Why the Website?
The Utah Association of the Deaf had originally planned to create a book on the history of Utah Deaf Culture, but instead, we decided to make a digital library website for accessibility reasons. The decision to create a website was based on a few factors:
Publishing the book is expensive and may not be a good investment. The project's primary objective was to keep Utah's Deaf history alive by creating an accessible digital library website. The website will be kept up to date and provide historical information about events that shaped Utah's Deaf community. So, instead of leaving the book to collect dust on the shelf, anyone interested in learning more about Utah's Deaf History and Culture can visit the website.
- The impact of residential school in Ogden, Utah, decreased over time, and oral education and mainstreaming became more prevalent at the Utah School for the Deaf in the 1950s and 1960s. Consequently, the number of Utah Deaf community members decreased, and fewer graduates purchased the book.
- Due to the significant reduction in the number of people who graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf, many of the older generations of graduates who valued language, heritage, and culture may not be around to buy the book.
- There is a slim chance that younger people who have graduated from mainstream settings will buy it.
Publishing the book is expensive and may not be a good investment. The project's primary objective was to keep Utah's Deaf history alive by creating an accessible digital library website. The website will be kept up to date and provide historical information about events that shaped Utah's Deaf community. So, instead of leaving the book to collect dust on the shelf, anyone interested in learning more about Utah's Deaf History and Culture can visit the website.
Students of the Utah School for the Deaf, May 20, 1927. An old truck with piles of USD students behind the Annex Building & fire escape cylinder. Seated on the bumper is Wayne Stewart. Standing to his right is Cyrus Freston. Kenneth Burdett is standing tall above the cab of the truck. The first two standing nearest in the bed of the truck are Joseph Burnett (left) and Verl Throup (right)
Unlike those who were institutionalized and subjected to cruelty, the majority of the Deaf community had positive memories of their residential school, where they shared a common language, culture, and identity. They called it "home." To convey the history of the school and the impact of the oral and mainstreaming of Ogden's Residential School, I'll use the terms "institution," "Ogden's Residential School," or "state school" on this webpage.
This website aims to educate the public about the efforts of Utah's Deaf leaders to safeguard their language, heritage, and culture. It is not meant to be critical or derogatory of any individual or group. This website's information, content, and materials are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be published, distributed, or replicated.
If you notice any inaccuracies or have additional information or materials to provide regarding Utah Deaf history, don't hesitate to contact me at JodiBeckerKinner@gmail.com. I strive for accuracy and completeness in my work and appreciate any feedback or contributions.
Thank you for visiting the site, and I hope you find it entertaining, educational, and informative!
Jodi Becker Kinner
This website aims to educate the public about the efforts of Utah's Deaf leaders to safeguard their language, heritage, and culture. It is not meant to be critical or derogatory of any individual or group. This website's information, content, and materials are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be published, distributed, or replicated.
If you notice any inaccuracies or have additional information or materials to provide regarding Utah Deaf history, don't hesitate to contact me at JodiBeckerKinner@gmail.com. I strive for accuracy and completeness in my work and appreciate any feedback or contributions.
Thank you for visiting the site, and I hope you find it entertaining, educational, and informative!
Jodi Becker Kinner
Students of Utah School for the Deaf, 1928-1930. Back L-R: Wayne Stewart, William Woodward, Alton Fisher, John (Jack) White, Joseph Burnett, possible Leon Edwards, Arvel Christensen, Virgil Greenwood, ____
Front L-R: J. Sherwood Messerly, Rodney Walker, Melvin Penman, Wesley Perry, Verl Throup, _____
"The ideology of Dr. Grant B. Bitter has had
a profound impact on the Utah Deaf community,
both in oral and mainstream settings."
~Jodi Becker Kinner~
a profound impact on the Utah Deaf community,
both in oral and mainstream settings."
~Jodi Becker Kinner~