My Favorite Person from Deaf History

by Karen V
(Virginia)

This is a tough one, as so many people were champions of the deaf community. I think I'll have to go with two figures, though, as my favorites. First, in past history, Abbe de L'Epee. L'Epee's devotion opened the doors for the deaf to be accepted as intelligent, teachable members of society. L'Epee's devotion to learning a variety of sign from many students created a network of educational institutions throughout Europe.

I suppose my most current favorite would be William Stokoe. Stokoe's work made ASL an accepted language nationally.