A weekend charged with spirit and sentiment

By Beth Folsom

Some of the most renowned individuals in Gallaudet’s history and in the fields of sign language and deaf studies gathered recently to pay homage to a man who has impacted the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people everywhere.

The occasion was an October 15-17 conference in tribute of William (Bill) Stokoe widely referred to as the “Father of American Sign Language.” Stokoe also celebrated his 80th birthday over the weekend, reminiscing with friends and colleagues.

President I. King Jordan presented the opening address, commenting, “Imagine what life would be like without Stokoe’s contributions.” Dr. Jordan described the history of deaf life during the 1950’s, ’60’s, and ’70’s and the evolution of perceptions and attitudes toward deaf people. He credited Stokoe and his team of researchers with validating sign language, which has empowered deaf people. Jordan called Stokoe a “trailblazer” whose revolutionary work advanced linguistics, language acquisition studies, education, and culture.

Dr. Glenn Anderson, chair of Gallaudet’s Board of Trustees, discussed the impact of Stokoe’s sign language research on the deaf community, specifically black deaf communities in America. He shared how Stokoe was personally supportive when he was elected to the chairmanship of the Board in 1994.

Dr. Carol Padden, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees and the chair and professor of the Department of Communication at the University of California, San Diego, presented the closing address, “The Future of American Sign Language.” Formerly a student who was mentored by Stokoe, Padden stated that the “future is in the present.” She explained that technology and advances in the rights of deaf people, have given deaf people enhanced self-efficacy. Education and employment opportunities are more accessible, which has improved self-development and independence. In contrast to the conditions 30 years ago, the future is now.

Throughout the conference, individuals shared their own stories of their work with Stokoe and the way in which he touched their lives. Many agreed that he did much more than linguistics research--he inspired today’s leaders to pursue their dreams, to establish the pride that is now known in deaf culture. Stokoe’s influence can be directly linked to the legitimization of signed languages around the world and major movements such as “Deaf President Now” in 1988, the 1989 Deaf Way, and the Deaf Way II conference that is being planned for 2002.

The conference was sponsored by the Office of the President, the Gallaudet University Press, and the College for Continuing Education. The conference chair was Dr. David Armstrong, Gallaudet’s budget director.

Beth Folsom is a logistics technician in CCE’s Office of Summer, Evening, and Weekend Programs, and is pursuing a master’s degree in administration and supervision.