Famous Deaf People Ms. Cheese’s ASL 3 Class

Thomas Gallaudet 1781-1851 Hearing Traveled from America to England in search of learning how to educate Deaf children. In England he only found Oral schools, but met Laurent Clerc and Jean Massieu who took him back to France to see their Deaf schools. Clerc taught Gallaudet sign language and Gallaudet taught Clerc English. Gallaudet brought Clerc with him to America and together the established the American School for the Deaf in 1817. Gallaudet University is named after him.

Laurent Clerc 1785-1869 Became Deaf at 1 year old. Sign Name First Deaf teacher at the American School for the Deaf

Andrew Foster 1925-1987 Became Deaf at age 11 due to Spinal Meningitis. Did not get accepted into Gallaudet until 1951 (because he was African American), but received a full scholarship. First Deaf African-American to graduate from Gallaudet He was a missionary who toured North America, western Europe, and Africa. He helped develop a total of 32 deaf schools in 13 different African nations.

Marlee Matlin Born in 1965 Became Deaf at 18 months due to illness. American actress. Break out role in “Children of a Lesser God” and won Best Actress in 1987. Since has appeared on many TV shows and movies like “Switched at Birth” and “Dancing with the Stars”.

I. King Jordan Born in 1943. Became deaf at 21 after a car accident. In 1988, he became the first Deaf President of Gallaudet University. The reason for the DPN Movement. Continued to be the President of Gallaudet until he stepped down in 2006.

Helen Keller 1880-1968 Became deaf and blind at age 2 from “brain fever” First deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor’s degree Author and activist.

William “Dummy” Hoy 1862-1961 Became deaf after getting meningitis. Famous Deaf baseball player.

Glenn B. Anderson Born in 1945 Became deaf at age 7due to pneumonia. First Deaf African-American Gallaudet alumnus to earn a doctoral degree.

Chuck Baird 1947-2012 Born Deaf Famous Deaf artist Notable founder of the De’VIA art movement.

Matt Hamill Born 1976 Born Deaf Famous UFC fighter

Michelle Banks Born 1968 Became Deaf at age 1 due to spinal meningitis. Famous Deaf actress. “Girlfriend’s” and “Soul Food” Started the Onyx Theatre Company which is the first Deaf theatre in the U.S. oriented towards people of color.

C.J. Jones Became Deaf at age 7 due to spinal meningitis. Famous Deaf comedian. Been in many movies and TV shows. “See What I’m Saying” “Sesame Street” “Lincoln Heights” I met him once 