Deaf people have a very rich cultural history. Through out the years, Deaf people have been journeyed from being silenced to overcoming oppression. Read these blogs while you are completing your lessons to better understand Deaf history and perspective.
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
A brief history of the world’s oldest deaf school in Paris, France, otherwise known as Institute National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris. Today, on July 29th, we commemorate the anniversary of the Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris (National Institute for Deaf Children of Paris), a government-recognized and funded. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) serves as a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including members of the Deaf community. Enacted in 1990, this comprehensive legislation ensures equal access and opportunities across multiple aspects of daily life. Key Protections for Deaf Individuals Employment (Title. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / June 1st, 2025 
Helen Keller left a lasting impact on DeafBlind history. Born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Helen Keller’s life story is a story of the strong-willed human spirit. Despite being blind and deaf in the 1880s, she defied all odds and emerged as an influential figure in the fields. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / March 31st, 2025 
Before the 20th century, technology to help Deaf people was very rare. Often, they were very expensive or unavailable. Most of the time, Deaf people didn’t know about their existence. They often missed out on information around them, so they had to find ways to overcome obstacles to live their. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / March 31st, 2025 
A village sign language once widely used on Martha’s Vineyard island from the early 1800s until 1952, Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language (MVSL) was utilized by both Deaf and hearing community members, so Deafness was not a barrier to public engagement.. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / March 7th, 2025 
Dia dhuit, lovely people! (translated: Hello or literally, God to you in Gaelic) Come in and sit down to have cuppa and biscuits with me! Lemme regale you with stories about the Deaf people’s language, history and culture. The History of Irish Sign Language According to Wikipedia, the origins of. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / February 27th, 2025 
Gallaudet University, founded in 1864, was the world’s first higher education institution designed specifically to serve deaf and hard of hearing students. . . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / February 27th, 2025 
Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell was a teacher at a deaf school in Boston? He was fluent in American Sign Language. His philosophy for the Deaf was advocating oralism. Bell took part in many historic events that nearly caused American Sign Language (ASL) to become extinct. Edward Miner. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / February 27th, 2025 
36 years ago, the ‘Deaf President Now’ movement ignited a revolution. What began as a fight for the first Deaf president at Gallaudet University blossomed into an international conversation about representation. Deaf President Now paved the way for future generations to embrace their Deafness with pride. Even decades later, the. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / January 31st, 2025 
Andrew Foster was a remarkable pioneer, who overcame both racial discrimination and societal limitations of deafness to become one of the most influential educators in African history. Born in 1925 in Ensley, Alabama, Foster lost his hearing at age 11 due to spinal meningitis. Despite facing the harsh realities of. . . + Read More
