Important Figures in Deaf History and Culture

Just because someone is deaf doesnt mean they will not live promising lives. This wasnt always true like it is today though. As more people started to take interest in the deaf community and realize that these people can do just as well in many things as a fully capable human all that was needed was some help. Though the ages people started learning Sign Language which enabled quick communication to and from a deaf person. With these advances in communication came to ability to learn just as much as anyone else to be successful. Not only was sign language developed, but ways for the deaf to live alone and go though a whole day safely was also coming true by incorporating the use of a full trained Hearing Dog for the Deaf. These pooches alert deaf people to noises like alarms and cars, keeping the master safe. There are more and more deaf people breaking out into the world on a large scale of success.

In the late 18th century Abbé Charles-Michel de l'Épée founded the world's first public school for deaf students in Paris. This breakthrough was a great step in history for the deaf. Using sign language to educate and enhance knowledge was the key to this school. Before this school opened only the rich child could get any kind of help at all. This was the breaking point to start the whole history of deaf education.

• Ferdinand Berthier, French intellectual, published several articles, first deaf person to receive the French Legion of Honor, founder of world's first deaf organization
• Julia Brace (1807-1884), early American deaf-blind student at the Hartford School for the Deaf
• John Brewster Jr. (1766-1854), American, itinerant artist of the Federalist Period in America
• Laura Bridgman, (1829-1889), American, first deaf-blind student of Dr. Samuel Howe at the Perkins School for the Blind
• Laurent Clerc (1785-1869), French-American, co-founder of first school for the deaf in America, first deaf teacher of the deaf in America
• Pierre Desloges (1742-??), French deaf writer and bookbinder, first known deaf person to publish a book
• William Elsworth "Dummy" Hoy (1862-1961), American baseball player
• Helen Keller, American deaf-blind writer, lecturer, and actor
• Granville Redmond, American painter
• Douglas Tilden, American sculptor

Dummy Hoy came and showed that even deaf people could have a career doing what they love. Major league baseball is a major step for anyone, and even without being able to hear he had a successful career as a baseball player. His story is a touching one that helps drive deaf people forward in there effort and education showing that they too can make it big.

• Linda Bove, actress
• Deanne Bray, actress who played the lead role on Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye
• Oreste Carpi, Italian painter (1921-2008)
• Robert R. Davila, ninth president of Gallaudet University
• Ashley Fiolek, FWA Motocross Champion
• Phyllis Frelich, Tony Award winner for her role in the stage production of Children of a Lesser God
• Matt Hamill, MMA fighter
• Marlee Matlin, first deaf woman to win an Academy Award (Best Actress) for her role in Children of a Lesser God
• Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw, (b. 1912) British mathematician and politician
• Shoshannah Stern, actress in Jericho and Weeds
• Heather Whitestone, first Deaf woman to win the title of Miss America

Just like always everyday new Deaf people are out in the world making it big. Everything from actors to models and even major league teams. Deaf people never need to give up anymore, can work normal jobs and live normal lives - even with spouses and children because of all the newer innovations in how people communicate with objects, other people, and animals.