Day 24: Gallaudet University

The itinerary for today was Gallaudet University tour. If there was even a poll conducted to find one common deaf-centric place that all deaf people will have heard of then Gallaudet university will come out at the top by long distance as it is only deaf university in the world. All courses are accessible in American Sign Language though hearing lecturers or students are also welcomed.

We arrived and it was a nice bonus to be communicate with the security guard in ASL who let us in. The first impression was good as we parked next to American football field, we saw Gallaudet team's logo (which was a bison) beautifully embroidered on the centre of the field. I felt an odd sense of ownership and belonging that the deaf community has a deaf sports team and that Gallaudet University is actually a reality rather than a faraway concept that I have hear so much about.

We arrived at the reception only to discover we just missed the guided tour, luckily it was easy enough to catch up with the tour as they have already stopped for a story. The tour guide was a final year student who was studying language and linguistics. She was really knowledgeable and conducted the tour in ASL which I was able to understand the most of.

We learnt about origins of Gallaudet University where the founder- Gallaudet brothers has a chance meeting with a little deaf girl who spurred him on to provide an equal education for deaf people. After meeting with Laurent Clerc, a legendary pioneer for Deaf in France, he was inspired to start a school for deaf children that eventually evolved into the university it is today. Funnily enough-one of founders was called Amos Kendall (descendants of Sara,James and Ashley haha) who owned the land that the school was built on.

We also learnt origins of several buildings on the campus as well occasional funny students myths. During the tour, I saw a noticeboard where students can write their feedback and thoughts. Some of them are sprinkled with anti-hearing statements which frustrate me that some deaf people still believe in segregation and have an attitude of them against us.

After the tour, we had lunch. The range of the food and signing staff was excellent. We then wandered around look at several displays including an inspirational one about Peace Corps which made me thought about pursuing that as a career option. Overall, it was an amazing day and I really wished there is equivalent in England though I know it is not really a feasible option. We then all made a start on a drive to Niagara Falls.