Chapter 4: Life in Deaf Communities
Religion
wasn't accessible to them
couldn't be saved because they couldn't hear the word of God
Edward Miner Gallaudet
started a Sunday school for the deaf
became an Episcopalian priest
founded St. Ann's church for the Deaf in New York City
credited as originator of sign language in religious services
eventually provided services for deaf people
efforts varied: some took better approaches
churches with deaf congregations led by hearing people
interpreters were untrained and had a savior complex
The World Wars
deaf community was prominent during the wars
pre war, deaf people were not able to work factory jobs
during both wars, bc deaf people couldn't serve in military they opted for factory jobs and were finally able to work
employers were very satisfied with their work
they were less distracted by noises
deaf employees held skilled technical and professional positions
Post-War
Life got tough for deaf people
got laid off and lost their jobs to returning members of armed forces
author got evicted because the old family returned
landlords excuse was they were "too loud"
landlord was holding the family's stuff in a separate room
returning soldiers immediately got their jobs back no matter who was in their position
factories that would produce supplies for the wars stopped which led to mass lay offs
Deaf Club Vanishing
clubhouses were being sold due to decline in memberships
more entertainment out there for deaf community
availability of teletypewriters
no longer a need to see people in person, could just communicate via TTY
deaf children attend public schools instead of all deaf schools
don't have the opportunity to form close relationships with other deaf kids
had interpreters for classes so they went to schools w all hearing kids