Beginning of the
Utah Deaf History Project
In 2006, I began my official history project after being inspired by my father-in-law, Kenneth L. Kinner, who was Deaf. Kenneth had graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1954 and was the father of two Deaf children, Deanne and Duane. His passion for sharing historical stories sparked my interest, and I quickly became deeply involved in documenting Utah's Deaf history.
Kenneth was a respected member of the Utah Deaf community and a passionate history enthusiast. He played a crucial role in opening the gate by uncovering the untold history of the local Deaf community. His exceptional historical memory and storytelling skills made him an excellent storyteller, with many fascinating details to share! I will always treasure Kenneth's captivating stories, and his assistance in creating this website will always hold a special place in my heart.
Kenneth was a respected member of the Utah Deaf community and a passionate history enthusiast. He played a crucial role in opening the gate by uncovering the untold history of the local Deaf community. His exceptional historical memory and storytelling skills made him an excellent storyteller, with many fascinating details to share! I will always treasure Kenneth's captivating stories, and his assistance in creating this website will always hold a special place in my heart.
During a board meeting of the Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) in October of the same year, I got the opportunity to interview Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a well-known figure in the Utah Deaf Community. I was keen to learn more about his role as a Deaf Education advocate and his involvement in communication/educational methods and placement controversies. As I prepared to take notes, Dr. Sanderson shared some fascinating stories with me. However, when I asked him more questions, he looked at me and said, "Do your homework." "Check the UAD Bulletins, newspapers, and other sources." This experience was quite humbling and eye-opening for me.
After receiving advice from Dr. Sanderson, I was motivated to explore the history of Utah's Deaf community. This inspiration led me to delve deeper into this topic, and I eventually created a website dedicated to Utah Deaf History.
After receiving advice from Dr. Sanderson, I was motivated to explore the history of Utah's Deaf community. This inspiration led me to delve deeper into this topic, and I eventually created a website dedicated to Utah Deaf History.
In 2008, Eleanor McCowan, an officer of the Utah Association of the Deaf and the chair of the 100th-anniversary conference scheduled for 2009, approached me to create a brief history book for the event. Despite the book's intended briefness, I found the historical events fascinating and decided to do more research. Thanks to Eleanor's request, I had the opportunity to create the Utah Deaf History website, and with her support, I could complete the task.
As a community historian, I have voluntarily compiled all of my research on Utah Deaf history. My research mainly focuses on the events that shaped the Utah Deaf community in the twentieth century. Since its inception in 1909, the Utah Association of the Deaf has fought for civil rights in various fields such as auto insurance, traffic safety, telecommunications, interpreters, education, early intervention, employment, rehabilitation, and more.
The Utah Association of the Deaf played an essential role in establishing the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center, the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, expanding interpreting services, and establishing Deaf Education with an emphasis on ASL/English Bilingual (then Total Communication) at Utah State University.
For years, UAD has been at the forefront of civil rights activism and equal access in all aspects of Utah Deaf residents' lives. The organization aims to ensure that the Deaf community is fully integrated into society and has an equal chance to live as efficiently as a hearing person. I have made this resource available as my humble attempt to give back to the community, particularly the UAD.
The Utah Association of the Deaf played an essential role in establishing the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center, the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, expanding interpreting services, and establishing Deaf Education with an emphasis on ASL/English Bilingual (then Total Communication) at Utah State University.
For years, UAD has been at the forefront of civil rights activism and equal access in all aspects of Utah Deaf residents' lives. The organization aims to ensure that the Deaf community is fully integrated into society and has an equal chance to live as efficiently as a hearing person. I have made this resource available as my humble attempt to give back to the community, particularly the UAD.
I am deeply passionate about Utah Deaf History, particularly the civil rights and social justice of the Utah Deaf community. Additionally, I have a strong interest in women's studies, especially in how Deaf women contribute to their communities. My interest in political history and biographies has also led me to undertake this project, which has been an excellent learning experience. I have had the privilege of conducting historical research and collecting a range of historical materials, such as photographs and films, for historic preservation since 2006. Reading about history provides insights into the origins of our Utah Deaf community and the events that have shaped it over time. Given the increasing popularity of cochlear implants and mainstreaming, I am fervently committed to preserving and appreciating our Utah Deaf History.
I am also fascinated by the history of Dr. Grant B. Bitter, an oralism advocate and champion for mainstream education, whose ideologies have had a long-term impact on Utah Deaf community. The Deaf community in Utah has been affected by audism, which is similar to racism and sexism. Audism refers to the belief that people who can hear and speak are superior to those who cannot. The Utah Deaf community has faced audism throughout history, which includes language oppression, communication discrimination, bias towards oralism (now known as Listening and Spoken Language) instead of sign language, low expectations in deaf education, particularly in literacy development and employment, and negative perception towards Deaf people who cannot speak and make decisions without Deaf representation. However, Utah Deaf leaders have fought against audism by protecting their sign language, linguistic, and access rights through various organizations such as the Utah Association of the Deaf, the USDB's Advisory Council, the Utah State Board of Education, and legislative sessions.
I am also fascinated by the history of Dr. Grant B. Bitter, an oralism advocate and champion for mainstream education, whose ideologies have had a long-term impact on Utah Deaf community. The Deaf community in Utah has been affected by audism, which is similar to racism and sexism. Audism refers to the belief that people who can hear and speak are superior to those who cannot. The Utah Deaf community has faced audism throughout history, which includes language oppression, communication discrimination, bias towards oralism (now known as Listening and Spoken Language) instead of sign language, low expectations in deaf education, particularly in literacy development and employment, and negative perception towards Deaf people who cannot speak and make decisions without Deaf representation. However, Utah Deaf leaders have fought against audism by protecting their sign language, linguistic, and access rights through various organizations such as the Utah Association of the Deaf, the USDB's Advisory Council, the Utah State Board of Education, and legislative sessions.
I owe a great deal of gratitude to Dr. Bitter for inspiring me to write this history, as it may have been dull without him. My interest in history is driven by its intensity, randomness, and unsettling aspects. This history website does not present a rosy or flowery version of events, as some readers may assume. Learning about the unpleasant aspects of history helps us to have open discussions, listen to one another, learn, and grow.
As UAD President G. Leon Curtis (1963–65 and 1967–69) once said, 'The [UAD] Bulletin is our best weapon. The pen is mightier than the sword' (Curtis, The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 6). This rings true even today! Knowledge is indeed a powerful weapon. To advocate for our community and preserve its heritage, we must first understand our history. We must act vigilantly and quickly, or our progress with our accessibility rights, especially Deaf Education, could be in danger of moving backward.
As UAD President G. Leon Curtis (1963–65 and 1967–69) once said, 'The [UAD] Bulletin is our best weapon. The pen is mightier than the sword' (Curtis, The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 6). This rings true even today! Knowledge is indeed a powerful weapon. To advocate for our community and preserve its heritage, we must first understand our history. We must act vigilantly and quickly, or our progress with our accessibility rights, especially Deaf Education, could be in danger of moving backward.
Have you ever thought about what could have happened to the Utah Deaf community if the Utah Association of the Deaf and its Deaf leaders had not fought against Dr. Bitter? Thanks to their efforts, we now have four Deaf schools that emphasize ASL/English bilingual education in four regions under the auspices of the Utah School for the Deaf, the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Interpreting Service. Without their fight, we would not have these facilities today. Gene Stewart, CODA, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, acknowledged the Deaf leaders' efforts during a hearing before the Utah State Board of Education on March 25, 1977. He challenged the Utah School for the Deaf, which was dominated by the oral advocacy community, and said, "We'd still be living in the dark ages in Utah" (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, March 26, 1977).
Maya Angelou, who was an American poet and civil rights activist, once said, "The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are." I completely agree with her. Understanding one's own history is crucial for personal freedom. As a parent, I have experienced this firsthand while advocating for the educational needs of my two Deaf children, Joshua and Danielle. If I hadn't learned about the history of Deaf Education in Utah, I wouldn't have known how to effectively advocate for them.
As someone who works with historical manuscripts, I make it a point to remain objective when evaluating people's contributions to their community. I have come across individuals who have defamed their own work and wished for it to be forgotten, but I believe that history cannot be erased or changed, regardless of a person's flaws. Everyone deserves appreciation for their services.
Regarding the Deaf community, I have always used a capital "D" for both oral and signing individuals, just as I would for other communities such as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian. This is because the Deafhood Training teaches that the capital "D" is applicable to all Deaf people, regardless of their communication or educational background. It is a crucial part of their Deafhood journey and self-identity exploration.
This website would not exist without the contributions of my father-in-law's story, Dr. Sanderson's homework proposal, and Eleanor's request. Working on the Utah Deaf History project has been an incredibly humbling experience for me. As I research the resilience of Utah Deaf leaders in the face of adversity, I am forever grateful for their contributions to our community's causes.
Jodi Becker Kinner
Regarding the Deaf community, I have always used a capital "D" for both oral and signing individuals, just as I would for other communities such as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian. This is because the Deafhood Training teaches that the capital "D" is applicable to all Deaf people, regardless of their communication or educational background. It is a crucial part of their Deafhood journey and self-identity exploration.
This website would not exist without the contributions of my father-in-law's story, Dr. Sanderson's homework proposal, and Eleanor's request. Working on the Utah Deaf History project has been an incredibly humbling experience for me. As I research the resilience of Utah Deaf leaders in the face of adversity, I am forever grateful for their contributions to our community's causes.
Jodi Becker Kinner
Background Information
I grew up as an Air Force brat, born in Germany. My educational background includes attending both oral schools and mainstream settings. I graduated from Gallaudet University with bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. Shortly after graduating in 2000 and moving to Utah, which is Duane's native state, I became an ADA Accessibility Advisor at Salt Lake Community College.
I have been serving on various committees and boards since 2000. These include the Utah Interpreter Certification Advisory Board, the JMS Utah Deaf Education and Literacy, Inc. Board, the USDB Institutional Council/Advisory Council, the Utah Deaf Education Core Group, the Utah Association of the Deaf, and the DWS/DSDHH Task Force. As a parent of two Deaf children, Joshua and Danielle, I have been a vocal advocate for Deaf Education in Utah. My advocacy has led me to participate in several educational committees, such as the 2009 USDB Legislative Task Force sponsored by the Utah State Office of Education. In 2012, I also represented the Utah Association of the Deaf and participated in the first-ever Education Advocate Training Program of the National Association of the Deaf.
My partner, Duane, and his family have a history with the Utah School for the Deaf (USD). His parents, sister, aunt, uncle, and great-uncle graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf. Duane could be next to graduate from the same school; however, in the 1980s, USD's quality of education declined due to oral and mainstreaming growth. As a result, as an 8th grader, Duane transferred to the Idaho School for the Deaf where he could get a better education. After graduating from Gallaudet University in 1999, Duane became a faculty member teaching Salt Lake Community College ASL classes.
My partner, Duane, and his family have a history with the Utah School for the Deaf (USD). His parents, sister, aunt, uncle, and great-uncle graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf. Duane could be next to graduate from the same school; however, in the 1980s, USD's quality of education declined due to oral and mainstreaming growth. As a result, as an 8th grader, Duane transferred to the Idaho School for the Deaf where he could get a better education. After graduating from Gallaudet University in 1999, Duane became a faculty member teaching Salt Lake Community College ASL classes.
"If we have no history, we have no future."
~Tristram Hunt~
~Tristram Hunt~