Deaf Women WHO Dare to Challenge World!
Harriet Martineau (1802-1876)
• Harriet Martineau reached out to the world through
her writings. She was independent, ambitious, and
sometimes stubborn which are all excellent
characteristics for a good writer. She wrote articles
in the newspaper using a man’s name because of
the oppression of women. She became deaf during
her childhood because of constant sickness. Her
parents, especially her mother, were very strict with
Harriet, claiming that her behaviors were not like an
English lady. At the age of 19 years old, Harriet
became a famous journalist and went on to write
about 30 books and thousands of articles. In her
effort to make the world a better place, she wrote
concerning many different issues including her own
experiences and opinions.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Harriet Martineau
http://cepa.newschool.edu/het/profiles/martineau.htm
http://www.transcendentalists.com/harriet_martineau.htm
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Wmartineau.htm
http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/martineau.html
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Julia Brace (1807-1884)
• Julia lost her vision and hearing around age
five. In later childhood, she began a long and
happy life at the Hartford Asylum for the Deaf
and Dumb. During her residence at Hartford in
the 1830s, she became a celebrity because
she was able to do so much in spite of not
being able to see or hear. When she was in her
mid-30s, the Perkins Institute attempted to
give her more formal instruction.
Unfortunately, because of her age she was not
able to make much progress, and had to return
to Hartford.
For more information on Julia Brace:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~library/Library_Bulletin/Nov1992/LB-N92Wait.html
http://www.famousamericans.net/juliabrace/
http://www.disabilitymuseum.org/lib/docs/1739.htm?page=8
http://www.deafblindinfo.org/people.asp
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Laura Bridgman (1829-1889)
• Laura was born in Hanover, New Hampshire
lost her hearing and sight at the age of 2 from
scarlet fever. In 1837, Samuel Howe began
meeting with her and discovered at the age of
7 that she didn’t know she had a name.
Through much work, Laura became the first
deaf-blind person ever to learn language. She
found ways to communicate: chatting with
friends by signing into their hands, reading
books, and writing letters. In the 1840's, at the
height of her fame, it was said that the only
better-known female was Queen Victoria.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Laura Bridgman
http://www.virtualology.com/virtualmuseumofhistory/hallofwomen/LAURABRIDG
MAN.COM/
http://deafness.about.com/cs/deafblind/a/laurajulia.htm
http://www.connsensebulletin.com/keller.html
http://search.eb.com/women/articles/Bridgman_Laura_Dewey.html
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Laura Catherine Redden
Searing (1840-1923)
• Laura was a well known writer during the
Civil War for a magazine titled “Reform
Nation”. She became deaf at the age of 10
through an attack of spinal meningitis. In her
writing she used the surname “Howard
Clyndon” because of professional oppression
towards women at that time. She was a well
known journalist for America and wrote
about many different topics such as
Abraham Lincoln. She strongly supported
the union and was an ardent Republican.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Laura Catherine Redden Searing
http://www.umsystem.edu/whmc/invent/2290.html
http://www.msd.k12.mo.us/wheeler/Pages/drama_class.htm
http://www.famousamericans.net/lauracatherinesearing
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low
(1860-1927)
• Juliette Gordon Low was born in Georgia, but
lost her hearing in one ear at the age of 25
because of a severe ear infection which was
treated poorly. A year later at her wedding a
grain of rice lodged in her good ear and
became infected which damaged the nerves
when it was removed. She received her
nickname, "Daisy", because she was a very
stubborn and outspoken person. Juliette
became very interested in the British Boy
Scouts and slowly began to start troops for
young girls. The Girl Scouts were founded in
1912, and when she died, there were 167,000
girl scouts. Now, there are 3,000,000,000 Girl
Scouts across the country.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Juilette “Daisy” Gordon Low
http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history/low_biography/
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0900539.html
http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=100
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/america/low.htm
http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/low-jul.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Helen Keller (1880-1968)
• Helen Keller is probably the most famous
deaf and blind woman that ever lived. Since
she was a little girl, she devoted her entire
life to helping others with similar disabilities.
From the many books which she wrote to
“The Miracle Worker”, a film written on her
life, many people have been educated and
made aware of deafness. Many services have
been set up and named after Helen Keller
since her death such as a children’s museum,
a hospital, services for the blind, school for
the deaf and blind, and the Helen Keller
Foundation which researches methods for
vision care.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Helen Keller:
http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_k
eller.hcsp
http://www.time.com/time/time100/heroes/profile/keller01.html
http://www.afb.org/braillebug/helen_keller_bio.asp
http://www.helenkellerfoundation.org/home.html
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Alice of Battenberg
(1885-1969)
• Alice of Battenberg was born into the Royal
British family and was a Princess of England.
Her full name was Princess Victoria Alice
Elizabeth Julie Marie. She was born deaf but
immediately learned how to lip read in
English, French, and German and later in
Greek. She married Henry VIII and had the
opportunity to travel all around the world
which became one of her favorite past times.
Through her life she took care of countless
orphaned children and affected the lives of
many.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Alice of Battenberg:
http://encyclopedia.laborlawtalk.com/Princess_Alice_of_Battenberg
http://www.localcolorart.com/search/encyclopedia/Princess_Alice_of_Battenberg
/
http://www.historyeurope.com/Alice_Princess_Andrew_of_Greece_0312302398.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Alice_of_Battenberg
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Nellie Z. Willhite (1892-1990)
• Nellie was the first deaf individual to earn a
pilot’s license. She was born in Box Elder, South
Dakota and lost her hearing when she was 4
years old from measles. She participated in
many air shows and performed many new and
dangerous tricked which amazed all who
watched. Eleanor worked as a commercial pilot
until she was 52. She founded the South Dakota
chapter of the "Ninety-Nines," a group of
pioneering women flyers. She was a charter
member; Amelia Earhart was their president.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Nellie Z. Willhite
http://www.workersforjesus.com/dfi/880.htm
http://www.augie.edu/cws/telegram.html
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwomen.h
tm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Regina Olson Hughes (1895-1993)
• Regina Hughes was born in Omaha, Nebraska and
grew up loving plants. She lost her hearing when her
family doctor poured sweet oil down her ears for her
earache, and became deaf at the age of 13. She
knew multiple language such as French, Portuguese,
Italian, Latin, German, and Romanian. Her first job
she worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture as
a botanical artist, illustrating hundreds of pictures of
plants. She had her drawings of plants published in
botanical books all over the world. She had her work
exhibited in many galleries, including the
Smithsonian. In honor of her accomplishments, she
got a species of orchid named in her honor, hughesia
reginue. She received an honorary doctorate from
Gallaudet in 1967.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Regina Olson Hughes
• http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/martineau.html
• http://p3.csun.edu/p3access/Calendar2001/0201facts.html
• http://liblists.wrlc.org/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=d-000-00--0deafbios--00-0-0-0prompt-14-Document---0-1l--1-en-10000--20-home---001-001-0-0isoZz-8859Zz-10&a=d&c=deafbios&cl=CL1.8&d=HASH01a227e7bd84ff6592b959
a9
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Frances Woods (1907-
)
• Frances Woods was a very well know dancer of her time.
Due to a premature birth, she was congenitally deaf but
always loved music and to dance. In the late 1920s,
Frances and her husband Billy Bray were given the
name, "The Wonder Dancers," for a most unusual
husband-and-wife dancing team. They were featured in
“Ripley’s Believe It or Not”, and life-size wax replicas of
both were placed in the Ripley Museum. In the 1950s,
Frances and Billy opened a dance studio in Youngstown,
Ohio. At first, they taught ballet, modern jazz, acrobatic
dancing, and tap dancing. Later they focused on adult
ballroom dancing. They frequently gave free dance
lessons to children and entertained disabled and elders
patients in hospitals and nursing homes.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Frances Woods
http://www.workersforjesus.com/dfi/964.htm
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwomen.
htm
http://www.sddot.com/fpa/Aeronautics/general_history.asp
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwomen.
htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Frances "Peggie" Parsons (1923- )
• Frances Parsons was a huge supporter of
total communication and throughout her
entire life has advocated for deaf rights. She
was born deaf due to a premature birth and
growing up was extremely athletic. Peggy
also joined the Peace Corps in efforts to help
deaf children all around the world and has
done quite a bit of traveling.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
• Peggie began writing about her experiences and
deafness. She wrote “Sound of the Stars” in 1971 and
was a co-author on several other books: “I Didn’t Hear
the Dragon Roar” in 1988, “American Sign Language:
Shattering the Myth” in 1998. In 1992 her writing was
included as part of a collection, “No Walls of Stone:
An Anthology by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Writers” by
Jill Jepson (ed.).
For more information on Frances “Peggie” Parsons
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/dea
fwomen.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Marcella M. Meyer (1925-
)
• Marcella was the founder and Chief Executive
Officer of GLAD, a powerful deaf organization.
She became deaf when she was 6 years old
and was raised through oral methods. In
1969, Marcella founded GLAD, Greater Los
Angeles Council on Deafness, which became
one of the most influential deaf organizations
in the country.
For more information on Marcella M. Meyer
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/
deafwomen.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Gertrude Scott Galloway (1930- )
• Gertrude S. Galloway was born deaf and grew up in a
deaf family living in Washington D.C. She received her
doctorate degree at Gallaudet and soon after became
the first woman president of the National Association of
the Deaf. Gertrude was also known as the 1st deaf
superintendent and the first woman superintendent at
the state. In 1996, she became the President for CEASD
(Conference of Educational Administration serving the
Deaf) and continued to work as an administrator and
advocate for deaf women.
For more information Gertrude Scott Galloway
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwo
men.htm
http://www.geocities.com/elfpolitics/gdeafpeople01.html
http://wata.org/forum/1999/99-10-19-01.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Alice L. Hagemeyer (1934 -
)
• Alice was born in Mitchell, Nebraska
and became deaf when she was 3½
years old. She works as a librarian for
the deaf community at District of
Columbia Public Library. Her desire in
life was to develop public awareness
about deafness. Alice later founded the
Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action
(FOLDA) which was later named Library
Friends Section of NAD.
For more information on Alice L. Hagemeyer:
http://folda.net/aboutalice.html
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Bonnie Poitras Tucker (1939 -
)
• Bonnie Tucker was born in Springfield,
Massachusetts and became deaf when
she was 2 years old. Throughout her life,
Bonnie faced discrimination because of
her deafness, but it only caused her to
become more determined. Her hearing
husband filed for divorce because he could
not accept her deafness. She became
extremely motivated afterwards and has
excelled in her work ever since. In 1995,
Bonnie wrote a book titled “The Feeling of
Silence” which discusses her life and the
difficulties that she went through and the
success that was accomplished.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Bonnie Poitras Tucker
http://www.temple.edu/tempress/titles/1220_reg_print.html
http://www.law.asu.edu/Apps/Faculty/Faculty.aspx?individual_id=15
http://www.dpa.org.sg/publication/dpipub/winter96/dpi12.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Judith Viera Tingley (1939 -
)
• Judith Tingley was born in Oakland, California
and became deaf when she was a senior in
high school. She received her masters degree
in Education of Exceptional children in 1966.
In 1988, she became president of Teletec
International Sales and Marketing of Ultratec
products. Through her research and
publications about telecommunication and
relay services, the lives of many deaf
individuals all around the world have been
greatly impacted.
For more information on Judith Viera Tingley
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwomen.h
tm
http://www.deaflifepress.com/gda_listing.html
http://www.geocities.com/elfpolitics/gdeafpeople01.html
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Shirley J. Allen (1941 -
)
• Shirley J. Allen was born in Tyler,
Texas and became deaf at the age of
20 from typhoid fever. After
graduating from Gallaudet University
in 1966, Shirley became a professor
at National Technical Institute for
the Deaf (NTID) . She made history
in 1992, when Shirley became the
first African American deaf woman
to receive a Ph.D. from the
University of Rochester in New York.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Shirley J. Allen
http://depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/exercises/exreading/shirleyallen.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Phyllis Frelich (1944 -
)
• Phyllis Frelich was born in Devil’s Lake,
North Dakota and grew up in a D/deaf
family. She graduated from Gallaudet in
1967 and began performing as an actress.
Phyllis was involved with the
National Theater of the Deaf and has won
many awards for drama. The most popular
movie in which she performed it titled”
Bridges to Silence”. Phyllis performed the
Broadway production of “Children of a
Lesser God” as Sarah Norman and won a
Tony Award for her performance.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Phyllis Frelich
http://www.governor.state.nd.us/awards/rr-gallery/frelich.html
http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/whoswho/biography/13758
http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Star_File.aspx?CI=35502
http://www.in-forum.com/specials/century/jan3/week21.html
http://deafness.about.com/cs/celebfeatures/a/frelichbove.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Linda Bove (1945 -
)
• Linda Bove is widely known as one of the
main characters on the children’s show
“Sesame Street”. She grew up in a D/deaf
family and attended Gallaudet University,
receiving a bachelors degree in Library
Science. Her love for drama led her to
Sesame Street and eventually to participate
with the National Theater of the Deaf. In
addition, Linda has made successful videos,
such as “Sign Me a Story.” She has also
been featured in children's sign language
books such as “Sesame Street Sign
Language Fun with Linda Bove.”
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Linda Bove
http://www.ntcp.org/compendium/artists/LINDA.html
http://www.workersforjesus.com/dfi/586.htm
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid-48198
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Bove
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Kitty O'Neil (1946 -
)
• Kitty O’Neal, the world’s fastest woman, was born in
Corpus Christi, Texas and became deaf when she
was 4 years old. At the University of Texas she
studied methods of teaching deaf children and
received her degree in Education. Through teaching
children, she founded “School Listening Eyes” in
Witchita Falls. In her free time, Kitty loved
adventure and participating in dangerous activities
and sports. She rode in a speed boat at the velocity
of 285.23 miles per hour and was on water skis at
104.85 miles per house. As well as performing
stunts in movies such as “Bionic Woman” and
“Wonder Woman”, Kitty has participated in a number
of vehicle races and driving competitions. One of
her greatest accomplishments was being listed in
the Guinness Book of World Record for traveling at
the speed of 512.710 miles per hour.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Kitty O’Neil
http://www.the-rocketman.com/kitty.html
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/holland/spindrift/kitty.html
http://p3.csun.edu/p3access/Calendar2001/0301facts.html
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwomen.
htm
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:exeK6BJLD0J:www.blarneystar.com/KittyNew2.pdf+Kitty+O%27Neil&hl=en&s
tart=11
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Julianna Fjeld (1947 -
)
• Julianna Fjeld was born deaf in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, and to this day, the cause of her
condition is still unknown. Julianna attended
Gallaudet University for four years, graduating
in 1970 with a bachelors degree in English
literature. After graduation she worked as a
performer in the National Theater of the Deaf.
While on tour, she came across a book “In This
Sign” by Joanne Greenberg and decided she
wanted to turn in into a movie. Julianna
became the executive producer to this film
“Love is Never Silent” and played a small
acting role as well. It appeared on Hallmark
as well as NBC and in 1986 won the Emmy
award for best picture.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Julianna Fjeld
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwome
n.htm
http://www.workersforjesus.com/dfi/852.htm
http://p3.csun.edu/p3access/Calendar2001/0601facts.html
http://archives.gallaudet.edu/ac/smss/mss10a.html
http://www.workersforjesus.com/dfi/852.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Kathie Skyer Hering (1950-
)
• Kathie Hering was an advocate for late
deafened adults, who herself had become
deaf at the age of 28. In 1991, she became
president for the Chicago chapter of ALDA
(Association of Late Deafened Adults)
which helps adults develop
communication skills and prevents
isolation. Using her masters degree in
counseling, Kathie works as a social
service worker for ALDA and helps many
adults with this life altering change.
For more information on Kathie Skyer Hering
http://www.deaflifepress.com/gda_listing.html
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwomen.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Mary Lou Norutsky (1954-
)
• Mary Lou Norutsky was born in
Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She was
born deaf. After graduating from
Gallaudet in 1979 with a degree in
Psychology, she worked for the
National Captioning Institute for 2
years. Afterwards, Mary Lou became
the co-producer and co-host for the
television show “Deaf Mosaic”, a
monthly Gallaudet TV show. The show
won five Emmy awards and reflects
televisions highest honor.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Mary Lou Norutsky
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwomen.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Marlee Matlin (1965 -
)
• Marlee was born in Morton Grove, Illinois
and became deaf at 18 months old, but it
was not identified until the age of 2. She
participated in the National Theater of the
Deaf as well as many movie and television
programs. Her biggest role was in the movie
“Children of a Lesser God” in which she won
an Oscar for her performance. Marlee is a
famous actress in deaf and hearing culture
and has continued to appear in different
television shows such as ER, Desperate
Housewives, the West Wing, and Law and
Order.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Marlee Matlin
http://www.maleematlinsite.com/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0559144/
http://www.joshlyman.com/articles/marlee-owadfa.html
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/may2001/nf20010523_563.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Evelyn Glennie (1965- )
• Evelyn was the first full time solo
percussionist in the world. She has recorded
18 albums/cds and won two Grammy Awards
and received two further nominations. In a
live performance Evelyn can use up to
approximately 60 instruments. At the age of
5, Evelyn won a National Primary School Art
competition, then at age 19 Evelyn
graduated from the Royal Academy of Music.
In 1991 Evelyn's autobiography 'Good
Vibrations' was published and reprinted in
1995. She has appeared on 'Sesame Street'
'60 Minutes', 'The Jim Lehrer News Hour' and
'The Late Show with David Letterman'
among many others. Evelyn gives around
110 concerts per year.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Evelyn Glennie
http://www.evelyn.co.uk/
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Evelyn_Glennie.html
http://www.sbgmusic.com/html/teacher/reference/performers/glennie.html
http://www.angelfire.com/mac/keepitlive/drummers/Gledie/gledie.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Bridgette Bourne (1967 -
)
• Bridgette was born deaf and was very
involved in the Deaf community growing up.
In 1988, she became involved with the Deaf
President Now movement at Gallaudet
University and rose up as one of the
leaders. In 1992, Bridgette received her
masters in Public Administration and
worked as a Conference Coordinator within
the College of Continued Education.
For more information on Bridgette Bourne
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman
/deafwomen.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Shelley Beattie (1967 -
)
• Shelly Beattie was born in Santa Ana Orange
County, California and became deaf at the
age of 3. Because of some behavior
problems growing up, she was placed in a
foster home during her teenage years.
Shelley was a champion bodybuilder who is
known as one of the “American Gladiators”.
She holds the 1988 and 1989 National and
World Record for the fastest time with co-e
handcar team as well as high school track
heptathlon records. She holds the world
bench press record at 315 pounds and has
won several body building competitions.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Shelley Beattie
http://www.frsa.com/pixfemuscle/beattie.html
http://www.a3.org/95_Crew_bios/Beattie_bio.html
http://www.workersforjesus.com/dfi/587.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Michelle Banks (1969 – )
• Michelle is a famous African American
entertainer who has performed in
countless appearances. She acted in the
movies “Malcolm X” and “Compensation” in
which she was the main actress. Michelle
formed her own theater company, Onyx
Theatre Inc., a theater company for
performers from all nationalities. She also
started her own traveling one-woman
show, "Reflections of a Black Deaf
Woman." Finally she appeared on stage in
the production of “Big River” and “Profile
of a Deaf Peddler”. Michelle grew up in
Washington D.C but now lives in Los
Angeles.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Michelle Banks
http://www.nbda.org/spotlights/spotlight_archive/spotlight_banks.html
http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/WorldAroundYou/mar-apr98/banks.html
http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/Clearinghouse/Happenings/banks.html
http://www.workersforjesus.com/dfi/967.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Terrylene (1969 -
)
• Terrylene's resume includes television and
stage, but she has also acted in feature films
such as Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers."
Before her starring role in the play "Sweet
Nothing in My Ear," she was best known for
her role on television's Beauty and the Beast.
She was one of the deaf actors on an episode
of "Pacific Blue." Terrylene also starred in the
film "AfterImage“ playing a psychic deaf
woman. She has made her own appearance
on the cover of Deaf Life (July 1992).
Terrylene is perhaps the most famous
graduate of the Model Secondary School for
the Deaf, and was invited back in 1998 to be
their graduation speaker.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Terrylene
http://terrylene.com/
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid34996/Terrylene/
http://www.c-s-d.org/Default.aspx?tabid=117
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Amy Ecklund (1970 -
)
• Amy plays as an actress in the
popular soap opera “Guiding Light”.
She was not born deaf, but lost her
hearing at the age of 6 and was
raised in a total communication
environment. Amy’s character on the
show received a cochlear implant,
and though she has not left the
show, Amy is a celebrity for younger
children with implants to look up to.
In 1998, she won the Daytime Award
for “outstanding supporting actress
in a daytime series”.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Amy Ecklund:
http://deafness.about.com/cs/celebfeatures/a/amyecklund.htm
www.angelfire.com/ ar/Rabby/amye.html
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Emmanuelle Labroit (1971-
)
• Emmanuelle was born in France and grew
up wanting to be a famous actress. She
became well known for her book titled
“The Cry of the Gulf” and was later
nominated for an Oscar for the film
“Beyond Silence”. Her most recent movie
was titled “9.11.01” and discusses the
tragedy that occurred on that day.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Emmanuelle Laborit
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050
316/LIVING/503160310
http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/BGG/The21stCenturyWoman/deafwo
men.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Deanne Bray (1971 – )
• Deanna plays the role of real life Sue Thomas
on the television show F.B Eye and portrays a
deaf woman who works for the F.B.I in solving
mysteries. She was born deaf and was raised
using sign language and speech. Before the TV
show, she was involved in the Deaf West
Theater as well as hosting a deaf program
titled “Caption This”. Deanna holds a degree to
teach science and math to deaf high school
children and was pursuing her masters, but
has put it on hold while she performs as Sue
Thomas. On the set and in the show, Deanna
uses lip reading and sign language to
communicate.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Deanne Bray
http://www.deannebray.com/main.php
http://deafness.about.com/cs/celebfeatures/a/deannebray.htm
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid-43230
http://www.indiantelevision.com/interviews/y2k3/actor/deannebray.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Heather Whitestone (1973 -
)
• Heather Whitestone was born in Dothan,
Alabama and became deaf when she was
18 months old. She grew up using the
oral method at the Central Institute for
the Deaf in St Louis (CID). In 1995, she
was a contestant and winner of the Miss
America pageant. Since the age of 5, she
loved ballet and performed a dance in the
pageant to help her win. Heather’s
victory as Miss American made the entire
world aware of deafness.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Heather Whitestone
http://www.heatherwhitestone.com/site/content/splash.html
http://www.perfectpeople.net/biopage.php3/cid=772
http://premierespeakers.com/372/index.cfm
http://www.drdonnica.com/celebrities/00006142.htm
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Christy Smith (1978 – )
• Christy competed on the CBS reality
television show “Survivor” in the Amazon.
She chose to be on survivor to promote
deaf awareness. Because of a premature
birth she was found to be profoundly deaf
in both ears. Christy is a graduate of
Gallaudet University (2000) and now works
Aspen Camp School for the Deaf in
Colorado. After she finished Survivor,
Christy started her own television program
on PBS titled “Christy’s Kids: Challenge
Yourself” in which she aims to bridge the
gap by teaching sign language and
conquering communication barriers to
children.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Christy Smith
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor6/survivors/prof/christy.shtml
http://deafness.about.com/cs/celebfeatures/a/christysmith.htm
http://www.realitytvworld.com/index/articles/story.php?s=1491
http://www.christyskids.tv/
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Shoshannah Stern (1980 - )
• Shoshannah started her acting
career in her high school plays at
California School for the Deaf. She
attended Gallaudet University, and
while still attending classes she got
the role in Warner Brother’s “Off
Centre”. Shoshannah has appeared
on other well known television shows
such as Threat Matrix, ER, Boston
Public and Providence. Shoshannah
is 4th generation deaf in her family.
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
For more information on Shoshannah Stern
http://www.wchstv.com/abc/threatmatrix/shoshannahstern.shtml
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid-105473
http://deafness.about.com/od/famousdeafpeople/p/shoshannahstern.htm
http://www.alldeaf.com/text/topic/4996-1.html
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Deaf Women United
• DEAF WOMEN UNITED, an organization that is of, for
and by Deaf women is at the forefront of these
changing times.
• It is an organization that focuses on advocacy,
education and outreach.
• Deaf communities are scattered throughout the
country, which makes networking critically
important for exchanging of information,
empowerment and enhancement in the quality of
lives for all Deaf people.
• Today, there is not enough equal access. With
improved telecommunications, computer technology
advancement and electronic mail,
• DWU will further its goals and offer its members
access in our desire to fulfill our needs.
For more information on Deaf Women United:
http://www.dwu.org/
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training
Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy
Services
•
ADWAS is committed to providing services to Deaf and
Deaf-Blind victims of sexual assault and/or domestic
violence. The mission of ADWAS is a belief that violence is
a learned behavior and it should not be tolerated.
• ADWAS has advocates on staff to assist people who are
victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and
need help. Services are free of charge and available to
people who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing and
residents of King, Pierce or Snohomish County.
• Advocates can:
• Help you decide your safety plan
• Help you deal with people involved in your situation
• Help you learn about victims rights, and the rights of Deaf
people to have interpreters and fair access to all systems.
• We will help victims whether the police are involved or not,
no matter if you want to leave the abuser or not, no matter
what. We will work with you for as long as you want, until
you feel 100% safe.
For more information on the ADWAS: http://adwas.org
Spring 2005
Transition Services Preparation &
Training