http://www.aol.com

Use America Online software to sign on to America Online. Go to keyword: Deaf

Not everyone in this community is deaf or hard of hearing. Many are hearing relatives or those who work with the deaf/HOH. They congregate here to exchange information or blow off steam. In fact, several of the bulletin board conversations are definitely grumpy - not bitter grumpiness but the frustration of strong independent spirits in a society that doesn't always acknowledge their strength and independence. Topics range widely; the Deaf and Hard of Hearing forum encompasses discussions about communication, education, humor, politics, spirituality, entertainment, most of the usual things folks are prone to talk about, only with enough of a twist to give hearing readers a glimmer of the difference between the deaf/HOH world and the hearing world. - E.L.

subject matter: health, general conversation

regional affiliation: North America, Europe

format: conferencing, chat (themed chats are held in chat areas shared with other disability forums)

language: English

cost: 15 hours free, $9.95 per month (includes 5 free hours), $2.95 per hour after that. On December 1, 1996, AOL will be available for $19.95 per month for unlimited usage.