logo blue Deaf History -

Europe

Deaf Advocacy (work in progress)

800 BC - 146 BC: Ancient Greece

800 BC - 146 BC: Ancient Greece

The Greeks felt it was better to kill anyone with a disability.

The deaf were especially considered a burden in Athens, where it was believed that anyone who would be a "burden to society" should be put to death.

Read more:

1803 - 1886:Ferdinand Berthier (FR)

1803 - 1886:Ferdinand Berthier (FR)

Ferdinand Berthier (September 30, 1803 - July 12, 1886) was a deaf educator, intellectual and political organiser in nineteenth-century France, and is one of the earliest champions of deaf identity and culture.

Read more:

1834: The First Silent Banquet in Paris (Banquet Silencieux, FR)

1834: The First Silent Banquet in Paris (Banquet Silencieux, FR)

On November 30, 1834, the first Silent banquet was organized by Ferdinand BERTHIER and Alfred BOCQUIN who are themselves deaf, on the occasion of the 122nd anniversary of the birth of Abbot de l'Epée. This tradition continues to be honored in nearly every country in Europe and in the United States.

Read more:

1861 - 1918: Francis Maginn (UK)

1861 - 1918: Francis Maginn (UK)

Francis Maginn (1861–1918) was a Church of Ireland missionary who worked to improve living standards for the deaf community by promoting sign language and was one of the co-founders of the British Deaf Association.

Read more:

1890: British Deaf Association (BDA)

1890: British Deaf Association (BDA)

The BDA British Deaf Association (BDA) was formed in Leeds as The British Deaf and Dumb Association (BDDA) on 24th July 1890.

Read more:

1893: Fédération Nationale des Sourds de France (FNSF) National Federation of France for the Deaf

1893: Fédération Nationale des Sourds de France (FNSF) National Federation of France for the Deaf

1897: The Federation of French Societies of the Deaf-Mute was declared to the Ministry of the Interior, it was reorganized in 1933 under the chairmanship of Mr Eugène Ruben-ALCAIS.

Read more:

1905: Kuurojen Liittoo ry, Finnish Association of the Deaf

1905: Kuurojen Liittoo ry, Finnish Association of the Deaf

The Association of the Deaf is an interest organization for sign language speakers. The deaf founded this own organization in 1905. The union's premises are located in the White House in Helsinki.

Read more:

1907: The Nordic Council of the Deaf

1907: The Nordic Council of the Deaf

The Nordic Council for the Deaf (DNR) is a non-partisan and non-religious association with the task of working to raise awareness of the linguistic and cultural interests of the deaf in the Nordic countries.

Read more:

1911: Founding of the RNID (UK)

1911: Founding of the RNID (UK)

RNID is the UK charity working to make life fully inclusive for deaf people and those with hearing loss or tinnitus.

Read more:

1913: Österreichische Gehörlosenbund (ÖGLB) (AT)

1913: Österreichische Gehörlosenbund (ÖGLB) (AT)

The ÖGLB was founded in 1913 on the 11th Taubstummentag in Graz as the Reich Association of Deaf-Mute Associations in Austria.

Read more:

1918 - 2007: A.F. Dimmock (UK)

1918 - 2007: A.F. Dimmock (UK)

Arthur Frederick Dimmock (15 July 1918 – 25 November 2007) was an English writer, journalist and historian. He became deaf after a bout of meningitis during early childhood.

Read more:

1918: Norges Døveforbund (NDF)  Norwegian Association of the Deaf

1918: Norges Døveforbund (NDF) Norwegian Association of the Deaf

The first deaf association in Norway was founded in Oslo in 1878.

Read more:

1919: Asociatia Nationala a Surzilor din România (ANSR)  Romanian National Association for the Deaf

1919: Asociatia Nationala a Surzilor din România (ANSR) Romanian National Association for the Deaf

The first group of persons with hearing impairment in Romania was established on November 9, 1919 and was called the Friendly Association of the Deaf-Mute in Romania, under the patronage of Queen Mary, through the voluntary association of a group of deaf.

In 1995, within the National Conference it was decided that the name of the association be “Romanian National Association of the Deaf”, a name that it honors nowadays.

Read more:

1922: Eesti Kurtide Liit  Estonian Association of the Deaf

1922: Eesti Kurtide Liit Estonian Association of the Deaf

The Estonian Society of the Deaf was founded in 1922 in Tallinn when the articles of association had been prepared, reviewed and a founding permit had been obtained.

Read more:

1922: Sveriges Dövas Riksförbund (SDR), Swedish National Association of the Deaf

1922: Sveriges Dövas Riksförbund (SDR), Swedish National Association of the Deaf

SDR was formed on February 26, 1922. Before the formation of SDR, there was the Deaf-Mute Association in Stockholm, which was formed in 1868 by three founders.

Read more:

1927: Deutscher Gehoerlosen-Bund e.V. (DGB)  German Association of the Deaf

1927: Deutscher Gehoerlosen-Bund e.V. (DGB) German Association of the Deaf

The German Deaf Association was founded in 1950. It regards itself as the legal successor to the Reich Association of the Deaf of Germany (ReGeDe), founded in 1927, which was renamed the Reich Association of the Deaf of Germany in 1940 during the Nazi era and was merged into the German Association of the Deaf and Speech Impaired (DGS) in 1943.

Read more:

1934: СЪЮЗ НА ГЛУХИТЕ В БЪЛГАРИЯ (SGB)  Union of the Deaf in Bulgaria

1934: СЪЮЗ НА ГЛУХИТЕ В БЪЛГАРИЯ (SGB) Union of the Deaf in Bulgaria

The Union of the Deaf in Bulgaria is the successor of the former Society of the Deaf and Dumb in Bulgaria, which was founded on July 12, 1934.

Read more:

1935: Danske Døves Landsforbund (DDL)  Danish Deaf Association

1935: Danske Døves Landsforbund (DDL) Danish Deaf Association

The Danish Association of the Deaf (DDL) fights to improve the opportunities for the deaf in Denmark in all areas; education, accessibility, interpretation, the labor market and sign language.

Read more:

1936: Doof Vlaanderen (BE)

1936: Doof Vlaanderen (BE)

Doof Vlaanderen is a federation of Flemish Deaf organizations that works towards equality, emancipation and development of deaf people and their language, the Flemish Sign Language, in society.

Read more:

1946: Schweizerischer Gehöerlosenbund / Fedération Suisse des Sourds / Federazione Svizzera dei Sordi (SGB-FSS)  Swiss Federation of the Deaf

1946: Schweizerischer Gehöerlosenbund / Fedération Suisse des Sourds / Federazione Svizzera dei Sordi (SGB-FSS) Swiss Federation of the Deaf

The Swiss Association of the Deaf was founded in 1946 as a member of the Swiss Association for Aid to the Deaf. Here, hearing experts exclusively determine the fate of deaf and hearing impaired people.

Read more:

1948: Polski Związek Głuchych (PZG)  Board of the Polish Association of the Deaf

1948: Polski Związek Głuchych (PZG) Board of the Polish Association of the Deaf

After the war, in 1946, activists of the Polish Association of Deaf Societies established one nationwide organization called the Polish Association of the Deaf and Their Friends. Since 1955, it has been operating under the name of the Polish Association of the Deaf.

Read more:

1951: World Federation of the Deaf established in Rome

1951: World Federation of the Deaf established in Rome

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established in 1951 during the first World Congress in Rome, Italy. The WFD is an international non-governmental organisation in official liaison with ECOSOC, UNESCO, ILO, WHO and the Council of Europe.

The WFD today continues to be an ever-expanding umbrella organisation providing a wide range of support and advocacy services for 134 national associations of the deaf.

Read more:

1953, 1999: Dovenschap Nieuwe Stijl  Deaf Association of the Netherlands

1953, 1999: Dovenschap Nieuwe Stijl Deaf Association of the Netherlands

In 1953, the Dovenraad (Council of the Deaf) was founded. 

Read more:

1958: International Week of the Deaf launched by the World Federation of the Deaf

1958: International Week of the Deaf launched by the World Federation of the Deaf

International Week of the Deaf is an initiative of the WFD and was first launched in 1958 in Rome, Italy.
It is celebrated annually by the global Deaf Community on the last week of September each year to commemorate the same month the first World Congress of the WFD was held.

Read more:

1960: Felag heyrnarlausra  Icelandic Association of the Deaf

1960: Felag heyrnarlausra Icelandic Association of the Deaf

Founded on 11th of February, 1960, the Icelandic Association of the Deaf is an advocacy, expert and service organization of the Deaf.

Read more:

1973: Għaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigħ  Maltese Deaf People's Association

1973: Għaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigħ Maltese Deaf People's Association

The Deaf People Association Malta was founded in 1973 and represents almost 1500 D/deaf people in Malta.

Read more:

1977: Fédération Francophone des Sourds de Belgique (FFSB)

1977: Fédération Francophone des Sourds de Belgique (FFSB)

Creation of the FFSB, following the linguistic split of the National Federation in 1936.

Read more:

1981: Irish Deaf Society (IDS)

1981: Irish Deaf Society (IDS)

The IDS was set up by a group of Deaf people on the 13th January 1981. They were concerned with a society that was not treating Deaf people as equals.

Read more:

1985: Foundation of the European Union of the Deaf (EUD)

1985: Foundation of the European Union of the Deaf (EUD)

The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) was founded in 1985.

It is EUD's vision that Deaf people all over Europe have equality in both public and private aspects of life. Its main objectives it wants realised are: the recognition of the right to use an indigenous sign language, empowerment through communication and information, and equality in education and employment.

Read more:

1987: Foundation of the EUDY (European Union of the Deaf Youth)

1987: Foundation of the EUDY (European Union of the Deaf Youth)

Established in 1987, EUDY (European Union of the Deaf Youth) is the only organisation representing the interests of Deaf Youth Europeans in Europe. EUDY exists to promote, advance, protect rights, and opportunities for Deaf people in Europe. Emancipation and equal opportunities are key philosophies in our work towards achieving an equal position in society with recognition of Deaf people as full citizens in our right.

EUDY's Vision:
In world where all Deaf Youth who use sign language are able to enjoy their rights, fulfil their responsibilities and obligations, and participate fully as they choose at every level of society.

Read more:

1988: Deaf President Now (USA)

1988: Deaf President Now (USA)

A "Deaf President Now" (DPN) student demonstration was held at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. On March 13 

The protest began on March 6, 1988, when the Board of Trustees announced its decision to appoint a hearing candidate, Elizabeth Zinser, over the other highly qualified Deaf candidates, Irving King Jordan and Harvey Corson, as its seventh president.

Read more:

1988: European Parliament Resolution on Sign Languages

1988: European Parliament Resolution on Sign Languages

On 17 June 1988, the European Parliament unanimously approved a resolution about sign languages. The resolution suggests that all member states recognise their sign languages as official languages of the Deaf community.

Read more:

1990: Svaz Neslyšících a Nedoslýchavých v Čr (UDHH) Czech Republic Union of Deaf and Hard of Hearing

1990: Svaz Neslyšících a Nedoslýchavých v Čr (UDHH) Czech Republic Union of Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Union of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons in the Czech Republic was established on 8 May 1990 as a non-profit civic association.

Read more:

1991: Asociácia Nepočujúcich Slovenska (ANEPS) ; Slovak Association of the Deaf

1991: Asociácia Nepočujúcich Slovenska (ANEPS) ; Slovak Association of the Deaf

The Association of the Deaf of Slovakia (ANEPS) is a voluntary civic association of a humanitarian and charitable nature, formed by the hearing impaired themselves.

Read more:

1993: Federação Portuguesa das Associações de Surdos (FPAS) Portuguese Federation of Associations of the Deaf

1993: Federação Portuguesa das Associações de Surdos (FPAS) Portuguese Federation of Associations of the Deaf

It is the role of FPAS, as the highest representative institution of the Deaf in Portugal, to emphasize and value the Rights of the Deaf Person, carrying out projects and working in various areas.

Read more:

2003: Paddy Lad,

2003: Paddy Lad, "Deafhood"

Dr. Paddy Ladd is a Deaf scholar, author, activist and researcher of Deaf culture. His book "Understanding Deaf CultureIn Search of Deafhood" was published in 2003. 

Read more:

2005 - 2007: Helga Stevens President of EUD

2005 - 2007: Helga Stevens President of EUD

EUD President, 2005 - 2007: Helga Stevens (  Belgium)

Read more:

2006: Adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the UN (UN CRPD)

2006: Adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the UN (UN CRPD)

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNRPD) was adopted on 13 December 2006.

It is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century and is the first human rights convention to be open for signature by regional organizations. The Convention entered into force on 3 May 2008.

Read more:

2009: Dr. Ádám Kósa  first Deaf member of the European Parliament

2009: Dr. Ádám Kósa first Deaf member of the European Parliament

The European Parliamentarian Dr. Adam Kosa from Hungary was the first deaf person elected in European parliamentary elections in June 2009, which marked a historical achievement for the deaf community.

Kosa works in the interests of deaf and disabled Europeans. One of his major aims is to make sign language the 24th official language in the EU.

Read more:

2010: UN CRPD ratification by the EU

2010: UN CRPD ratification by the EU

December 2010, the 28 Member States of the European Union (EU) have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).

By concluding the UN Convention, the EU is committed to ensure and promote the full realization of all human rights for all persons with disabilities through the adoption of new legislation, policies and programmes and the review of existing measures.

Read more:

2013 - now: Dr Markku Jokinen President of EUD

2013 - now: Dr Markku Jokinen President of EUD

EUD President 2013–present: Dr Markku Jokinen (  Finland).

His major goal with the EUD is to strengthen EUD and work on strengtening EU citizenship of deaf people through using EU and other international instruments including UN CRPD.

Read more:

2013: Dr. Liisa Kauppinen receives United Nations Human Rights Award Prize

2013: Dr. Liisa Kauppinen receives United Nations Human Rights Award Prize

Dr. Liisa Kauppinen received the 2013 United Nations Human Rights Award Prize from the United Nations in New York, USA.

The United Nations Prize in the field of Human Rights is an honorary award given to individuals and organisations for outstanding achievement in human rights every five years.

Read more:

2014: Helga Stevens second Deaf Member of the European Parliament

2014: Helga Stevens second Deaf Member of the European Parliament

In May 2014, Helga Stevens was elected Member of the European Parliament. In November 2014, she was elected vice-president of the European Conservatives and Reformists group. In addition to her committee assignments, Stevens served as president of the European Parliament’s Disabilities Intergroup.

Read more:

2015: European Parliament supports full implementation of UN CRPD

2015: European Parliament supports full implementation of UN CRPD

On the 20th May, the European Parliament conducted a plenary debate after which it adopted a resolution in which it expresses its strong support to the full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).  It was adopted with an overwhelming majority among the political parties.

The resolution states that the European Parliament should be fully involved in monitoring and implementing the UN Convention.

Read more:

Print