Weds 20th May 2026
4-5.30pm
Presenter: Lydia Gratis
2b. The history of Deaf Education (and local Deaf schools/provisions)
The 1880 Milan Conference marked a turning point in deaf education, favouring oralism over sign language and shaping policies for decades. Conrad and Warnock later contributed significant insights into deaf education, advocating for more inclusive approaches. The READY study further examined the effectiveness of various educational strategies, reflecting the evolving terminology that acknowledges a range of approaches to deaf learning. Over time, provisions for deaf students have shifted, transitioning from specialist schools to resource provisions and mainstream education, offering diverse opportunities for communication and learning. The impact of technology on deaf education has been profound, introducing innovations such as cochlear implants, digital hearing aids, and improved accessibility tools, reshaping how deaf individuals engage with learning and the broader world.
