Laurent Clerc

Laurent Clerc (1785-1869) was a pioneering French educator and advocate for the deaf community. He is well known for co-founding the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States, the Hartford School for the Deaf, in 1817, alongside Thomas Gallaudet. Clerc played a crucial role in developing American Sign Language, blending French sign language with local signs. His work significantly advanced deaf education and raised awareness about deaf culture. Clerc's contributions helped lay the foundation for modern deaf education and emphasized the importance of communication and community among deaf individuals.