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A classic film about deafness shown (originally without captions) on CBS television in 1979. The title character was played by a deaf person, Jeffrey Bravin. This film is considered by many to be the turning point for mass acceptance of deaf actors, as previous films cast hearing actors in deaf character roles. Jonah is a lonely deaf child who has been misdiagnosed as intellectually disabled. The film follows his discovery of himself as a deaf person, from the time he leaves the medical institution to his learning to communicate. Jonah's mother (Sally Struthers) and father (James Woods) struggle to establish communication with their withdrawn son, and do so through sigh language. Please note this title contains potentially offensive language.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 2
6 minutes 4 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Phenomenal Professionals (Claudia Gordon, ESQ)
Viewer Comments
Hannah S.(Weatherford, TX)
February 2nd, 2025 at 04:23 PM
Amazing film and perfect for discussion and introduction to lives of DHH children to my ASL students.
MARSHA H.(FREMONT, CA)
October 30th, 2024 at 11:25 AM
good for my asl class
Bonnie L.(San Antonio, TX)
August 27th, 2024 at 03:29 PM
This is a great film to show students. They learn about about the struggles Deaf children and their families go through as well as different learning options and how they can apply this information to real world issues.
Jennifer G.(Melissa, TX)
March 6th, 2024 at 09:14 AM
This movie is a must see for understanding Deaf culture, the role of parents, Deaf mentorship, Deaf clubs, and the history of Deaf education in America.
DIANE M.(SIMI VALLEY, CA)
March 5th, 2024 at 11:07 PM
Still one of my favorite movies, especially the moment it 'clicks' that signs have meaning.
candy t.(stratford, OK)
September 8th, 2022 at 08:47 AM
Great for introducing deaf culture.
Hershella A.(Palos Hills, IL)
March 9th, 2022 at 11:33 AM
Awesome movie, old but good. The students love it they were emotional, sad, angry, and happy. Worth viewing,
Tamara O.(Lockhart , TX)
October 27th, 2021 at 10:12 AM
This created a wonderful dialogue between my general education students and my Deaf students and experiences.
Kristi N.(Joliet, IL)
May 12th, 2021 at 10:20 AM
This video is very useful when comparing how times have changed in the field of speech and hearing and society as a whole.
Rachel D.(Roeland Park, KS)
May 19th, 2020 at 06:58 PM
This movie had a great impact on me at age 12. I was excited to see it again and to share it with my students.
Brandon D.(Tucson, AZ)
September 24th, 2019 at 11:07 PM
Even though it is a very old video, it is still a powerful one.
Katy O.(Mesa, AZ)
April 3rd, 2019 at 12:22 AM
great movie!
stephen m.(Buda, TX)
December 11th, 2018 at 09:20 AM
Great film for deaf-culture lessons.
Taylorr M.(Wylie, TX)
April 17th, 2018 at 08:32 PM
good film
Jeffrey C.(San Marcos, TX)
December 20th, 2017 at 02:46 PM
The movie was very successful in relaying the information to parents who have struggled with this situation. Allows an individual to comprehend the difficulties that come along with a misunderstanding with a child who is deaf.
Teri H.(Palos Hills, IL)
September 22nd, 2017 at 09:47 PM
Excellent movie for students wanting to understand about Deaf Culture
Lynn F.(Eden Prairie, MN)
May 30th, 2017 at 09:00 AM
This movie provides valuable history of Deaf education.
Marvin J.(Austin, TX)
October 12th, 2016 at 12:17 PM
DCMP is a valuable service providing content relevant to my course work toward developing ASL competency.
Dr. Lewis L.(Waco, TX)
September 28th, 2016 at 10:41 AM
I recommend it for educators and Deaf Education, and other related majors students.
J.R. C.(Little Rock, AR)
August 10th, 2016 at 08:36 AM
Truly classic!
Paul S.(Colorado Springs, CO)
June 29th, 2016 at 11:20 AM
This video is highly recommended for hearing ASL students to have a better understanding about the oppression of sign languages. Highly recommended for Deaf Culture and Deaf History courses.
"...And Your Name is Jonah" is about a Deaf boy, born to hearing parents, who did not have access to language and was misdiagnosed as having mental disabilities. Overall this video shows the trials and tribulations of hearing parents of Deaf children who are often misinformed about how to "normalize" their Deaf children. Although this film was made in 1979, this film is a timeless classic.
Lesley S.(Jacksonville, FL)
October 14th, 2015 at 07:41 AM
The kids love this movie- and it is GREAT for motivating discussion!
Lesley S.(Jacksonville, FL)
October 14th, 2015 at 07:35 AM
Great film for discussion!
Patricia S.(Thomasville, GA)
September 10th, 2015 at 05:41 AM
Use this video every year for my ASL I class.
Misti G.(San Marcos, TX)
April 1st, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Worth watching even though it is outdated.
Ted D.(DCMP Staff)
April 2nd, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Juan, please email us at: info@dcmp.org if you have an existing account. If not, please visit this page to find the qualifications for membership: http://www.dcmp.org/signup
Juan R.(Austin, TX)
February 9th, 2013 at 02:34 PM
I have seen most of this movie on youtube but have not finished watching it. When I click on stream captioned now, it says I do not have stream video access. How do i Get access for that?
Amazing film and perfect for discussion and introduction to lives of DHH children to my ASL students.
good for my asl class
This is a great film to show students. They learn about about the struggles Deaf children and their families go through as well as different learning options and how they can apply this information to real world issues.
This movie is a must see for understanding Deaf culture, the role of parents, Deaf mentorship, Deaf clubs, and the history of Deaf education in America.
Still one of my favorite movies, especially the moment it 'clicks' that signs have meaning.
Great for introducing deaf culture.
Awesome movie, old but good. The students love it they were emotional, sad, angry, and happy. Worth viewing,
This created a wonderful dialogue between my general education students and my Deaf students and experiences.
This video is very useful when comparing how times have changed in the field of speech and hearing and society as a whole.
This movie had a great impact on me at age 12. I was excited to see it again and to share it with my students.
Even though it is a very old video, it is still a powerful one.
great movie!
Great film for deaf-culture lessons.
good film
The movie was very successful in relaying the information to parents who have struggled with this situation. Allows an individual to comprehend the difficulties that come along with a misunderstanding with a child who is deaf.
Excellent movie for students wanting to understand about Deaf Culture
This movie provides valuable history of Deaf education.
DCMP is a valuable service providing content relevant to my course work toward developing ASL competency.
I recommend it for educators and Deaf Education, and other related majors students.
Truly classic!
This video is highly recommended for hearing ASL students to have a better understanding about the oppression of sign languages. Highly recommended for Deaf Culture and Deaf History courses. "...And Your Name is Jonah" is about a Deaf boy, born to hearing parents, who did not have access to language and was misdiagnosed as having mental disabilities. Overall this video shows the trials and tribulations of hearing parents of Deaf children who are often misinformed about how to "normalize" their Deaf children. Although this film was made in 1979, this film is a timeless classic.
The kids love this movie- and it is GREAT for motivating discussion!
Great film for discussion!
Use this video every year for my ASL I class.
Worth watching even though it is outdated.
Juan, please email us at: info@dcmp.org if you have an existing account. If not, please visit this page to find the qualifications for membership: http://www.dcmp.org/signup
I have seen most of this movie on youtube but have not finished watching it. When I click on stream captioned now, it says I do not have stream video access. How do i Get access for that?