Thomas K. Holcomb, Ph.D.

Thomas K. Holcomb comes from a multigenerational deaf family. He, his parents, grandparents, and children are all deaf. Currently, Tom is Professor of Deaf Studies at Ohlone College in Fremont, California, where he teaches courses related to Deaf Culture to both deaf and hearing students. Previously, he taught at San Jose State University and National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Tom is considered a leading authority on Deaf Culture. He was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by American Sign Language Teacher Association (ASLTA) in 2002. He is well known for the dynamic presentation style he uses to bring together deaf and hearing cultures. Tom has presented in 45 states and several countries, including Japan and Canada. He is also an accomplished storyteller and is the featured performer in the Boys Town Press videotape series, Read With Me: Stories for Your Deaf Child. His most recent production, a DVD entitled See What I Mean: Differences Between Deaf and Hearing Cultures, has received widespread acclaim for its humorous yet effective portrayal of the deaf experience. In addition, his book, Deaf Culture, Our Way, illustrates the unique experiences of deaf people living in the mainstream. It is now considered a classic in deaf literature.

Tom's academic credentials include a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Gallaudet University, a master's degree in Career and Human Resources Development from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Rochester.

Co-author of Cultural Detective Deaf Culture