Did you know that there is a national organization of the Deaf that is a powerful advocate for rights for the Deaf? This organization is called the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). Visit their site, it is a wonderful Deaf Awareness resource.
Fun deaf trivia #1: Who was the first deaf person to write a book of any kind? (answer at end)
Speaking of NAD, did you know that a few years ago, Purple worked with the NAD to sponsor Oscar-winning actress, Marlee Matlin on a trip to Capitol Hill to advocate for Deaf civil rights? Watch Purple VP of Regulatory & Strategic Policy Kelby Brick talk about this on video.
Here’s NAD’s recap of Marlee’s trip (which includes a video and transcript of her testimony on the Hill).
Fun deaf trivia #2: Who was the first Black Deaf person to earn a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet? (answer at end)
While we are on the topic of advocacy – you probably already know that Purple’s HQ is in the Sacramento, CA area. We really appreciate all that NorCal does for Deaf Awareness in this area. NorCal is similar to NAD, but they work on a more local basis in the area, and also provide some direct services such as community interpreting, job placement, and peer counseling, etc. Click here to learn more about NorCal and their services.
Fun fact about Purple #1: Did you know that Purple was first to use real phone numbers for VPs!
Fun fact about Purple #2: Did you know that Purple was the first to have VRS on Macs?
Fun deaf trivia answer #1: The first deaf person to write a book was Pierre Desloges in 1779, he advocated for sign language in deaf education.
His book in French.
An excerpt in English.
More info on Desloges.
Fun deaf trivia answer #2: The first Black Deaf person to graduate from Gallaudet was Andrew Foster in 1954 – with a degree in Education. He went on to found many schools for the deaf in Africa.
