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People use the term "Deaf-Mute"
This term was commonly used to describe people who were Deaf/deaf and hard of hearing.
(https://www.nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/community-and-culture-frequently-asked-questions/) -
Gallaudet starts first public school for the deaf
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet founded the American School for the Deaf giving deaf/Deaf children in America the opportunity to received specialized public education for the first time. (https://www.deafwebsites.com/people/deaf-history.html) -
Nebraska Association for the Deaf established
The NE Association for the Deaf was established in 1902. Today they continue to offer support, resources, and advocacy for individuals who are deaf/Deaf as well as families and professionals who work with this population.
(http://www.nead1902.com/) -
William Stokoe and ASL
Stokoe studied ASL and determined its patterns, structures, and rules make it a unique language (Spencer, 2016). -
First Cochlear Implant
According to the ASHA website, "the first single channel cochlear implant was introduced in 1972."
(https://www.asha.org/policy/tr2004-00041/) Image: NY Times "Dr. William F. House in 1981 with Tracy Husted, the first pre-school-age child to get a cochlear implant." -
Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This law was passed to make sure individuals with disabilities (i.e., deaf and HOH) will not be turned away from government-funded public services and activities.
(https://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/national-resources/info/info-to-go/legislation-and-policies/laws-impacting-students.html) -
IDEA Act passed
The IDEA act ensured that all children with different abilities (i.e., deaf and hard of hearing) are given the right to an individualized education plan to serve their needs in public schools. (https://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/national-resources/info/info-to-go/legislation-and-policies/laws-impacting-students.html) -
Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing founded
This government organization provides services and advocacy for individuals who are deaf/Deaf and HOH. (https://ncdhh.nebraska.gov/meet-the-team#:~:text=The%20Nebraska%20Commission%20for%20the,to%20approval%20by%20the%20Legislature) -
Nebraska School for the Deaf closes
Nebraska School for the Deaf in North Omaha was open from 1869 to 1988. Its history is full of lots of ups and downs. Several organizations tried to shut it down over the years. It eventually closed in the 1980's due to lack of funding.
(https://northomahahistory.com/2015/11/23/a-short-history-of-north-omahas-nebraska-school-for-the-deaf/) -
American with Disabilities Act passed
This act ensures that people who are Deaf/deaf and HOH have the right to public accommodations (i.e., interpreters) and services. It also says that these individuals should not be discriminated against in any setting. -
South Dakota enacts a "Deaf Child's Bill of Rights"
In 1993, South Dakota became the first state to have a bill of rights for children who are Deaf/deaf and HOH. Many other states soon followed.
(https://www.handsandvoices.org/comcon/articles/dcbr.htm); (https://hearingreview.com/inside-hearing/legislation/lead-k) -
Early screening recommendations
By the mid-90's, both the CDC and the Joint Commission on Infant Hearing agreed that all babies in the U.S. should have their hearing screened by 3 months. They also recommended that babies who are deaf and hard of hearing should start intervention by 6 mo. (Spencer, 2016). -
Deaf History Month
A local Deaf awareness series in 1996 at a Washington, D.C. library inspired the beginning of the nationally recognized Deaf History Month in 1997. Deaf History Month is observed from March 13 to April 15. It is a time to build awareness of the events that have impacted the Deaf community. It is also a time to look toward the future with advocacy and celebration of achievements.
(https://diversity.fsu.edu/article/deaf-history-month) -
NAD sues White House
The National Association of the Deaf sued the White House for not providing ASL interpreters during televised COVID-19 briefings
(Baumann & Sorkin, 2020). -
NAD releases statement amidst pandemic
The NAD released an official statement to help raise awareness on how best to communicate with people who are Deaf/deaf and HOH while wearing masks. They recommended the use of clear masks and face shields if possible.
(https://www.nad.org/position-statement-on-communicating-with-dhh-while-wearing-masks/)