Sports, Deaf History of

Since time immemorial, deaf people have found a way to find each other and share their commonality and need for visual communication through sign language. Since the first schools for the Deaf were established in the 18th century, deaf people have been congregating in more formal situations, primarily for social and cultural reasons. Most deaf people were and still are born into hearing families where they typically experience difficulties [Page 926]with communication. This, in turn, has led to negative stereotypical attitudes. Many societies have viewed or continue to view deaf people as intellectually inferior and linguistically impoverished and often treat deaf people as marginalized citizens. In sports, however, deaf people have typically felt equal and on a level playing field.

Organized sport activities for the deaf ...