Utah Deaf Organizations
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
2013
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
2013
The Nature of Organizational Changes
For years, members of the Utah Deaf community, notably alumni of the Utah School for the Deaf and non-native Utahns, have been active in a variety of local organizations. Many people of various ages attended the conventions and festivities. The groups aided members in developing their leadership skills, forming friendships, and making networking connections on some level.
As time passed, a devoted older population continued to attend conventions and activities where young, vibrant people were few. As a result, membership decreased.
Many local groups are now facing a similar problem of decreased membership as a result of mainstreaming and enhanced technology. Our state school for the deaf has lost the value of education growth, leadership ability, identity development, and social competence in the Deaf community since the early 1960s under the influence of Dr. Grant B. Bitter, an avid advocate for oral and mainstream education for Deaf and hard of hearing students. On the other side, technology has had an impact on social contact. Members of the Deaf community have less face-to-face contact due to the impact of technology such as social media, videophones, and closed captioning. As a result, there has been a decrease in the desire to attend Deaf community events. They don't rely on groups to meet their social requirements any longer.
To say the least, the nature of organizations has evolved over time. Some of the organizations listed below are still operational, while others have closed. We hope you enjoy learning about each organization's history.
As time passed, a devoted older population continued to attend conventions and activities where young, vibrant people were few. As a result, membership decreased.
Many local groups are now facing a similar problem of decreased membership as a result of mainstreaming and enhanced technology. Our state school for the deaf has lost the value of education growth, leadership ability, identity development, and social competence in the Deaf community since the early 1960s under the influence of Dr. Grant B. Bitter, an avid advocate for oral and mainstream education for Deaf and hard of hearing students. On the other side, technology has had an impact on social contact. Members of the Deaf community have less face-to-face contact due to the impact of technology such as social media, videophones, and closed captioning. As a result, there has been a decrease in the desire to attend Deaf community events. They don't rely on groups to meet their social requirements any longer.
To say the least, the nature of organizations has evolved over time. Some of the organizations listed below are still operational, while others have closed. We hope you enjoy learning about each organization's history.
Beehive Chapter of the Gallaudet University Alumni Association (PDF)
Camp Liahona for Deaf Children (PDF)
Deaf Heritage and Library Cultural Center (PDF)
Eye-Sign Media, LLC (PDF)
Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf (PDF)
R.E.M. Films (PDF)
United Utah Organizations of the Deaf (PDF)
Utah Deaf Genealogical Association (PDF)
Utah Deaf Women’s Camp (PDF)
whatQGA (PDF)
Camp Liahona for Deaf Children (PDF)
Deaf Heritage and Library Cultural Center (PDF)
Eye-Sign Media, LLC (PDF)
Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf (PDF)
R.E.M. Films (PDF)
United Utah Organizations of the Deaf (PDF)
Utah Deaf Genealogical Association (PDF)
Utah Deaf Women’s Camp (PDF)
whatQGA (PDF)