History of Deaf Education

Ancient Greeks Deny Deaf Education

384 BCE

The philosopher Aristotle claims that, “Deaf people cannot be educated [since] without hearing, people cannot learn.”

Deaf Education Develops

Mar 15, 1620

Geronimo Cardano, an Italian physician was the first scholar to figure out that learning doesn't require your hearing. In 1620, Juan Pablo Bonet, an early advocate of sign language, writes a book of manual alphabetic signs for the deaf.

Deaf Education Develops

Mar 15, 1760

By 1760, French Sign Language is developed by French priest, Charles Michel De L'Epee. He establishes the first school for the deaf in France. During this time period, Samuel Heinicke, a German educator, teaches pupils speech by having them feel his throat while he speaks; his techniques are called "the German Method."

The German Method

Apr 10, 1760

German educator, Samuel Heinicke, taught his pupils speech by having them feel his throat while he speaks. His techniques are called, "the German Method."

American School for the Deaf

Apr 15, 1817

The American School for the Deaf is the oldest permanent school for the deaf in the U.S. It was founded in 1817 in Hartford, Connecticut by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, Dr. Mason Cogswell and Laurent Clerc. After this, The NY Institution for the instruction of the Deaf and Dumb is founded and in 1820 the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is founded.

Gallaudet University

Apr 8, 1864

Originally named, Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf, Gallaudet University was founded. It was the first advanced school for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The Rise of Oralism

Mar 15, 1867

Oralism→ A practice of prohibiting Deaf individuals from communicating via sign Language. The Clarke School for the Deaf (Northampton, Massachusetts), an oralist school was established in 1867.

The Milan Congress

Sep 11, 1880

Convened in Milan, Italy from September 6-11, 1880.
Banned Sign Language in education.
Recognized Oralism as the only way to educate Deaf individuals.

Fight to Preserve American Sign Language

Mar 15, 1890

Residential Schools for the Deaf played an enormous role in preserving American Sign Language and Deaf culture. After obtaining an education, many Deaf individuals entered the workforce and refused to submit to the practice of oralism. A popular job for Deaf men at the dusk of the industrial revolution was as a printer.

Deaf Education Law

Mar 15, 1931

A law was established to have special education classes for atypical children.

World War II

Nov 9, 1940

During World War II employers such as factories hired deaf people. Rubber factories such as the one in Akron, Ohio hired a large number of deaf workers.

Captioned Films

Sep 2, 1958

President Dwight Eisenhower signs PL 85-905 establishing Captioned films for the Deaf.

Cochlear Implants

Oct 18, 1985

Cochlear implants are approved for clinical trials.

Gallaudet University

Oct 15, 1986

Gallaudet becomes a university.

King Jordan- First Deaf President

Mar 13, 1988

Students at Gallaudet protest the selection of another hearing president. King Jordan becomes the first deaf president.

Deaf Schools

Mar 15, 1990

Deaf schools are labeled the “most restrictive” schools and enrollment plunges.

Disabilities Act

Jul 26, 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act is passed.

Established as Real Language

Mar 18, 2003

British government recognizes sign language as a “real” language.