Gallaudet University: The World's Only Deaf University

In the United States, there is the world’s only university established for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students: Gallaudet University.

Gallaudet University’s roots can be traced back to 1857, when Edward Miner Gallaudet and Amos Kendall founded a school for deaf children. It was initially established as the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf. 

Furthermore, the school was named in honor of Edward’s father, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, who founded the first educational institution for the Deaf in the United States in Hartford. 

In 1864, the US Congress authorized Gallaudet to grant college degrees. This made it the world’s first college dedicated specifically to Deaf students, giving Deaf individuals access to higher education. 

At Gallaudet University, everything—classes, administration, campus life, etc.—is centered around sign language, enabling students to engage in academic and social activities without relying on interpreters or assistive devices and experiencing barriers (audism).

Moreover, Gallaudet University offers a wide range of majors, including education, psychology, business administration, and more. Gallaudet is especially renowned for its resources in fields such as Deaf Studies and linguistics. 

Indeed, Gallaudet University holds great significance and value for Deaf communities.