History of Deaf Education: Part 1

A look back at Deaf education, from early signing schools to the 1880 Milan conference.

23m 47s

(2011) The first part of a documentary telling the story of 400 years of Deaf education in the UK, from early sign language schools onwards. Starting with Thomas Braidwood’s methods, which were part of what is described as the golden age for sign language education from 1792 to the 1860s, we find out how increasing tension in Europe about teaching methods led to the 1880 Milan conference, where a policy of oralism was adopted. But even after technology came in, and sign language was banned from the classroom, Deaf children continued to sign in the playground. Presented by Louise Harte.

This is Part 1 of 2; you can watch Part 2 here.