Chapter 1 : Earliest Known History of Deaf People
Deaf People in Ancient Times
No recorded history of Deaf people lead to several potential situations
Those born with disabilities were abandoned or killed
If some survived, could be possible that signs were first form of communication
Led to verbal interactions.
Deaf People in Biblical Times
Greeks
Egyptians
Hebrews
Father could choose whether the child would live or not
Disabled person treated with respect
Chushim
First mention of a deaf person
Disabilities were a fact of life
God's creation
They were able to be taught
Deaf persons not allowed to own property
First to distinguish those born Deaf and those who became Deaf later on in life
Those that were Deaf later in life had more rights.
Christians
believed that Deaf people were not able to confess their sins
Deaf people could not be saved because they cant hear the word of God.
Deaf People in the Middle Ages
Early Middle Ages
committed to asylums because their behaviors were thought to be connected to demonic possession.
objects of ridicule, served as court jesters
Late Middle Ages
Christian Church
Romans
Deaf people were heathens: couldn't hear word of God
Lacked faith and couldn't be saved
Recognized Deaf people who could not speak as a group that needed special attention
Careful in categorizing various types of deafness
Born Deaf vs. Becoming Deaf later in life
Deaf People in the Renaissance
Rebirth and Growth
Deaf people were recognized as people of abilities
Deaf children sent to monasteries
Ponce de Leon taught deaf people with an emphasis on speech
students learned to read and write