Videos of the Experiences Growing Up
at theUtah School for the Deaf
and/or Public School
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Published in 2018
Updated in 2024
Published in 2018
Updated in 2024
Marion Brown West
Marion Brown West has shared her memories of her time at the Utah School for the Deaf during the 1940s. She graduated from the school in 1949 and later joined Gallaudet College, where she graduated in 1950. Marion enjoyed a successful career with the Bureau of Land Management before retiring. Even now, she likes to keep up with the Utah School for the Deaf on social media. Marion has fond memories of her teachers, who provided individualized instruction and an excellent education. If you need closed captions, please click CC. This video was filmed by USDB and was posted on October 19, 2018.
Lisa Richards
Lisa Richards posted a video on February 24, 2020, sharing her experience growing up in the Oral Program through the Extension Division Program of the Utah School for the Deaf during the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, Dr. Grant B. Bitter was a strong advocate for oral and mainstream education for Deaf and hard of hearing students. As a result of his efforts, the Utah School for the Deaf established an Extension Division in the Salt Lake area, allowing Deaf children to attend classes near their homes. Lisa's experience under Dr. Bitter's influence was traumatic, but sharing the video can be therapeutic for her and help preserve Utah's Deaf education history.
