The Deaf: Their Position in Society and the Provision for Their Education in the United States

Deaf people have a long and complex history in the United States. They have faced many challenges and barriers, but they have also made significant progress in terms of their inclusion and rights. This article will explore the historical and current position of deaf people in society, as well as the provision for their education.

The first deaf school in the United States was founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. Gallaudet was a minister who became interested in the education of deaf people after meeting a young deaf woman named Alice Cogswell. Clerc was a deaf teacher from France who came to the United States to help Gallaudet establish the school.

The school, which was originally called the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, was a residential school. This meant that students lived at the school for the entire school year. The school used sign language as the primary mode of instruction.

The Deaf Their Position in Society and the Provision for Their Education in the United States

by Lisa Dodson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2287 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In the early 20th century, there was a movement towards oralism in the education of deaf people. Oralism is a method of teaching deaf people to speak and lip-read. This movement was based on the belief that deaf people should be able to communicate in the same way as hearing people.

Oralism became the dominant method of instruction in deaf schools in the United States. However, sign language continued to be used in some schools and by some deaf people.

In the 1970s, there was a resurgence of interest in sign language. This was due in part to the work of deaf activists such as Harlan Lane and Bernard Bragg. Lane and Bragg argued that sign language is a legitimate language and that deaf people should be able to use it in all aspects of their lives.

Today, there are a variety of educational options available to deaf students. These options include residential schools, day schools, and mainstream schools. There are also a number of colleges and universities that offer programs for deaf students.

Deaf people have faced many challenges and barriers throughout history. These challenges and barriers have included:

• Communication barriers: Deaf people have difficulty communicating with hearing people. This can make it difficult for them to access education, employment, and other services.
• Educational barriers: Deaf students have often been denied access to quality education. This is due to a lack of qualified teachers, appropriate materials, and accessible classrooms.
• Employment barriers: Deaf people have difficulty finding employment. This is due to discrimination, lack of accommodations, and communication barriers.
• Social barriers: Deaf people are often excluded from social activities. This is due to communication barriers and social stigma.

Deaf people have made significant progress in terms of their inclusion and rights. This progress has been due in part to the work of deaf activists and organizations.

Some of the progress that has been made includes:

• The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA has made it easier for deaf people to access education, employment, and other services.
• The development of sign language interpreters: Sign language interpreters are trained professionals who can interpret spoken language into sign language and vice versa. This has made it easier for deaf people to communicate with hearing people.
• The establishment of deaf culture: Deaf culture is a unique culture that is shared by deaf people. This culture includes its own language, values, and traditions.

Deaf people have a long and complex history in the United States. They have faced many challenges and barriers, but they have also made significant progress in terms of their inclusion and rights. Today, deaf people are able to live full and productive lives. They are able to access education, employment, and other services. They are also able to participate in social activities and make valuable contributions to society.

The Deaf Their Position in Society and the Provision for Their Education in the United States

by Lisa Dodson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2287 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE