Lou Fant

by Brenda Dawe, NAD IV interpreter and ASL instructor, Kirtland CC
(Roscommon, MI)

Lou Fant, CODA, is my favorite historical figure. Unlike Stokoe, he could sign, had a Deaf heart and spent his life making services for the Deaf include interpreters. He was instrumental in establishing the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID) and wrote, SILVER THREADS about the initial meeting at a NAD Convention, taught ASL (wrote THE PHRASE BOOK), brought attention to signing to mainstream television with popular prime time shows like "Little House on the Prairie", "Highway to Heaven", and in the series "OFF HAND" by being the interpreter and voice for Deaf host, Steve Baldwin.

Lou was the inspiration behind my becoming an interpreter with a heart and concern for the Deaf. He was also my role model for always striving for self improvement and sharing knowledge with those Deaf who are not disabled but are handicapped by not having equal access to information.