Educational Deficiency: History of Deaf Education

The history of deaf education revealed some shocking information on the academic levels that were provided to the deaf children, and how these children were neglected for centuries. Evidence shows the majority of deaf children do not get the same academic level their hearing peers do. On the other hand, some deaf children were able to receive a good education.

Deaf Education and Service Issues

  In Deaf Education: Numbering our Flaws, the author Jonathan Henner discussed the deficiency and statistics of deaf education. Henner had learned that most deaf students have graduated with 2nd grade reading level. In result, the majority of deaf adults were unemployed.

There is no mistake in knowing that being deaf does not mean being incapable of learning. Educational policy is controlled by hearing administrators who lack visual language necessary to communicate with the deaf children. In addition, sign language comprehension in hearing teachers is relatively low.

  According to National Association of the Deaf,the state government officials and legislators are threatening to cut funding or close more than a dozen state schools for the deaf. Despite of the financial costs to keep these schools open, the government does not understand the needs of deaf children to have a good education. Nor do they understand the need of proper resources and support services needed by these children. It is unfortunate because most of these schools were established in the 19th century ,and they contained historical information of their foundations and purposes.

History of Texas School for the Deaf

 Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) was established in 1856 located in Austin, Texas. To provide you an insight of TSD's history, I attended there for four years before all the original architectures were destroyed and reconstructed in contemporary style.

 TSD Timeline

• TSD was originally called Texas School for the Deaf and Dumb Asylum founded by the Sixth Legislature in 1856.

•   In 1876, a state printing office was established.

•  In 1887, the first ten-year course of study for graduation was provided. 

• In 1900, vocational and education buildings were constructed. 

• For the next 45 years, enrollment and architectures continued to expand. Science buildings and library facilities were established.

•  In 1949, TSD was renamed as it is today. It became recognized as educational institution. 

•  In 1965, TSD established East Campus in a different part of Austin. The state school for the blind and deaf were combined by the Directors of Special Schools for the state of Texas. Also, Texas State School for the Deaf and Blind and Orphan School for the Colored Youths. 

• In 1973, Regional School for the Deaf were established in public schools. 

• In 1979, the Legislature passed the responsibility of administering TSD from the State Board of Education to Board of Trustees assigned by the Governor and approved by the Senate. TSD Board requires 51% of deaf  persons and parents, alumni, and professionals. 

•  In the 1980's reconstruction begins from 458,000 square feet land.  

• From the 1990s to today, $65 million were spent on reconstruction. 

• In 2006, TSD celebrated its 150 year anniversary and their quality service for the deaf.

•  Today, National Association for the Deaf is fighting to keep TSD open. 

  It is quite unfortunate that TSD and other state schools for the deaf may no longer exist. The growing communities of the deaf are not being recognized. Many are concerned about whether deaf children will receive the education they need in public schools if the state schools close down. The sad part is the history of the state schools will be forgotten. Deaf children cannot just be pushed aside as if they're incapable of learning; resources can help provide answers to the deaf children's need.