Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Ludwig van Beethoven, Thomas Edison and Helen Keller are names synonymous with history, but they also share a unique bond. They were trendsetters who also experienced hearing loss, rendering them wholly or partially deaf. Beethoven’s hearing loss came gradually, beginning in his 20s. However, by the time he wrote his ninth symphony, he had been nearly deaf.
While he was not completely deaf, Edison experienced partial hearing loss during childhood. While the exact cause for his hearing loss was never determined, it had been suspected that it had been due to a previous bout with Scarlet Fever. According to Edison, his hearing loss influenced his behavior and drive to excel in his career and inventions.
Keller, on the other hand, experienced a more difficult challenge. Her hearing loss was the result of an unknown illness, which also resulted in the loss of her eyesight at 19 months old. Her ability to press on and overcome the obstacles she experienced, with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, resulted in her becoming an advocate for those with hearing and vision loss.
Advocates with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) recognize the month of April as Deaf History Month to honor those who have excelled in their roles, not letting their disability get in the way of succeeding. April is recognized because it was the same month that the first school for deaf students opened in the United States. The American School for the Deaf opened in Hartford, Conn., on April 15, 1817. It is also considered the oldest school for deaf students in the United States and the Western Hemisphere.
Deaf History Month also honors the recognition of Irving King Jordan becoming president of Gallaudet University, a school for deaf students in Washington, D.C. It was the result of a significant protest coined “Deaf President Now” when the college hired Elisabeth Zinser, who was hired over two deaf candidates, which included Jordan. Zinser resigned from the role on March 10, less than a week after taking office, due to the intense pressure of the protest. Jordan would serve as the President of Gallaudet University until 2006. Since his tenure, all presidents of the university have been deaf.
The NAD, founded in 1980, has continued to promote April as Deaf History Month to honor those who blazed trails, not allowing hearing loss to define them or the impact they have made on society. The organization has also advocated for companies to incorporate sign language into everyday business and to educate those who can hear the importance of learning the language. Like braille for those with loss of sight, sign language has played a pivotal role in the deaf community.
During April, take time to celebrate the resilience, achievements and contributions of the deaf community. By recognizing the trailblazers who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations, we not only honor their legacy but also inspire a more inclusive and accessible world for all.