Weds 24th June 2026
4-5.30pm
Presenter: Robert Adam
3a. The ban of sign language in deaf education and the impact on deaf people’s lives today
The historic ban on sign language in Deaf education has had lasting consequences, deeply shaping the experiences of Deaf individuals today. The exclusion of Deaf professionals from teaching roles led to white women being appointed as educators for Deaf children and young people, often without lived experience of Deaf culture. This systemic shift contributed to audism—the belief that spoken language is superior—limiting opportunities for Deaf individuals to pursue careers and develop professional identities. The impact on Deaf children was profound, as they were often deprived of natural language acquisition in sign language, affecting their cognitive, social, and professional development. Even today, Deaf professionals continue to navigate barriers created by these historical injustices, working to reclaim spaces within education and beyond to empower future generations. The resilience of the Deaf community is evident in efforts to restore sign language’s rightful place in education, combat audism, and promote inclusive learning environments that respect Deaf culture and identity.
