One hundred thirty-eight years ago, the significant days 6-11th September was the result of the banning in the sign language for many Deaf people, closing down the Deaf Schools around in UK and Europe including Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the ban of the Teachers of the Deaf. It was really a controversy over sign language (manualism) vs Oralism in Milan, Italy in 1880.

How can many Deaf people learn to oral articulation and banning their hands to manipulate instead?

Have a look at the video from BSL.Zone. https://www.bslzone.co.uk/watch/zoom-focus-confession/

Did Alexander Graham Bell believe that any Deaf people like his deaf wife – Mabel and his mother – Eliza Grace Symonds Bell who was also deaf. Eliza Grace loses the ability of her hearing at the time when she became an accomplished musician. Why did he refuse to communicate to Mabel in sign language instead of using oralism?  Enough of him and his theory.

Let go back to the Milan Conference – the second International Congress on Education of the Deaf. It was held in Milan, Italy from 6th -11th September 1880. On the 11th of September, the declaration made that oral education was better than manual sign education. WHAT? Who believes this? IS THIS JOKING?

No, there were 164 professions – 87 – Italians, 56 Frenchmen, 8 Englishmen, 5 Americans and 8 other delegates at the conference. Only 12 speakers allowed to talk about whether sign language or oral is better for any Deaf children. Only nine speakers favoured the viewed of oralism and leaving three preferred sign language. Who were the supporters? Edward Miner Gallaudet, Rev. Thomas Gallaudet, Issac Peet, James Denison and Charles Stoddard and someone from Britain. They tried very hard but failed to get their voices heard.

Moving on – the immediate effect of the conference.

Deaf teachers lost their jobs

the fledgling National Association of the Deaf attracted more supported as Deaf people fought to save their language and culture

The president of Gallaudet University decided to retain sign language at the Gallaudet University. the result of this – ASL (American Sign Language) survived by the decision and largely responsible to retain sign language and the culture over many years.