This document provides a historical overview of the Deaf community and the struggle for human rights. It describes how Deaf people have existed in many ancient societies but faced significant discrimination and lack of understanding. Key issues included restrictions on property ownership, beliefs that Deaf people lacked intelligence and could not be educated, religious persecution, and misdiagnoses that sent Deaf people to asylums. The establishment of Deaf schools in the 18th century helped foster Deaf communities but they were often run by oralists who tried to normalize Deaf children. The Deaf community faced numerous challenges over centuries and made progress with the establishment of Deaf clubs and advocacy for the right to drive and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
8. American School for The Deaf: In one of the earliest photos of the American School for the Deaf, Girls pose for the student plcture in front of the "Old Hartford" building.
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