National Deaf History Month 2023: April 8th - Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University, located in Washington D.C., is the world's only liberal arts university for the deaf and hard of hearing. The university was founded in 1864 by philanthropist and educator Amos Kendall, and it has since played a critical role in advancing the education and empowerment of the deaf community.

Gallaudet's experience working with the deaf community in Hartford inspired him to continue advocating for the education of deaf individuals. In 1856, he was asked by a group of prominent deaf citizens to establish a college for the deaf in the United States. With the support of Amos Kendall, who was a friend and former Postmaster General, Gallaudet set out to create what would become Gallaudet University.

In 1864, the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind was chartered by an Act of Congress, and it became the home of the newly established National Deaf-Mute College. The institution was later renamed Gallaudet College in honor of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. In 1986, it became Gallaudet University, and it has since continued to provide a high-quality education to deaf and hard of hearing students from around the world.

The founding of Gallaudet University is a testament to the power of education to transform lives and create opportunities for marginalized communities. Today, Gallaudet University stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the deaf community and a shining example of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in higher education.