Today, we honor the birthday of Abbé Charles-Michel de l’Épée, born on November 25, 1712. A visionary educator and advocate, de l’Épée made groundbreaking contributions to the world of Deaf education. In 1760, he founded the first free public school for the Deaf in Paris, Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris, paving the way for inclusive education.
De l’Épée was driven by the belief that Deaf individuals could be educated through sign language, an innovative idea at the time. He developed a system of instruction using “methodical signs,” which blended natural gestures with grammatical rules to create a comprehensive means of communication. This approach laid the groundwork for modern sign languages and emphasized the importance of visual learning for the Deaf.
Who was Abbé Charles-Michel de l’Épée?
Charles-Michel de l’Épée was an educator in 18th-century France that later became known as the “Father of the Deaf”. He was born to a wealthy family and later in life studied to become a Catholic priest. He spent most of his time and attention on charitable services for the poor in the slums of Paris.
On one of his trips to the slums, he came across two Deaf sisters who communicated using sign language. After that experience, he decided to educate himself on the salvation of Deaf people. He believed that since Deaf people were capable of language, they needed to receive sacraments to avoid going to hell.
Why did Abbé Charles-Michel de l’Épée start Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris?
The school’s start came from Abbé de l’Épée’s interest in educating Deaf people on religion. It was in 1760 that the school officially began its journey and soon opened its doors to the public, making it the world’s first free public school for the deaf. Initially, Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris found its home at 14 rue des Moulins, butte Saint-Roch, near the Louvre in Paris.
Abbé Charles-Michel de l’Épée’s Influence on American Sign Language
Laurent Clerc, one of the most prominent figures in Deaf education, was deeply influenced by de l’Épée’s work. Clerc, a Deaf educator from France, later became instrumental in spreading these educational philosophies to the United States. Alongside Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, he co-founded the first permanent school for the Deaf in America, the American School for the Deaf, in 1817.
As we commemorate de l’Épée’s birth, let us reflect on the impact of his work and continue to support efforts toward equal educational opportunities for all. His efforts not only transformed the lives of countless Deaf individuals but also challenged societal perceptions, advocating for the rights and capabilities of the Deaf. Today, de l’Épée is celebrated as the “Father of the Deaf,” a testament to his enduring legacy in the field of education.
Happy 312th Birthday, Abbé Charles-Michel de l’Epée!
Until next time, ta ta! 😄🤟🏻
