History

The First Teacher for the Deaf

Ponce de Leon established a school for the deaf at the San Salvador Monastery in Oña. His students were almost all children of wealthy aristocrats who could afford private tutoring. His work with deaf children focused on helping them to learn how to speak language audibly. He also instructed children in writing and in simple gestures.

Ponce de Leon is not known to have developed a working sign language, but there is some indication from the writings of Juan Pablo Bonet—who never credited him for his method—that Ponce de Leon developed a manual alphabet which would allow a student who mastered it to spell out (letter by letter) any word. This alphabet was based, in whole or in part, on the simple hand gestures used by monks living in silence.

Ponce de Leon's work with the deaf was considered bold by contemporaries, as the prevailing opinion among most Europeans in the 16th century was that the deaf were incapable of being educated. Many laymen even believed that the deaf were too simple-minded to be eligible for salvation under Christian doctrine.

In Ponce, Puerto Rico, there is a school for deaf children named Colegio Fray Pedro Ponce de León. It is located in Urbanización La Rambla.

Pioneer of Deaf Education

Juan Pablo Bonet was a Spanish priest and pioneer of education for the deaf. He published the first book on teaching deaf people to speak and communicate, which included the first manual alphabet, laying the foundation for modern sign language education.

His work "Reducción de las letras y arte para enseñar a hablar a los mudos" (Reduction of letters and art for teaching mute people to speak) published in 1620, was groundbreaking in its approach to deaf education.

Bonet's manual alphabet became the basis for many sign language alphabets used around the world today. His methods emphasized visual communication and demonstrated that deaf individuals could be educated effectively.

"Father of the Deaf"

Charles-Michel de l'Épée was born to a wealthy family in Versailles, the seat of political power in what was then the most powerful kingdom of Europe. He studied to be a Catholic priest.

L'Épée then turned his attention toward charitable services for the poor, and, on one foray into the slums of Paris, he had a chance encounter with two young deaf sisters who communicated using a sign language. L'Épée decided to dedicate himself to the education and salvation of the deaf, and, in 1760, he founded a school. In line with emerging philosophical thought of the time, the Abbé de l'Épée came to believe that deaf people were capable of language and concluded that they should be able to receive the sacraments and thus avoid going to hell.

Though L'Épée's original interest was in religious education, his public advocacy and development of a kind of "Signed French" enabled deaf people to legally defend themselves in court for the first time.

L'Épée died at the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, and his tomb is in the Church of Saint Roch in Paris. Two years after his death, the National Assembly recognised him as a "Benefactor of Humanity" and declared that deaf people had rights according to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

His methods of education have spread around the world, and the Abbé de l'Épée is seen today as one of the founding fathers of deaf education.

Texas Revolutionary War Hero

Erastus (Deaf) Smith was born in Duchess County, New York, on April 19, 1787, the son of Chilaib and Mary Smith. At the age of eleven or twelve he moved with his parents to Natchez, Mississippi Territory. A childhood disease caused him to lose his hearing.

Although his loyalties were apparently divided at the outbreak of the Texas Revolution, when a Mexican sentry refused to allow him to enter San Antonio to visit his family, Smith joined Stephen F. Austin's army, which was then besieging the town.

Smith served as a messenger for William B. Travis, who considered him "the Bravest of the Brave' in the cause of Texas." During the San Jacinto campaign he captured a Mexican courier bearing important dispatches to Antonio López de Santa Anna, and on April 21, 1836, Smith was ordered to destroy Vince's Bridge to prevent the retreat of the Mexican army.

On hearing of his death, Sam Houston wrote, "My Friend Deaf Smith, and my stay in darkest hour, Is no more!!! A man, more brave, and honest never, lived. His soul is with God, but his fame and his family, must command the care of His Country!"

Deaf Smith County is named in his honor.

The Beginning of American Deaf Education

When you are 9 years old, you don't think about making history. Alice Cogswell made history at the age of 9 by sparking the beginning of the creation of American Sign Language and American deaf education.

Alice is known as the young deaf girl who inspired Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet–the man who began the education of the deaf in America.

Alice Cogswell was born in 1805. When she was just 2 years old, she came down with "spotted fever," a type of meningitis. She lost her hearing, and later, her speech.

Her father, Mason Fitch Cogswell, was neighbors with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. When she was 9 years old, Alice met Gallaudet. Realizing that Alice was very smart despite her hearing loss and inability to speak, Gallaudet wanted to teach her how to communicate.

Gallaudet then travelled to Europe to learn the most successful methods used to teach deaf children. He brought back with him Laurent Clerc, a deaf educator who taught using French Sign Language. Together, they established the American Asylum for Deaf-Mutes in 1817, which is now known as the American School for the Deaf.

Alice was the first to enroll in this history-making school.

Alice died in 1830 at the age of twenty-five, just thirteen days after her father died.

Today, a gorgeous statue of Gallaudet and Alice stands at both the American School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University.

Deafblind Pioneer

Julia Brace was born to a poor family in Hartford County, Connecticut on June 13, 1807, and became deafblind at age five from typhus fever. She gradually stopped speaking and developed a system of home sign that she used with her parents.

She was sent to a boarding school with hearing and sighted children before being offered a place at the Hartford Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb (now called the American School for the Deaf), where she enrolled on June 11, 1825, two days before her 18th birthday.

During her childhood, she was described as independent, inquisitive and feisty. Although she wasn't given much formal instruction, she did acquire tactile signing from the resident deaf students and staff at the Hartford school. Despite being the only blind person there, she became a part of the school community, forming friendships (and enemies), fulfilling communal duties, and developing skills in sewing and knitting.

Her memory of tangible facts was very tenacious, but it had no grasp of abstractions, and it was never apparent that she comprehended the idea of a deity. She was protective of her own rights, and never intentionally invaded those of others, and she was never known to deceive. She was kind and gentle enough to be entrusted with the care of the sick, and made an excellent nurse.

Samuel Gridley Howe, educator from the Perkins School for the Blind, began instructing the 7-year-old deafblind Laura Bridgman after meeting Brace during a visit to the Hartford school around 1837.

She left the school to take up residence with her sister in Bloomfield, Connecticut, where she died on August 12, 1884, aged 77. She was buried in an unmarked grave in the West Hill Cemetery.

The Golden Age of Deaf Culture

The Deaf community was thriving in the 1800's as portrayed in historical records where influential Deaf and Hearing people gathered to discuss political and business issues.

During this time, sign language was respected and valued as a legitimate form of communication. Deaf individuals held positions of leadership and influence across society, participating fully in business, politics, and community life.

There are 2 large organizations who support ASL and the Deaf community:

• World Federation of the Deaf (WFD): The WFD states that there are 70 million deaf people in the world which is more than the population of France.
• National Association of the Deaf (NAD): Talks about the value and importance of learning ASL.

The WHO states that there are 360 million people in the world with hearing loss.

Learning ASL helps recognize its culture and show respect towards Deaf people as well as be involved in a great community!

Where Everyone Signed

During this time there was also a strong Deaf community in Martha's Vineyard, a place where everyone knew and used sign language.

Martha's Vineyard, off the Massachusetts coast, was home to a unique community where hereditary deafness was common due to genetic factors in the founding population. Both deaf and hearing residents communicated fluently in sign language, creating a truly inclusive society where being deaf was simply a normal part of life.

The last living survivor of that group was asked "how did you know who was hearing and who was Deaf" and the response was… "we didn't".

This remarkable community demonstrated what true accessibility and inclusion looks like—where communication barriers simply didn't exist because everyone adapted to ensure full participation by all members of the community.

The Martha's Vineyard example shows us that disability is often a product of society's failure to accommodate, not an inherent limitation of individuals.

First College for the Deaf

President Abraham Lincoln signed the charter establishing Gallaudet College (now Gallaudet University) on April 8, 1864, making it the world's first institution of higher education specifically designed for deaf and hard of hearing students.

This milestone opened doors to advanced education for the Deaf community and demonstrated that deaf individuals were capable of pursuing college-level education and professional careers.

Named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, the pioneer of deaf education in America, the university has become a cornerstone of Deaf culture and education, producing generations of deaf leaders, scholars, and professionals.

Today, Gallaudet University remains the world's only university designed specifically for deaf and hard of hearing students, continuing its mission of providing quality education and fostering Deaf culture and community.

The Ban on Sign Language

In 1880 there was an educational conference in Milan where a decision was made to focus on Oralism. The International Congress on Education of the Deaf declared that oral education (teaching deaf children to speak and lip-read) was superior to sign language education.

This devastating decision led to the suppression of sign language in schools worldwide, causing generations of deaf children to be denied their natural language and cultural identity. Deaf teachers were removed from schools, and sign language was banned in classrooms.

The effects of this conference were catastrophic for the Deaf community:

• Deaf children were forced to spend hours trying to learn to speak instead of receiving education in subjects like math, science, and literature
• Many deaf students graduated with poor literacy skills and limited education
• Sign language was driven underground and stigmatized
• The social and economic status of deaf people declined significantly

The effects of this conference are still felt today, though the Deaf community has fought back and sign language education is now recognized as the most effective approach for deaf children.

In 2010, 130 years later, the International Congress on Education of the Deaf formally rejected the 1880 Milan resolutions and acknowledged the harm they caused.

Deafblind Advocate & Author

Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

The story of Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, was made famous by Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, and its adaptations for film and stage, The Miracle Worker. Her birthplace in West Tuscumbia, Alabama, is now a museum and sponsors an annual "Helen Keller Day."

A prolific author, Keller was well-traveled and outspoken in her convictions. A member of the Socialist Party of America and the Industrial Workers of the World, she campaigned for women's suffrage, labor rights, socialism, antimilitarism, and other similar causes.

She was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame in 1971 and was one of twelve inaugural inductees to the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame on June 8, 2015.

Her advocacy work brought global attention to the capabilities and rights of people with disabilities, demonstrating that deaf and blind individuals could lead full, productive lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

Organized Advocacy Begins

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) was established in 1880 to preserve and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States.

Founded in response to the threat posed by the Milan Conference's oralist movement, the NAD became one of the oldest and largest organizations representing deaf people, and it continues its advocacy work to the present day.

The NAD's mission includes:

• Protecting the rights of deaf and hard of hearing Americans
• Promoting American Sign Language as a legitimate language
• Ensuring equal access to education, employment, and public services
• Fighting discrimination and promoting civil rights legislation
• Preserving Deaf culture and heritage

Throughout its history, the NAD has been instrumental in achieving landmark victories for the Deaf community, including the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and numerous other protections for deaf individuals.

Today, the NAD continues to be a powerful voice for the Deaf community, advocating at local, state, and federal levels for policies that ensure full equality and participation in all aspects of American life.

African American Deaf Education Pioneer

Dr. Andrew Jackson Foster was born in Ensley, Alabama in 1925. He lost his hearing at age 11 from spinal meningitis but didn't let this stop his educational pursuits.

Foster became the first African American to earn a bachelor's degree from Gallaudet College in 1954, breaking racial barriers in deaf education. He later earned a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University and pursued doctoral studies.

His Legacy in Africa:

Foster's greatest contribution came through his missionary work in Africa. Between 1957 and 1987, he established 31 schools for the deaf in 13 African countries, transforming deaf education across the continent. These schools provided education and opportunity to thousands of deaf African children who previously had no access to formal schooling.

Countries where Foster established schools include:

• Ghana
• Nigeria
• Togo
• Senegal
• Ivory Coast
• Burkina Faso
• And many others

Foster died in a plane crash in Rwanda in 1987 while continuing his educational mission. His legacy lives on through the thousands of students who received education at his schools and the continued operation of many of these institutions.

He was posthumously inducted into the Gallaudet University Hall of Fame and is remembered as one of the most influential figures in international deaf education.

Deaf Councilman Breaking Barriers

Kevin J. Nolan was featured in the New York Times in 1986 for his groundbreaking work as a deaf councilman navigating a hearing world. His leadership demonstrated that deaf individuals could excel in political office and advocate effectively for their communities.

Nolan's service in elected office broke down stereotypes and opened doors for future deaf politicians. He showed that with proper accommodations—such as interpreters and assistive technology—deaf individuals could participate fully in government and represent their constituents effectively.

His contributions to the Deaf community included:

• Advocating for improved accessibility in government services
• Raising awareness about the capabilities of deaf individuals in leadership roles
• Working to ensure communication access in public meetings
• Serving as a role model for young deaf people interested in public service

Nolan's work paved the way for increased representation of deaf individuals in local, state, and federal government, demonstrating that disability need not be a barrier to political participation and leadership.

NDFA's Founding Movement: The Fight for Employment Rights

On September 5 and 6, 2015, a group of Americans marched on the White House to advocate for their rights. Marginalized and generally silenced within mainstream society, members of the Deaf community stood together at the Deaf Protest in Washington, DC to make their voices heard loud and clear.

A large banner held by those at the front of the march explained to onlookers what they were witnessing: "Deaf Protest on Jobs. 75% of Deaf are not working in USA."

The Organizers:

The Deaf Protest march was organized by Michael Gallagher (founder of NDFA) and Charlton Lachase. Frustrated by his own experience trying to find a job, Lachase decided it was time to take action. Although Lachase is educated and qualified, he is deaf and has low-vision, so he says prejudiced employers would rather not hire him.

"Deaf people are discriminated against regularly," he explained. "And we just put up with it. We're not getting the services we deserve and we need to speak out."

The Issues Highlighted:

• Discrimination in hiring - qualified deaf candidates rejected solely due to their deafness
• Lack of communication access in workplaces
• Deaf people often have to bring their own interpreters to job interviews (despite ADA requiring employers to pay)
• Workplace exclusion from meetings, discussions, and advancement opportunities
• 75% unemployment rate among deaf Americans

The Turnout:

More than 1,500 people turned out for the Deaf Protest to make themselves seen and heard. Not because they expected a major victory, but because they were tired of sitting idly while their community struggles for the basic right to gainful employment.

Media Coverage:

The spirited Deaf Protest went on for two days—but where were the reporters and TV cameras? Lachase contacted several news outlets to cover the Deaf Protest, but the mainstream media decided that a civil rights rally happening right in our nation's capital was not newsworthy.

While major networks simply ignored the march, DeafNation did an incredible job documenting the Deaf Protest on social media, ensuring the voices of protesters were heard.

The Legacy:

This protest became the foundation for the National Deaf Freedom Association (NDFA), which continues to fight for employment rights, civil rights, and full equality for deaf Americans at all levels of government.

Breaking Down Barriers in Politics

In 2018, Amanda Folendorf made history as a deaf woman serving as mayor, continuing the legacy of deaf political leadership that began with pioneers like Kevin Nolan.

Her work demonstrates the ongoing fight for representation and accessibility in government at all levels. Mayor Folendorf has shown that deaf individuals can effectively lead communities and make important policy decisions.

Her Leadership Focus:

• Ensuring accessibility for all residents with disabilities
• Advocating for improved communication access in government services
• Serving as a role model for young deaf people interested in public service
• Demonstrating effective leadership while working through interpreters

Mayor Folendorf's service shows that the fight for deaf representation in government is not just historical—it's ongoing. Each deaf person who enters public service opens doors for the next generation and helps create a more inclusive democracy.

Her work continues the mission that NDFA was founded upon: ensuring that deaf individuals have full access to political participation, both as voters and as elected officials.