The deaf children in France

by Nancy Reynolds
(Denton, Md, USA)

It may seem strange but these were the children that inspired others to realize how creative and intelligent the deaf really are. They not only devised the signs they could use to communicate but taught others to understand. In reading through deaf history I was amazed at how this influence spread down through every person captivated by the desire to communicate with this remarkable community of people.

From the very beginning until now when total communication is used there is this one overwhelming realization that the deaf are truly wonderful human beings that just need to be given a chance to be in the mainstream of American life-with equal opportunities and rights. Everyone for so long focused on the African-American fight for rights but looking at history the deaf have had the same struggles and their achievement is no less worthy of note.

I am also amazed at the people in history that were deaf that made their mark and no one remembers them as deaf but only their great contributions--Tom Edison, Juliet Lowe and then the contribution that Abraham Lincoln made to the advancement of deaf education. We have a Black History Month, President's Day--why not Deaf History Month or Day. Seems appropriate, in seeing the great achievements of the Deaf Community.

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The deaf children in France

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Mar 17, 2010
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Deaf Awareness Week : Last week of Sept.
by: Brenda Dawe

There is an annual deaf week observance (since the World Federation of the Deaf established it in 1951) It is the 4th week of Sept. and in many states is celebrated with much fanfare.

I was at one such gala event in Detroit a few years ago where the venders stretched the full length of the mall. I even had the good fortune of Philis Freelich and taking a picture with her...we actually look like sisters! smile

I hold an annual "Deaf awareness week" workshop for the deaf and interpreters (along with students) at my college... so some of us (many of us) do celebrate Deaf culture on a regular basis.

hugs, Brenda Dawe

Mar 15, 2010
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by: Michelle Jay - Webmaster

I completely agree. I was disappointed that the first and only time I learned about Deaf culture and Deaf history was when taking an ASL class. There is a lot of emphasis put on the oppression of other cultures in American history, yet Deaf people aren't taught as one of them. People come in contact with deaf people all the time--it's not like the information wouldn't be helpful to know. I think a lot more hearing people would be more aware and less oppressive these days (yes, they still are) if Deaf culture and history (even just a little bit) was taught in school. Great post :) Thank you for sharing :)

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The deaf children in France

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