This paper describes the current state of education for deaf children in Central America and the Caribbean (with some mention of parts of South America), focusing on an historical description of events and forces impacting these regions; current educational philosophies; adult associations of deaf people; intra/intercountry networking; educational and medical aspects; and visions for the future. The countries included are: Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Antigua, Dominica, and the Bahamas, with mentions of Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia. The historic importance in deaf education of individual visionary educators or international organizations in particular countries is noted. The role of the International Center on Deafness at Gallaudet University (Washington, D.C.) is also noted. The influence of the "total communication" philosophy and the development of Associations of the Deaf are briefly discussed. The lack of professional training programs in this area is illustrated by a table showing training possibilities across Central America. Effects of the ownership of teacher preparation centers by otolaryngologists are also noted (such as a medical pathology approach to deafness). (DB)