Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz,
a Co-Founder of the
Jean Massieu School of the Deaf
Written By Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2021
Updated in 2026
Published in 2021
Updated in 2026
Author's Note
Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz. Source: Facebook
Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, often known as MM, is a respected educator, advocate, and leader within the Utah Deaf community. Born into a Deaf family, she was raised by her parents, Jerry Wilding and Caldonia Della Williams, whose influence helped shape her appreciation for Deaf culture, language, and literacy. She and her husband, Julio Diaz, are the parents of three Deaf children: Briella, Julio "Tres," and Isabelle.
Throughout her career, Minnie Mae has been a strong advocate for ASL/English bilingual education and Deaf literacy. She has taught American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at several postsecondary institutions and has dedicated much of her professional life to promoting language access and educational opportunities for Deaf individuals.
In 1999, Minnie Mae co-founded the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf (JMS), an important milestone in Utah Deaf educational history. Five years later, she helped establish Utah Valley University's Deaf Studies program, which later became associated with the Deaf Studies Today! Conference. The conference has served as a valuable forum for sharing research, educational practices, and developments in Deaf education and advocacy.
Minnie Mae has also made important contributions to language access through her work translating The Book of Mormon into American Sign Language. This project expanded accessibility for Deaf members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and represented a significant achievement in ASL translation and religious accessibility.
During her graduate studies at Brigham Young University, Minnie Mae authored two influential papers: "Why the Deaf Can't Read: Answers and Solutions" and "Exciting Developments in Deaf Education." These works contributed to ongoing discussions regarding Deaf literacy, bilingual education, and educational reform.
Throughout her career, Minnie Mae has been a strong advocate for ASL/English bilingual education and Deaf literacy. She has taught American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at several postsecondary institutions and has dedicated much of her professional life to promoting language access and educational opportunities for Deaf individuals.
In 1999, Minnie Mae co-founded the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf (JMS), an important milestone in Utah Deaf educational history. Five years later, she helped establish Utah Valley University's Deaf Studies program, which later became associated with the Deaf Studies Today! Conference. The conference has served as a valuable forum for sharing research, educational practices, and developments in Deaf education and advocacy.
Minnie Mae has also made important contributions to language access through her work translating The Book of Mormon into American Sign Language. This project expanded accessibility for Deaf members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and represented a significant achievement in ASL translation and religious accessibility.
During her graduate studies at Brigham Young University, Minnie Mae authored two influential papers: "Why the Deaf Can't Read: Answers and Solutions" and "Exciting Developments in Deaf Education." These works contributed to ongoing discussions regarding Deaf literacy, bilingual education, and educational reform.
Bronwyn O'Hara. Photo provided by Bronwyn O'Hara
The preservation of these papers is due in part to the efforts of Bronwyn O'Hara, the parent of three Deaf children and a longtime advocate for Deaf education. Bronwyn recognized the historical value of Minnie Mae's research and worked to ensure that these materials remained accessible to educators, parents, researchers, and community members.
Through Bronwyn's efforts, Minnie Mae's papers were shared with me and became part of my historical research. They provided valuable insight into educational discussions occurring during that period and helped preserve an important part of Utah Deaf educational history.
Together, the work of Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz and Bronwyn O'Hara has contributed to a better understanding of ASL/English bilingual education, Deaf literacy, and the ongoing efforts to improve educational opportunities for Deaf students in Utah.
The following papers are included as part of that historical record:
Through Bronwyn's efforts, Minnie Mae's papers were shared with me and became part of my historical research. They provided valuable insight into educational discussions occurring during that period and helped preserve an important part of Utah Deaf educational history.
Together, the work of Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz and Bronwyn O'Hara has contributed to a better understanding of ASL/English bilingual education, Deaf literacy, and the ongoing efforts to improve educational opportunities for Deaf students in Utah.
The following papers are included as part of that historical record:
- Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz. Why the Deaf Can’t Read: Answers and Solutions. Brigham Young University. May 8, 1990.
- Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz. Exciting Developments in Deaf Education. Summer 1990.
The photos of Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz
and her family are shown below:
and her family are shown below:
The Wilding Family. Top (L-R): Minnie Mae, Doris, Lisa Lili, Cami and Ida. Bottom (L-R): Alan, Don, Della, Jerry, Terry and Sammy, 2011. Photo provided by Cami Wilding
Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz teaching a class Utah Valley State College, mid 2000s. Photo courtesy of Utah Valley University
Working alongside Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, a fervent advocate for ASL/English bilingual education, has been a privilege. As a parent of Deaf children, I've seen her manage the leadership of the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, parent three small Deaf children, work full-time, and cope with her declining health. These were not just ordinary challenges; they were significant hurdles that she overcame with steadfast dedication. Despite the demanding nature of her roles, Minnie Mae's dedication to the Deaf community never wavered. In 2005, she played a pivotal role in the merger of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf. This process was challenging, time-consuming, and required extensive planning; however, her commitment and careful consideration ultimately contributed to its success.
In addition, Minnie Mae's efforts not only improved the educational landscape for Deaf children in Utah but also fostered a greater sense of community and collaboration among families, educators, and advocates. Her legacy stands as an enduring example for those dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education. Minnie Mae has also made an exceptional impact on the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students through her collaboration with the school board, administration, teachers, and the wider community. Thanks to their dedicated efforts, the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf now provides these students with an accessible educational experience. This allows them to engage in direct communication and learn ASL from both their teachers and peers. Her work has not only improved the academic outcomes of these students but also instilled a sense of pride and empowerment in the Deaf community.
This collaborative approach has created a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for the students, which has significantly improved their educational outcomes. Minnie Mae's commitment goes beyond just academic success; she believes that success is also measured by students' sense of belonging and community. Her dedication to fostering such an environment ensures that every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Minnie Mae was inspired by the 1997 Utah Deaf Bilingual and Bicultural Conference and was eager to contribute when she was elected chair of the Bi-Bi Committee. In her 1990 paper, "Exciting Developments in Deaf Education," she expressed her enthusiasm and admiration for the Indiana School for the Deaf for adopting a bilingual-bicultural approach. It's no surprise that she eventually became a co-founder of the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf. Minnie Mae's unwavering passion was evident from the beginning, leading to the successful establishment of JMS in 1999. JMS continues to operate today, providing Deaf students with access to both ASL and English on campus, empowering them to thrive and succeed.
Thanks to Minnie Mae's dedication and steadfast leadership, JMS has been in operation since its founding. Under her guidance, the school has fostered a vibrant community where students not only excel academically but also develop their cultural identity and social skills. Minnie Mae's commitment to inclusivity and excellence has inspired countless educators and students, ensuring that the legacy of JMS will endure for years to come.
I had the pleasure of working with Minnie Mae and her spouse, Julio, as we navigated the complexities of Deaf education in Utah. I will always be grateful for her mentorship during my early years in this field. She guided and supported me through the intricacies of the political system, inspiring me to be a better advocate for education. Her contributions to Deaf education have been invaluable, and her legacy continues to motivate and empower others today. Her fierce dedication to advocacy and her innovative teaching approaches have inspired countless educators and students alike. Her work has changed lives and established a standard of excellence in Deaf education that will resonate for generations.
Moreover, her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility has paved the way for more equitable educational practices, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. As new challenges arise in the field, Minnie Mae's influence remains a guiding light for advocates who strive to uphold her vision of a world where all learners can succeed. Her work has changed lives and established a standard of excellence in Deaf education that will resonate for generations, instilling hope for the future of Deaf education.
Thank you, Minnie Mae, for all that you do for the Jean Massieu School community, where Deaf and hard-of-hearing students can thrive through the ASL/English bilingual progrThrough this unique program, students gain proficiency in both languages and develop a strong sense of identity and empowerment.ent. Your dedication and support play a vital role in creating an inclusive environment where every student can succeed and reach their full potential. Once again, thank you!
Jodi Christel Becker
In addition, Minnie Mae's efforts not only improved the educational landscape for Deaf children in Utah but also fostered a greater sense of community and collaboration among families, educators, and advocates. Her legacy stands as an enduring example for those dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education. Minnie Mae has also made an exceptional impact on the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students through her collaboration with the school board, administration, teachers, and the wider community. Thanks to their dedicated efforts, the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf now provides these students with an accessible educational experience. This allows them to engage in direct communication and learn ASL from both their teachers and peers. Her work has not only improved the academic outcomes of these students but also instilled a sense of pride and empowerment in the Deaf community.
This collaborative approach has created a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for the students, which has significantly improved their educational outcomes. Minnie Mae's commitment goes beyond just academic success; she believes that success is also measured by students' sense of belonging and community. Her dedication to fostering such an environment ensures that every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Minnie Mae was inspired by the 1997 Utah Deaf Bilingual and Bicultural Conference and was eager to contribute when she was elected chair of the Bi-Bi Committee. In her 1990 paper, "Exciting Developments in Deaf Education," she expressed her enthusiasm and admiration for the Indiana School for the Deaf for adopting a bilingual-bicultural approach. It's no surprise that she eventually became a co-founder of the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf. Minnie Mae's unwavering passion was evident from the beginning, leading to the successful establishment of JMS in 1999. JMS continues to operate today, providing Deaf students with access to both ASL and English on campus, empowering them to thrive and succeed.
Thanks to Minnie Mae's dedication and steadfast leadership, JMS has been in operation since its founding. Under her guidance, the school has fostered a vibrant community where students not only excel academically but also develop their cultural identity and social skills. Minnie Mae's commitment to inclusivity and excellence has inspired countless educators and students, ensuring that the legacy of JMS will endure for years to come.
I had the pleasure of working with Minnie Mae and her spouse, Julio, as we navigated the complexities of Deaf education in Utah. I will always be grateful for her mentorship during my early years in this field. She guided and supported me through the intricacies of the political system, inspiring me to be a better advocate for education. Her contributions to Deaf education have been invaluable, and her legacy continues to motivate and empower others today. Her fierce dedication to advocacy and her innovative teaching approaches have inspired countless educators and students alike. Her work has changed lives and established a standard of excellence in Deaf education that will resonate for generations.
Moreover, her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility has paved the way for more equitable educational practices, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. As new challenges arise in the field, Minnie Mae's influence remains a guiding light for advocates who strive to uphold her vision of a world where all learners can succeed. Her work has changed lives and established a standard of excellence in Deaf education that will resonate for generations, instilling hope for the future of Deaf education.
Thank you, Minnie Mae, for all that you do for the Jean Massieu School community, where Deaf and hard-of-hearing students can thrive through the ASL/English bilingual progrThrough this unique program, students gain proficiency in both languages and develop a strong sense of identity and empowerment.ent. Your dedication and support play a vital role in creating an inclusive environment where every student can succeed and reach their full potential. Once again, thank you!
Jodi Christel Becker
Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz' Family. Front Row L-R: Julio Diaz, Jr., Minnie Mae, Isabelle, Briella. Back Row: Tres, 2012. Source: Facebook
