For as long as humans have inhabited the earth, Deaf people have existed. They have faced and overcome many barriers, but history should be closely observed in order to not make the same mistakes again.
A brief timeline of events
some of these events may be explained here:
|
384-322 B.C.
The famous philosopher Aristotle states, "Deaf people could not be educated [since] without hearing, people could not learn." (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
The famous philosopher Aristotle states, "Deaf people could not be educated [since] without hearing, people could not learn." (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
A.D. 345-550
St. Augustine teaches Christians that deaf children are punishment for their parent's sins. Ironically, Benedictine monks made vows of silence to God, only to create their own form of sign language in order to communicate. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
St. Augustine teaches Christians that deaf children are punishment for their parent's sins. Ironically, Benedictine monks made vows of silence to God, only to create their own form of sign language in order to communicate. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
1755
The first free school of the deaf is established in Paris, France, by Charles Michel Abbe de l'Epée. (Blanchard, 2015)
The first free school of the deaf is established in Paris, France, by Charles Michel Abbe de l'Epée. (Blanchard, 2015)
1760
Concurrently, educators using the oral methods are expanding in Spain, France, Germany, Holland and England. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
Concurrently, educators using the oral methods are expanding in Spain, France, Germany, Holland and England. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
1776
Charles Michel Abbe de l'Epée publishes a French Sign Language dictionary titled "Instructions of Deaf and Dumb by Means of Methodical Signs". (Blanchard, 2015)
Charles Michel Abbe de l'Epée publishes a French Sign Language dictionary titled "Instructions of Deaf and Dumb by Means of Methodical Signs". (Blanchard, 2015)
1815
Thomas H. Gallaudet travels to Europe to search for ways to teach the deaf. (Blanchard, 2015)
Thomas H. Gallaudet travels to Europe to search for ways to teach the deaf. (Blanchard, 2015)
1817
The first permanent school for the deaf opens in Hartford, Connecticut, called the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons. (Blanchard, 2015)
The first permanent school for the deaf opens in Hartford, Connecticut, called the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons. (Blanchard, 2015)
Fig. 2
1847
Higher education of the Deaf is proposed by the American Annals of the Deaf. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
1864
President Abraham Lincoln signs the charter and the college opens. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
President Abraham Lincoln signs the charter and the college opens. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
1872
In Boston, Alexander Graham Bell establishes a speech school for teachers of the deaf. (Blanchard, 2015)
In Boston, Alexander Graham Bell establishes a speech school for teachers of the deaf. (Blanchard, 2015)
1880
International Congress on Education of the Deaf holds a conference in Milan, Italy and decides to ban the use of sign language in the teaching of deaf children. (Blanchard, 2015)
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is founded. (NAD, n.d.)
International Congress on Education of the Deaf holds a conference in Milan, Italy and decides to ban the use of sign language in the teaching of deaf children. (Blanchard, 2015)
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is founded. (NAD, n.d.)
1894
In memory of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, the National Deaf Mute College is renamed as Gallaudet College. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
Fig. 3
In memory of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, the National Deaf Mute College is renamed as Gallaudet College. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
Fig. 3
1964
Congress concludes that oral education of the deaf is a failure. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
Congress concludes that oral education of the deaf is a failure. (Deaf Jam, n.d.)
This timeline briefly touches on important events of Deaf history. To learn more, visit: http://www.deafjam.org/timeline.html for a more in-depth history.