Why the Website?
Students of the Utah School for the Deaf, May 20, 1927
Originally, we, the Utah Association of the Deaf, planned to publish a “Utah Deaf History” book, but decided that a digital library website be utilized instead.
We have decided to use the website approach for various reasons. Since the implementation of oral education at the Utah School for the Deaf in the 1950s (more emphasized in the 1960s), the impact has been a diminishing role of the residential school as well as the decreasing number of Utah Deaf community members.
Due to decreasing members of the older generation who graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf that valued the language, heritage and culture, many of them may not be around to purchase the book. In addition, it may be a slim chance that younger generation who graduated from a mainstreamed setting would be interested in purchasing it. Besides, it is pretty expensive publish the books and it may not be a good investment.
In order to preserve the Utah Deaf History, I wish to post and update the available history on this website. It is the goal that those people who try to locate particular information about specific historical events will be able to find it in the website. I hope the digital library benefits everyone – parents of Deaf children, postsecondary students, interpreters and the ASL community at no cost.
This website is not intended to be negative or critical towards the particular individuals or parties. It is intended to highlight Utah Deaf community members’ fierce ongoing struggle to protect and preserve their language, heritage and culture. Ultimately, the purpose of this site is to increase people’s awareness of the Utah Deaf History. All information, content, and materials of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended for publication, distribution, and reproduction.
To those who have concerns about this website, I do not think we can attempt to hide, ignore or deny the profound effects of Dr. Grant B. Bitter and oral advocates on our Utah Deaf History. After all, it is part of our history.
If you have additional information about Utah Deaf history, or photos/materials that you would like share, please contact Jodi B. Kinner via email at JodiBeckerKinner@gmail.com
Again, if you are looking for the information that is not in the website, please contact me at JodiBeckerKinner@gmail.com.
I strive to make the information helpful and accurate. If you wish to correct the information, please let me know as well.
Thank you for visiting, I hope you find the site enjoyable, informative and educational!
Jodi Becker Kinner
We have decided to use the website approach for various reasons. Since the implementation of oral education at the Utah School for the Deaf in the 1950s (more emphasized in the 1960s), the impact has been a diminishing role of the residential school as well as the decreasing number of Utah Deaf community members.
Due to decreasing members of the older generation who graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf that valued the language, heritage and culture, many of them may not be around to purchase the book. In addition, it may be a slim chance that younger generation who graduated from a mainstreamed setting would be interested in purchasing it. Besides, it is pretty expensive publish the books and it may not be a good investment.
In order to preserve the Utah Deaf History, I wish to post and update the available history on this website. It is the goal that those people who try to locate particular information about specific historical events will be able to find it in the website. I hope the digital library benefits everyone – parents of Deaf children, postsecondary students, interpreters and the ASL community at no cost.
This website is not intended to be negative or critical towards the particular individuals or parties. It is intended to highlight Utah Deaf community members’ fierce ongoing struggle to protect and preserve their language, heritage and culture. Ultimately, the purpose of this site is to increase people’s awareness of the Utah Deaf History. All information, content, and materials of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended for publication, distribution, and reproduction.
To those who have concerns about this website, I do not think we can attempt to hide, ignore or deny the profound effects of Dr. Grant B. Bitter and oral advocates on our Utah Deaf History. After all, it is part of our history.
If you have additional information about Utah Deaf history, or photos/materials that you would like share, please contact Jodi B. Kinner via email at JodiBeckerKinner@gmail.com
Again, if you are looking for the information that is not in the website, please contact me at JodiBeckerKinner@gmail.com.
I strive to make the information helpful and accurate. If you wish to correct the information, please let me know as well.
Thank you for visiting, I hope you find the site enjoyable, informative and educational!
Jodi Becker Kinner
"Dr. Grant B. Bitter's oral and mainstreaming ideology
has had a lasting impact on all aspects of the Utah Deaf community."
~Jodi Becker Kinner~
has had a lasting impact on all aspects of the Utah Deaf community."
~Jodi Becker Kinner~