History of Deaf Education

The history of deaf education is much more complex and interesting than you might imagine. Thanks to their history, deaf people are committed to preserving their culture for centuries to come.

The history of deaf education teaches us a great deal about the character and strength of hearing-impaired people. By learning about this history, we can gain new insight into the best methods to use to teach deaf children what they need to know in order to thrive in today's society.

It All Begins at Home

It should be pointed out that deaf education really begins in the home. Parents are their children's first teachers, and they can instruct them well in the art of communication. Siblings also provide a great deal of educational support. In fact, it might be said that deaf children might ultimately learn more in their own family environments than in a classroom.

Lessons from the School House

Still, the history of deaf education in schools is rich indeed. Certain schools became a model for teaching deaf children, offering a system of education that quickly led to the development of schools for the deaf across the nation. These schools offered not only lessons in sign language, but also job training, and even religious principles. A number of children have received a broad-based education by attending schools specifically geared toward the deaf and hard of hearing.

Professional Training

Schools for the deaf have frequently served as a training ground for teachers. In fact, a number of deaf school alumni have pursued careers as educators and as school principals. The schools have also aided the development of deaf culture, which has blossomed into the founding of a number of organizations, publications, and works of art.

Crowning Glory

Perhaps the crowning glory of the deaf education movement was the founding of the Columbia Institute for the Deaf in Washington, D.C. in 1864. This institution ultimately became Gallaudet University, the only liberal arts college for deaf students in the world.

The history of deaf education actually spans a number of centuries. It was encouraged not only by deaf people, but also by hearing people who felt a tremendous kinship with the deaf, often because of family ties. All indications are that deaf education will continue to help deaf culture flourish in the decades ahead.