A Brief History of the
Utah Association of the Deaf
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney & Bronwyn O'Hara
Published in 2014
Updated in 2024
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney & Bronwyn O'Hara
Published in 2014
Updated in 2024
Note
I have thoroughly enjoyed researching the history of the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD), one of the oldest state organizations in the United States. Since its inception in 1909, the UAD has been a steadfast advocate, preserving and promoting the civil, human, and linguistic rights of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, and Late Deafened. They have also been powerful advocates for the accessibility rights and protection of the local Deaf community. Its remarkable history and relentless efforts to enhance the quality of life for Deaf individuals in Utah have earned my utmost respect and admiration. Therefore, I take great pride in joining the UAD and honoring those who have guided the organization.
To make a positive impact on the Utah Deaf community, I suggest taking action by becoming a UAD member, participating in the UAD conference every two years to elect new UAD board members, or even joining the UAD board of members. Together, we can support the UAD in its mission to empower the Deaf community in Utah and create a more inclusive society for all.
Unfortunately, people often overlook the significant contributions UAD has made to the local Deaf community. UAD has made it possible for more Deaf people to register to vote, participate in non-deaf political discussions, stay informed about political issues, and support political parties. However, some individuals do not engage in or support political issues or causes that are critical to the Deaf community, leading to a "double standard."
This history intends to raise awareness of UAD's contributions to the Utah Deaf community and emphasize the importance of supporting deaf-related political concerns. I encourage the Deaf community in Utah to help and support future causes and to join the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) to safeguard their civil and accessibility rights. UAD is a reliable organization that addresses the needs of the Utah Deaf community and advocates for securing our community's social justice needs. I hope that the "Carry the Torch" symbol and available resources will help us appreciate and reflect on UAD's long history of civil rights protection for the Deaf community in Utah.
As a writer for a history website, I am fully aware of how societal norms and expectations can hinder people's success. One such norm is for women to include their accomplishments under their spouse's last name. I'd like to address this by writing first names for men, women, and gender identity. This small but significant change reflects my intention to recognize all individuals who contribute to and advocate for our community's causes equally.
The organization, previously known as the Utah Association for the Deaf, has changed its name to the Utah Association of the Deaf. We changed the name to "of" instead of "for" to avoid confusion. The association, known as the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1962, changed its name to the Utah Association for the Deaf in 1963. Finally, in 2012, the association reverted to its original name, the Utah Association of the Deaf. We used both "of" and "for" to reflect the different eras in the association's history.
Salutations to the UAD leaders!
Jodi Becker Kinner
To make a positive impact on the Utah Deaf community, I suggest taking action by becoming a UAD member, participating in the UAD conference every two years to elect new UAD board members, or even joining the UAD board of members. Together, we can support the UAD in its mission to empower the Deaf community in Utah and create a more inclusive society for all.
Unfortunately, people often overlook the significant contributions UAD has made to the local Deaf community. UAD has made it possible for more Deaf people to register to vote, participate in non-deaf political discussions, stay informed about political issues, and support political parties. However, some individuals do not engage in or support political issues or causes that are critical to the Deaf community, leading to a "double standard."
This history intends to raise awareness of UAD's contributions to the Utah Deaf community and emphasize the importance of supporting deaf-related political concerns. I encourage the Deaf community in Utah to help and support future causes and to join the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) to safeguard their civil and accessibility rights. UAD is a reliable organization that addresses the needs of the Utah Deaf community and advocates for securing our community's social justice needs. I hope that the "Carry the Torch" symbol and available resources will help us appreciate and reflect on UAD's long history of civil rights protection for the Deaf community in Utah.
As a writer for a history website, I am fully aware of how societal norms and expectations can hinder people's success. One such norm is for women to include their accomplishments under their spouse's last name. I'd like to address this by writing first names for men, women, and gender identity. This small but significant change reflects my intention to recognize all individuals who contribute to and advocate for our community's causes equally.
The organization, previously known as the Utah Association for the Deaf, has changed its name to the Utah Association of the Deaf. We changed the name to "of" instead of "for" to avoid confusion. The association, known as the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1962, changed its name to the Utah Association for the Deaf in 1963. Finally, in 2012, the association reverted to its original name, the Utah Association of the Deaf. We used both "of" and "for" to reflect the different eras in the association's history.
Salutations to the UAD leaders!
Jodi Becker Kinner
"To make democracy work,
we must be a notion of participants,
not simply observers. One who does not
vote has no right to complain'”
~Louis L'Amour~
we must be a notion of participants,
not simply observers. One who does not
vote has no right to complain'”
~Louis L'Amour~
The Establishment of the
National Association of the Deaf
National Association of the Deaf
The first school for the deaf, initially named the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, was established in 1817 in Hartford, Connecticut. Later, they renamed it the American School for the Deaf. Additionally, various states have formed state associations of the deaf (Gannon, 1981). The first meeting of the newly established National Association of the Deaf was held on August 25, 1880, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Deaf individuals from across the country gathered in Cincinnati for the First National Convention (Gannon, 1981; Van Cleve & Crouch, 1989). These attendees, who had been graduates of the American Deaf school system for more than 60 years, held diverse roles as teachers, school founders, principals, businesspeople, and leaders. Following the detrimental Milan Conference in Italy from September 6–11, 1880, which promoted oralism and banned sign language, resulting in a 'Dark Age' for deaf education, the National Association of the Deaf opposed the oral movement. They also aimed to enhance the quality of life for Deaf individuals by opposing laws that restricted their rights, discouraging imposters and Deaf peddlers, raising public awareness about hearing loss, advocating for improved vocational training in schools, implementing better educational methods, and addressing employment discrimination (Gannon, 1981).
Henry C. White, a principal and teacher of the Utah School for the Deaf, was one of the conference attendees (Gannon, 1981).
Henry C. White, a principal and teacher of the Utah School for the Deaf, was one of the conference attendees (Gannon, 1981).
A Brief History of the
Utah Association of the Deaf
Utah Association of the Deaf
Following the establishment of the National Association of the Deaf in 1880, Utah became one of several state chapter associations across the country. In 1909, Elizabeth Delong, also known as "Libbie," was a faculty member and 1897 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, who proposed the establishment of the Utah Association of the Deaf. The main objective of this organization was to address the social and welfare needs of Utah School for the Deaf alums. Superintendent Frank M. Driggs of the USDB approved the proposal.
On June 10, 1909, at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, the first alum reunion established the Utah Association of the Deaf (Evans, 1999). The next day, on June 11, Libbie ran for the presidential election and won by defeating two male Deaf candidates, Paul Mark (2 votes) and Melville J. Matheis (2 votes), with a lead of 39 votes (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963). She made history by becoming the first Deaf female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf and the first Deaf female NAD state chapter association president in the entire nation.
Elizabeth DeLong, the First Female President
of the Utah Association of the Deaf
of the Utah Association of the Deaf
It's important to remember that this occurred before the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. It's also important to mention that Deaf women were not allowed to vote in the National Association of the Deaf elections until 1965. Libbie was an accomplished woman who served as President of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1915. During her second term as President, she delivered a speech at the UAD Convention advocating for women's suffrage. Her presidency of Gallaudet's O.W.L.S. and her involvement in Utah's early suffrage movement likely inspired her to pursue leadership roles as well as her educational, political, and spiritual aspirations.
Today, Libbie's accomplishments continue to inspire people, and she remains the first woman to achieve many of her goals. Utah is fortunate to have had her leadership role in the Utah Deaf community.
Today, Libbie's accomplishments continue to inspire people, and she remains the first woman to achieve many of her goals. Utah is fortunate to have had her leadership role in the Utah Deaf community.
The Utah Association of the Deaf is one of the oldest state associations in the United States. The "History of the Utah Association of the Deaf" chronicles its efforts to advocate for the civil rights of Deaf people in the state. Since establishing the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1909, the UAD has been a leading voice, advocating for civil rights across various areas such as auto insurance, traffic safety, telecommunications, interpreters, education, early intervention, employment, rehabilitation, and more. Moreover, the UAD was the driving force behind establishing the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which is now a thriving hub for community activities. The UAD also helped establish the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, a beacon of education for Deaf children. Additionally, the UAD championed expanding interpreting services and establishing Deaf Education at Utah State University, emphasizing ASL/English Bilingual (then Total Communication), thereby promoting bilingual education for the deaf. Today, the Utah Deaf Association continues to advocate for, preserve, and safeguard the civil rights of the Deaf community in Utah.
Historical Perspective of Changes with the
Utah Association of the Deaf
Utah Association of the Deaf
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1936, observed a close connection between the history of the Utah Association for the Deaf and the Utah School for the Deaf. Both organizations share common values and characteristics. By 1963, most members and presidents of the Utah Association of the Deaf had come from the Utah School for the Deaf. As stated in the Summer 1963 issue of the UAD Bulletin, the association looks to the Utah School for the Deaf for future leaders to guide the destiny of the Utah Association of the Deaf, safeguard the interests of the Utah Deaf community, and ensure that they continue to have an active and fulfilling role in the community (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 6).
Since 1909, the UAD convention has been held every three years, later changing to two years. Up until 1934, the first nine conventions, or "reunions," were held at the Main Building of the Utah School for the Deaf. All conventions from 1936 onwards took place off-campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1995, the UAD convention returned to the Utah School for the Deaf. Each convention and conference included the election of officers (Sanderson, The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 6; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
The UAD convention was held in Ogden, Utah, in 1944, 1965, and 1995, and in Provo, Utah, in 1987, 1999, and 2015. World Wars I and II prevented the holding of conventions in 1918 and 1942.
In 1956, the state of Utah's statutes established the UAD and gave it its own legal identity (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, June 1956, p. 1).
For decades, the UAD has remained a unified organization that Deaf people could depend on to defend and advocate for their rights. Initially, the organization focused on ensuring the civil rights of Deaf people, such as driving in Utah and getting auto insurance (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, pages 1–3). If you want to learn more about UAD's history, you can visit its website.
The UAD convention was held in Ogden, Utah, in 1944, 1965, and 1995, and in Provo, Utah, in 1987, 1999, and 2015. World Wars I and II prevented the holding of conventions in 1918 and 1942.
In 1956, the state of Utah's statutes established the UAD and gave it its own legal identity (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, June 1956, p. 1).
For decades, the UAD has remained a unified organization that Deaf people could depend on to defend and advocate for their rights. Initially, the organization focused on ensuring the civil rights of Deaf people, such as driving in Utah and getting auto insurance (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, pages 1–3). If you want to learn more about UAD's history, you can visit its website.
The Utah Association of the Deaf
Serves As a “Watchdog”
Serves As a “Watchdog”
W. David Mortensen, also known as Dave Mortensen or DM, has been president of the Utah Association of the Deaf for 22 years. In February 1995, he highlighted in a UAD Bulletin the UAD's role as a "watchdog" for the state's Deaf and hard of hearing community. The UAD has been striving to achieve equality in all aspects of a Deaf person's life, giving them the same opportunities to succeed as hearing individuals. Dave further stated that the UAD believes in fighting for the rights of Deaf and hard of hearing people. They act as a "watchdog" to ensure that no one's rights are overlooked or disregarded; as quoted, "they act as a "watchdog" to ensure that no one's rights are pushed aside or trampled into the cold, cold ground" (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1).
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a former president of the Utah Association of the Deaf and National Association of the Deaf, once stated that the Utah Association of the Deaf acted as a "watchdog," vigilantly monitoring the educational system and persistently demanding better education for Deaf children. Although they were not always successful in promoting the best "system" or communication method to be used in the classroom, Deaf education advocates were always aware of the Utah Association of the Deaf's steadfast commitment to improving Deaf children's education (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Dave took over where Robert left off and successfully completed the projects until the end. They supported and relied on each other to succeed. Dave could not have advocated for the community without Robert's initial work, and Robert could not have accomplished his work without Dave's support.
Dave took over where Robert left off and successfully completed the projects until the end. They supported and relied on each other to succeed. Dave could not have advocated for the community without Robert's initial work, and Robert could not have accomplished his work without Dave's support.
The Utah Association
of the Deaf Is Many Things
of the Deaf Is Many Things
Dr. Sanderson asserts that no individual, including the president, board head, non-members, or anyone else, represents the Utah Association for the Deaf. Rather, the Utah Association of the Deaf comprises Deaf and hard of hearing people from the general membership. These members elect board members every two years at conventions, and the board, in turn, selects officers and implements plans or projects assigned by the convention. Members of the Utah Association of the Deaf come from a variety of backgrounds and often belong to other organizations as well. The Utah Association of the Deaf board is responsible for running the association's business and working on projects and initiatives to support its members and the Utah Deaf community as a whole. After fulfilling their responsibilities, the board can start new programs or ideas (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1–3).
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson,
a Former President of the Utah Association of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf
a Former President of the Utah Association of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson was a renowned figure in his local community and nationwide. From 1960 to 1963, he served as president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, and in 1964, he won the 17th presidency of the National Association of the Deaf. Dr. Sanderson held this position until 1968, when he oversaw the relocation of the NAD headquarters from Berkeley, California, to Washington, D.C., in 1965. Despite his busy schedule, he remained committed to the cause of the Deaf community on both state and national levels, continuing to live and work in Utah. This dedication earned him great respect from his peers and colleagues (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964, p. 1).
Bobbie Beth Scoggins, who was president of the National Association of the Deaf at the time, reported in the NADmag Spring 2012 edition that Dr. Sanderson was recognized as one of the most powerful and inspiring advocates during his tenure as NAD president (NADmag, Spring 2012, p. 1).
In 1965, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 marked a significant milestone in the fight for equality, as it allowed Deaf women to vote and gave Black Deaf individuals the opportunity to join and vote in the National Association of the Deaf. Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the association's president and a prominent figure locally and nationally, led this historic move. These changes were a significant step towards building a more inclusive community for all Deaf people, regardless of race, gender, and sexuality, as well as a milestone in the NAD's history, marking a step towards inclusivity and equality.
In 1965, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 marked a significant milestone in the fight for equality, as it allowed Deaf women to vote and gave Black Deaf individuals the opportunity to join and vote in the National Association of the Deaf. Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the association's president and a prominent figure locally and nationally, led this historic move. These changes were a significant step towards building a more inclusive community for all Deaf people, regardless of race, gender, and sexuality, as well as a milestone in the NAD's history, marking a step towards inclusivity and equality.
W. David Mortensen, the Longest President
of the Utah Association for the Deaf
of the Utah Association for the Deaf
W. David Mortensen, also known as Dave, played a significant role in advancing civil and accessible rights in the Utah Deaf community. He was a key contributor to the Utah Association for the Deaf, while Dr. Sanderson led the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and participated in local and national activities. Dave was actively involved in the Utah Association of the Deaf for a long time and served as the association's president for 22 years, from 1971 to 1985, 1987 to 1991, and 1993 to 1997. He is the longest-serving president in the organization's history, and no one has ever surpassed his tenure. During his presidency, the Utah Association for the Deaf evolved from a simple structure to a well-functioning business office, and he successfully managed multiple programs. Under his leadership, the Utah Association for the Deaf grew from a small home-run organization to a well-functioning business office.
For many years, the Utah Association of the Deaf has been working tirelessly to ensure that Utah's Deaf individuals can achieve equality in all aspects of their lives, enabling them to participate fully in society.
Valerie G. Kinney,
the longest serving board member
of the Utah Association for the Deaf
the longest serving board member
of the Utah Association for the Deaf
Valerie G. Kinney has been a dedicated member of the Utah Association for the Deaf since 1967. She had already served the Utah Association for the Deaf for over 40 years by 2014, making significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community. Valerie has served on various committees for the Utah Association for the Deaf, holding positions such as vice president, secretary, assistant treasurer, treasurer, UAD Bulletin editor, and UAD Announce moderator. Valerie is the longest-serving board member of the association.
Kim Lucas, the Second Female President
of the Utah Association of the Deaf
of the Utah Association of the Deaf
On September 7, 2019, during the Utah Association of the Deaf Conference, Kim Lucas broke a 110-year-long streak of men serving as president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, becoming the second woman to hold the position. This is a significant milestone for the organization. Additionally, Kim is the first queer president to lead the Utah Association of the Deaf, making history in more ways than one.
"Passing the Torch"
The logo "Passing the Torch" aligns with my vision after I completed the history of the Utah Association of the Deaf in 2014. The logo symbolizes the equal participation of men and women in political affairs, advocating, safeguarding, and ensuring the civil, human, linguistic, and accessibility rights of the Utah Deaf community.
Since UAD was established in 1909, previous leaders have passed the torch to their successors. The organization persistently fulfills, respects, and accommodates the accessibility and equality needs of the local community.
Despite having resources now, few people in the Utah Deaf community, especially the younger generation, appreciate how much UAD has done for them and take it for granted. I hope the "Passing the Torch" logo will help us remember, respect, and reflect on UAD's long legacy of civil rights protections.
Although UAD has its own logo, "Passing the Torch" is my personal logo, representing UAD's advocacy for the Utah Deaf community.
Thank you for all the Utah Association of the Deaf did for our community!
Jodi Becker Kinner
Since UAD was established in 1909, previous leaders have passed the torch to their successors. The organization persistently fulfills, respects, and accommodates the accessibility and equality needs of the local community.
Despite having resources now, few people in the Utah Deaf community, especially the younger generation, appreciate how much UAD has done for them and take it for granted. I hope the "Passing the Torch" logo will help us remember, respect, and reflect on UAD's long legacy of civil rights protections.
Although UAD has its own logo, "Passing the Torch" is my personal logo, representing UAD's advocacy for the Utah Deaf community.
Thank you for all the Utah Association of the Deaf did for our community!
Jodi Becker Kinner
Officers of the Utah Association for the Deaf, 1971. Front row L-R:: Jerry Taylor, treasurer, Beth Ann Campbell, secretary, Lloyd Perkins, vice president, David Mortensen, president, Ned Wheeler, chairman. Back row L-R: Robert Welsh, Leon Curtis, Kenneth Burdett, Dennis Platt, Gene Stewart, Robert Sanderson
For your enjoyment, I have included below scanned photos and materials from the Utah Association of the Deaf events. Enjoy!
A Slideshow of the Utah
Association of the Deaf Conventions
Association of the Deaf Conventions
ARCHIVES
- The UAD Bulletin, Vol. 2, No. 10. Summer 1963. This bulletin issue contains a wealth of information about the Utah Deaf History.
- 29th Biennial Convention of the National Association of the Deaf. Las Vegas, Nevada. June 17-22, 1968. The 1968 NAD Convention was sponsored by the Utah Association for the Deaf.
- Utah Association of the Deaf Scrapbook (Internet)
A Scrapbook of the Utah Association of the Deaf Conventions: 1931-1973
Collected & Created by Gerogia Henricks Walker
Photographed by Duane L. Kinner
Photographed by Duane L. Kinner
Thank you to Gerogia Henricks Walker, a 1930 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, for collecting, preserving, and compiling the scrapbook of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1931 through 1973.
References
Will add references later
Will add references later