Celebrating Ohio School for the Deaf: A Pillar of Education and Support for Our Community
Source: ohiomemory.ohiohistory.org
Ohio Deaf History Month, spanning from March 13 to April 15, is a time to reflect on the rich history and contributions of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Ohio. The origins of deaf education in the United States trace back to Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817, when Thomas Gallaudet opened the first school for the deaf. However, it wasn’t until several years later that Ohio took significant steps towards providing education for the deaf.
Key Highlights:
- Establishment of Ohio Deaf Education: Early efforts to provide education for the deaf in Ohio, starting with a parent’s application for state aid to send their child to a school for the deaf, as there were no such facilities in the state at that time.
- Legislative Action: In 1827, the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation establishing the State Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, which later became the Ohio School for the Deaf. This marked a significant milestone in deaf education in Ohio and positioned the state as a leader in providing educational opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing.
- Historical Significance: Ohio’s school for the Deaf, founded in 1829, became the fifth residential school for deaf students in the United States. This historical context underscores Ohio’s long-standing commitment to deaf education, making it one of the nation’s oldest and longest-running educational centers for the deaf and hard of hearing.
- Comprehensive Education: The Ohio School for the Deaf, located at 500 Morse Road, offers a comprehensive education from kindergarten through 12th grade, with preschool programs available for infants as young as six weeks old. The curriculum is designed to empower students to navigate the world and become contributing members of their communities, utilizing both spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL) to promote bilingualism.
- Unique Elder Care Facility: Notably, the Ohio School for the Deaf also serves as the only elderly care facility in the nation specifically designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, reflecting its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its community members across different stages of life.
Overall, the designation of Ohio Deaf History Month and the historical background of the Ohio School for the Deaf underscore the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Ohio.
Read more about this story here: https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/celebrating-ohio-school-for-the-deaf-a-pillar-of-education-and-support-for-our-community/
Image Source: ohiomemory.ohiohistory.org
