundation for the discussions to follow in the book.