Deaf Education

It has been long since educating the deaf, or people with hearing disabilities have been put into practice. The history of this effort dates back to the 16th century. It was a time when Spanish monks used sign language to communicate within their vows of silence. These monks were employed by the Spanish nobility (Van Cleve & Crouch, 1989) to teach their deaf sons. The main target was to teach deaf students how to read and write. However, a desire to have them learn to speak was also there. The monks believed that using signs and voice made communication between both parties easier. This turned out to be an attainable and worthy goal. Later, by the end of 19th century, two pioneers in the education of the deaf emerged, known as Thomas H. Gallaudet and Alexander G. Bell. The idea was accepted far and wide, and till date, numerous schools have materialized to educate the deaf.
It would be important to note here that deaf education actually begins at home, and parents are their children’s first educators. However, over the years, many schools for the deaf have been made in order to give the deaf children proper instructions and education. Schools that not only lessons in sign language, but also job training, and even religious principles, have became model schools for teaching the deaf.  Today, countless deaf people have received a broad-based education by attending schools that have been made specifically made for such persons. Recently, a new development in teaching the deaf and hard of hearing people has also emerged. Now, deaf education can also be acquired online. Many accredited schools offer distance learning Deaf Education programs. Those who are hard of hearing or deaf can land into many occupations after acquiring their degree in Deaf Education.