Laurent Clerc (the Deaf educator)

Laurent Clerc was a pioneering Deaf educator born in France in 1785. He graduated from a school for Deaf students and became a skilled sign language user. In 1817, he co-founded the first American school for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, alongside Thomas Gallaudet. Clerc helped develop American Sign Language, making education accessible for Deaf individuals and advocating for their rights. His work laid the foundation for Deaf education in the United States, promoting communication and inclusion. Clerc’s dedication significantly advanced Deaf culture and the recognition of sign language as a valid form of communication.