At this conference, a declaration was made that oral education was better than manual (sign) education.
As a result, sign language in schools for the Deaf was banned.
Also, the quality of life and education of deaf students was negatively impacted.
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Even more, the president of Gallaudet College made the executive decision to keep sign language on campus.
This is because the conference was represented by people who were known oralists.
It’s interesting to note that the United States and Britain were the only countries that opposed the ban.
Unfortunately, their opposition was ignored.
In October 1993,Gallaudet Universityheld a conference called “Post Milan ASL and English literacy.”
There will never be another Milan 1880.
Thankfully, sign language is no longer oppressed in schools.
Instead, sign language is embraced as a truly rich and special form of communication.
Gannon, J. R., Butler, J., & Gilbert, L.-J.
(1981).Deaf heritage: A narrative history of deaf America.
Silver Spring, Md: National Association of the Deaf.
Kushalnagar P et al.Infants and children with hearing loss need early language access.J Clin Ethics.
2010 Summer;21(2):143-54.
