The Videos about Growing Up at the
Utah School for the Deaf and in Public School
Utah School for the Deaf and in Public School
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2018
Updated in 2025
Published in 2018
Updated in 2025
Author's Note
I am excited to share videos that highlight the experiences of Deaf individuals who grew up at the Utah School for the Deaf or in public schools. Each journey is unique and deserves recognition, as it reflects the struggles, determination, and incredible resilience of those involved. These narratives not only showcase the challenges they faced but also the triumphs they achieved along the way. By sharing these stories, we can foster greater understanding and appreciation for the Utah Deaf community and its rich diversity. Let's come together to celebrate their stories!
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Marion Brown West
Marion Brown West has shared her memories of attending the Utah School for the Deaf during the 1940s. She graduated from the school in 1949 and later attended Gallaudet College, where she earned her degree in 1950. Marion enjoyed a successful career with the Bureau of Land Management before retiring. Even now, she likes to stay updated with the Utah School for the Deaf through social media.
Marion has fond memories of her teachers, who provided individualized instruction and delivered an excellent education. If you need closed captions, please click the CC button. This video was filmed by the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and posted on October 19, 2018. It highlights Marion's journey and the impact of her education on her life, serving as an inspiring reminder of the importance of accessible education for all individuals, especially those in the Deaf community.
Marion has fond memories of her teachers, who provided individualized instruction and delivered an excellent education. If you need closed captions, please click the CC button. This video was filmed by the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and posted on October 19, 2018. It highlights Marion's journey and the impact of her education on her life, serving as an inspiring reminder of the importance of accessible education for all individuals, especially those in the Deaf community.
Lisa Richards Roush
On February 24, 2020, Lisa Richards Roush shared a video reflecting on her formative years in the oral program at the Utah School for the Deaf's Extension Division during the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, Dr. Grant B. Bitter, a prominent advocate for oral and mainstream education for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, made significant advancements. His efforts led to the establishment of an Extension Division in the Salt Lake area, allowing Deaf children to attend classes closer to their homes.
Although Lisa faced numerous challenges under Dr. Bitter's influence, her decision to share her story highlights the therapeutic power of storytelling and its importance in preserving the history of Deaf education in Utah. Her narrative, which details both struggles and triumphs, serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role advocacy plays in shaping educational opportunities for future generations. Through her story, Lisa aims to inspire others to recognize the value of inclusivity through the ASL/English bilingual approach on the Utah School for the Deaf campus in the state of Utah.
Although Lisa faced numerous challenges under Dr. Bitter's influence, her decision to share her story highlights the therapeutic power of storytelling and its importance in preserving the history of Deaf education in Utah. Her narrative, which details both struggles and triumphs, serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role advocacy plays in shaping educational opportunities for future generations. Through her story, Lisa aims to inspire others to recognize the value of inclusivity through the ASL/English bilingual approach on the Utah School for the Deaf campus in the state of Utah.
