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1000 BCE
Hebrew Law
The Hebrew Law denies rights to those that are deaf and mute. People that were deaf could not take part in rituals, own property, or even be witnesses in court. During this time, special laws were also put in place that involved marriage. -
355 BCE
Ancient Greece
People thought during this time that without hearing, people could not learn. Not only that, but they are senseless and are unable to reason. Deaf people were also thought of as barbarians, not greeks. -
476
Deaf = Sin
During this period, deaf people could not have faith. Since they could not hear, churches said they cannot be saved. It was believed that since they could not hear, they were unable to hear God's word. Their deafness was looked at as a punishment sent from God. -
1500
First Attempt to Educate
A man named Geronimo Cardano was the first physician to see deaf people could reason. He believed that those who are deaf could learn using written language. So he then teaches his deaf son a special code to communicate using symbols. -
Juan Pablo Bonet
Juan Pablo Bonet was a supporter of deaf people getting an education. So he wrote the first book of the alphabet signs for the deaf. -
"The Weald"
During this period, deaf people started attaining more rights. Specifically in Kent County, England. Here most of the town's population were deaf. People communicated at town meetings and throughout the town using sign language. -
First Deaf School
By this point in time, ASL started to be developed. So, a man named Thomas Gallaudet established the first American deaf school in Hartford, Connecticut. Soon after, deaf schools began to spread in New York, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. -
"The Golden Age of Deaf Education"
During this time period, American Sign Language (ASL) flourishes. This is because about forty percent of the teachers that taught at deaf schools, were deaf.
Then in the 1850's, the deaf were able to control their schools and establish their own government. So, in 1864, a college was built for the deaf. The college was called Gallaudet. -
Total Communication
Two forms of education the deaf were happening at the same time. Some educators taught deaf students oral education, whereas others used ASL. To prevent clashes between the two forms of teaching, Total Communication was created. This is a form of teaching using both oral education and ASL together. -
Public Law 94-142
A law was passed saying that it is required for handicapped kids in the U.S. be provided with free and appropriate education. While in school, they will receive special instruction as well as the ability to interact with the general school population.
This is also where the percentage of deaf teachers in the U.S. drops to the lowest in history. It drops to only 11%.
