The Videos on Growing Up at the Utah School for the Deaf and in Public Schools
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2018
Updated in 2026
Published in 2018
Updated in 2026
Author's Note
I am pleased to share a collection of videos that document the experiences of Deaf individuals who attended the Utah School for the Deaf or grew up in mainstream educational settings. Each person's story offers a unique perspective on Deaf life, education, community, and identity.
These personal accounts provide valuable insight into the diverse experiences of Deaf individuals across different generations. They document both the opportunities and challenges people encountered while preserving important memories and perspectives that might otherwise be lost.
By sharing these stories, this webpage helps preserve an important part of Utah Deaf history while promoting a greater understanding of the experiences that have shaped the Utah Deaf community.
I hope you enjoy viewing these videos and learning from the individuals who generously shared their stories.
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
These personal accounts provide valuable insight into the diverse experiences of Deaf individuals across different generations. They document both the opportunities and challenges people encountered while preserving important memories and perspectives that might otherwise be lost.
By sharing these stories, this webpage helps preserve an important part of Utah Deaf history while promoting a greater understanding of the experiences that have shaped the Utah Deaf community.
I hope you enjoy viewing these videos and learning from the individuals who generously shared their stories.
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Marion Brown West
Marion Brown West 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, earning her degree in 1950. Following her education, Marion enjoyed a successful career with the Bureau of Land Management before retiring.
In her video, Marion reflects on her experiences as a student and recalls the teachers who played an important role in her education. Her memories provide valuable insight into student life, educational practices, and the Deaf community during the mid-twentieth century.
Today, Marion continues to follow activities at the Utah School for the Deaf through social media and remains connected to the community that helped shape her life.
This video was produced by the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and was published on October 19, 2018. As an oral history, it preserves Marion's firsthand account of her education and offers an important perspective on the experiences of Deaf students during her era.
If you would like closed captions, please click the CC button.
In her video, Marion reflects on her experiences as a student and recalls the teachers who played an important role in her education. Her memories provide valuable insight into student life, educational practices, and the Deaf community during the mid-twentieth century.
Today, Marion continues to follow activities at the Utah School for the Deaf through social media and remains connected to the community that helped shape her life.
This video was produced by the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and was published on October 19, 2018. As an oral history, it preserves Marion's firsthand account of her education and offers an important perspective on the experiences of Deaf students during her era.
If you would like closed captions, please click the CC button.
Lisa Richards Roush
On February 24, 2020, Lisa Richards Roush shared a video reflecting on her experiences in the oral program of the Utah School for the Deaf's Extension Division during the 1960s and 1970s.
During this period, Dr. Grant B. Bitter played a prominent role in promoting oral and mainstream educational programs for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students throughout Utah. His advocacy contributed to the expansion of the Extension Division in the Salt Lake area, making it possible for many Deaf children to attend school closer to their homes.
In her video, Lisa reflects on her personal experiences during this important period in Utah Deaf educational history. Her account provides valuable insight into the realities of oral education, the challenges she encountered, and the ways these experiences shaped her life.
By sharing her story, Lisa contributes to the preservation of Utah Deaf history and helps document the diverse educational experiences of Deaf individuals. Her recollections provide an important perspective for understanding the educational debates, policies, and community discussions that influenced Deaf education in Utah during the twentieth century.
As an oral history, Lisa's narrative adds a personal dimension to the historical record and helps ensure that the experiences of Deaf students from this era are remembered and preserved for future generations.
During this period, Dr. Grant B. Bitter played a prominent role in promoting oral and mainstream educational programs for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students throughout Utah. His advocacy contributed to the expansion of the Extension Division in the Salt Lake area, making it possible for many Deaf children to attend school closer to their homes.
In her video, Lisa reflects on her personal experiences during this important period in Utah Deaf educational history. Her account provides valuable insight into the realities of oral education, the challenges she encountered, and the ways these experiences shaped her life.
By sharing her story, Lisa contributes to the preservation of Utah Deaf history and helps document the diverse educational experiences of Deaf individuals. Her recollections provide an important perspective for understanding the educational debates, policies, and community discussions that influenced Deaf education in Utah during the twentieth century.
As an oral history, Lisa's narrative adds a personal dimension to the historical record and helps ensure that the experiences of Deaf students from this era are remembered and preserved for future generations.
