Through Deaf Eyes - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Major funding by:
  • National Endowment for the Humanities
  • Annenberg Foundation
  • National Endowment for the Arts
  • Corporation for Public Broadcasting
  • Viewers' contributions

Deaf Perspective

• Common misconceptions about deaf people include:
  • All deaf people use sign language.
  • Sign language is universal.
  • Deaf people live in a silent world.
  • Having a deaf child is a tragedy.
  • All deaf people want to be cured.
• Deaf people focus on what they can do rather than what they can't.

Personal Stories and Experiences

• Deaf individuals often grow up in families with hearing parents or siblings.
• Personal anecdotes highlight the learning of deaf identity and culture.

History of Deaf Education

• Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet founded the first permanent school for deaf children in America in 1817.
• French sign language was introduced by Laurent Clerc.
• American Sign Language (ASL) was developed, combining French sign language with existing regional signs.

The Oral Method Controversy

• Alexander Graham Bell advocated for the oral method, emphasizing speech and lip-reading over sign language.
  • Believed sign language kept deaf people in lower classes.
  • Advocated against the use of sign language.
• The oral method was endorsed at the International Conference of Educators in Milan, Italy, in 1880.

Deaf Culture and Community

• Deaf individuals created their own communities, clubs, and cultural practices.
• Deaf schools were essential in fostering a sense of community and shared identity.
• Deaf culture includes unique traditions such as name signs.

Technological and Social Changes

• 1964: Robert White Brecht developed the first deaf telephone (TTY).
• Advances in technology have greatly aided deaf communication, such as closed captioning and video phones.

ASL and Linguistic Recognition

• William Stokoe's research in the 1950s and 60s led to the recognition of ASL as a complete language.
• Stokoe's dictionary of ASL helped validate the language structurally and grammatically.

Civil Rights and Advocacy

• 1988: Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University led to the appointment of the first deaf president.
• The movement was a significant civil rights action that helped pave the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Modern Deaf Experience

• Cochlear implants present both opportunities and challenges.
  • They are a technological option, but some in the deaf community view them as controversial.
• Deaf education varies between mainstream integration and specialized schools for the deaf.

Conclusion

• Deaf culture is rich and diverse, with a strong sense of community.
• Despite advancements, there are ongoing challenges and debates about education and technology.
• Knowledge and understanding of deaf culture are crucial for wider societal integration and empathy.

Additional Aspects

• Deaf sports teams and theatrical performances have historically been important cultural institutions.
• The role of storytelling and film in deaf culture is significant, showcasing the artistic capabilities of sign language.