American Sign Language (ASL) has deep roots, with origins in the 19th century and connections to the broader story of human communication stretching back hundreds of millions of years. In this talk, I trace ASL’s journey from ancient beginnings to modern education—highlighting early evidence of deafness, Dr. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet’s vision, and the rise of institutions like Gallaudet University and NTID.
I also examine the challenges facing Gallaudet today, including declining enrollment, and propose a bold new direction: reimagining Gallaudet as both a liberal arts university and a community college with expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. This shift could open doors for more students, strengthen ASL’s role in education, and ensure a sustainable future for the Deaf community.
From the history of deaf education to the promise of ASL-centered schools, this talk is a call to action: to embrace innovation, elevate ASL as a core subject, and create a thriving future for generations of deaf and hearing students alike.