Deaf history

This article explains important people in deaf history. These individuals created new ways to teach deaf people, fought for their rights, and helped shape sign languages. Their work laid the foundation for modern Deaf education and community pride. Charles-Michel de L’Épée (1712–1789) Charles-Michel de L’Épée, often called the “Father of the Deaf,” started the first […]

World War II (1939–1945) was a very difficult time for deaf people in Europe. Many faced unfair treatment, dangerous situations, and big changes to their everyday lives. Here is what happened in different European countries. Germany and Nazi-Occupied Europe The Nazi government believed deafness was a “hereditary defect,” something wrong in families that could not

In September 1880, 164 educators from Europe and North America met in Milan, Italy, for the Second International Congress on Education of the Deaf. They voted to choose oralism as the best way to teach deaf children, instead  sign language[1]. Decisions of the Conference The conference passed eight resolutions favoring oralism over sign language. The

Emancipation means gaining freedom and equal rights after unfair treatment. For deaf people, emancipation encompasses equal education, fair work opportunities, and recognition of sign languages and Deaf culture. Early Challenges In the 19th century, deaf people faced severe barriers. Many schools banned sign language and enforced oralism—teaching lip-reading and speech only. At the Second International