How the history of residential schools for the deaf begin… 

It began in Hartford, Connecticut when Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was coming home from a seminary and saw a girl that was not playing with the other kids in the yard. He asked around and found her name was Alice Cogswell and that she was deaf. He tried to communicate with her by writing “HAT” in sand and pointed to his hat. Alice’s father, Dr Mason Cogswell was thrilled that someone was able to communicate and teach her. Dr. Cogswell discussed with Gallaudet about starting a deaf school in the city, Hartford. After Gallaudet considered the offer and went to Europe to find out how to start a deaf school and learn how to teach deaf children in America. After his trip from Europe, he brought Laurent Clerc back with him. Laurent Clerc, a deaf Frenchman who taught at deaf institution in Paris. He was the first deaf teacher of the deaf children. Gallaudet and Clerc raised funds and opened Connecticut Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb now known as American School for the Deaf in Hartford (Gannon, p. xxii). By 1857, 19 schools for the deaf established in eastern part of United States plus Missouri, Iowa, Louisiana and Texas after the establishment of residential school for the deaf in Hartford, Connecticut.  

Interesting Facts:

American School for the Deaf
First permanent public school for the Deaf in this country
First school for the handicapped children in the Western hemisphere
The American Annals for the Deaf Oldest educational periodical published at ASD 1847.

 

New York School for the Deaf
2nd oldest in the country begun in almshouse
first convention of the American Instructors of the Deaf held at this school

 

Kentucky School for the Deaf
First state-supported school for the deaf
First school west of Allegheny Mountains

 

Iowa School for the Deaf
2nd state residential school west of Mississippi River

 

Texas School for the Deaf
Began in old frame house, 3 log cabins and smokehouse

 

California School for the Deaf Fremont
Original place where? In Berkeley!
Moved to Fremont in 1980

Rhode Island School for the Deaf
Governor was first to know a deaf girl – his daughter – became deaf from scarlet fever and established deaf school for her

 

Governor Baxter School for the Deaf
“The Easternmost School for the Deaf”
Only school located on island

Marie H Katzenbach School for the Deaf
Was called “New Jersey School for the Deaf” renamed in 1965 in honor of Mrs. Katzenbach.
She served on State Board of Education for 43 years, during 18 of which she was president of the Board

 

Utah School for the Deaf
School was established 12 years before Utah become a state

 

North Dakota School for the Deaf
The Act divided the Dakota Territory into two states, North and South.
Since southern part of territory which became South Dakota and already had a school.
North Dakota to start new one

 

Hawaii School for the Deaf
Short distance from Diamond Head – extinct volcano that is recognized around the world as the landmark of Honolulu.

 

Central Institute for the Deaf
One of the leading pure oral schools in the country.

 

California School for the Deaf, Riverside
Rapid growth in population right after WWII
State School could not meet the needs of ALL deaf children of the state so established one in southern part of California

 

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