A Case about Amy by R.C. Smith. 1996. Temple University Press. 322 pages.

Smith takes a reader on a time odyssey (1976-1982) to witness a struggle of the Deaf parents of a Deaf daughter, Amy Rowley, and a hearing son endured through the maze of an education and court systems in their quest towards an equal opportunity for Amy enrolled in a public school.

His book, which took Smith about 12 years of researching and interviewing, illustrates how the systems of power could be shifted into their favor by manipulating the interpretation of loosely worded in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. And later in Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (PL 94-142), which was renamed Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Instead of accepting the lower court's order to provide Amy Rowley a sign language interpreter, the school board appealed and argued over the definition of "equal opportunity" versus "full potential" or "appropriate education" that went all the way to Supreme Court.

Along that time odyssey Smith introduced the family's lawyer, Michael Chatoff, who turned deaf in his 20s and how he overcame unjust discrimination against him as he was striving to become the lawyer he was and argued the case for Rowleys at Supreme Court. Smith is successful in presenting an objective insight of the politics, controversial issues, and everyone revolving around and inside the community of Deaf citizens.

A reader may be stunned to learn that the judges of Supreme Court did not scrutinize the Act that was passed in Congress, and they decided that since her achievement tests scores proved that even without a sign language interpreter Amy was getting an appropriate education. As a result, the definition of "appropriate education" or "full potential" won over "equal opportunity." This decision was also cost effective for a public school to avert providing a sign language interpreter for Amy.

Hence, from that time odyssey, a reader questions the true intention of society at large in educating bright deaf children like Amy. Does the school board ever encourage deaf children to accomplish beyond the standard academic achievement expected of average hearing children?

Hi, I'm looking for a summary of this book, but don't know how to access it. I read a book by Frank Bowe years ago and want to recommend it to a friend, but since I can find no overview of the book, I'm not sure if this is the correct title.

I'm looking for the story of his life, how he was forced to grow up oral, his frustrations, and the breakthrough when he went to Gallaudet and finally was exposed to the world of sign. I have a Deaf friend who is in the his same shoes, who I think could really relate to Frank's life story.

Is this the right book?

Thanks, Stephanie

Another informative and sensitive book written with passion by Dr. Bowe. A must read for anyone who has or knows someone with a disability. Additionaly all who are involved in the educational field will find the book extremely up to date as Professor Bowe is always 'on top' of the current research.

The book is enjoyable as well as informative. Personal case histories and insights are shared from those who have the particular disability being discussed. The chapters are well organized with thoughtful regard to the 'major' catagories of each disability.