A is for Access: Creating Full & Effective Communication Access for Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (2004). Hands & Voices, P.O. Box 37196, Denver, CO 80237. Approximately 24 minutes; $34.95 plus $6.95 s/h; available in DVD and VHS. Reviewed by Julie Sapp, Northeast Georgia RESA, Winterville, GA.

A is for Access is packed from start to finish with up-to-date information on communication access for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.  The first 6 minutes are devoted to defining and explaining the concept of true communication access within the educational environment, including social as well as academic contexts.  Dedication to both accuracy and thoroughness is evident through the complex and nuanced definitions and discussions presented during this short section.

The remaining 18 minutes are devoted to strategies for facilitating access, beginning with the use of a Communication Plan as the driving force behind IEP decisions.  Modes of communication and methods of instruction are addressed in this section, without ideological bias.  Emphasis is placed on the need to have the full range of options available, so that a student's programming can be driven by his or her individual communication needs.  Also included in this section is an excellent discussion comparing the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), as defined by IDEA, and the need for a Language Rich Environment (also LRE) for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

Much of the material in the video is presented by a well-chosen and impressive array of professionals and parents.  Additionally, clips of real world situations, such as IEP meetings, classroom instruction, and students at work and socializing, are used for illustration. All of these segments are introduced by clear narration, overviewing the concepts to be discussed and providing smooth and logical segues between the clips.  The use of textual bullets and other graphics is limited but effective where employed. 

This video is filled with an abundance of specific information and presented at a rapid pace, so detailed note taking is not feasible.  Because of this, it would have been helpful for viewers if the organizational structure was clearly outlined in advance and thoroughly summarized at the end.    Nevertheless, A is for Access is bursting at the seams with useful information for everyone involved in educational decision-making for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.  It would be an excellent inservice tool for all professionals involved directly or indirectly in the education of these students.