Pierre Desloges was a remarkable figure who overcame significant adversity to become a prominent voice for the deaf community. Born in 1742 in Touraine, France, he lost his hearing at the age of seven due to smallpox. Despite this, he went on to become a bookbinder and upholsterer.
Key Points about Pierre Desloges:
- Overcame deafness: Despite losing his hearing at a young age, Desloges learned to sign at 27 and became a vocal advocate for the deaf community.
- Author and activist: He wrote several influential books, including "Observations d'un sourd et muet" (Observations of a Deaf Mute), which is considered a landmark work in deaf history.
- Defender of sign language: Desloges was a strong supporter of sign language as a means of communication for the deaf, challenging the prevailing view that oralism was superior.
- Political engagement: He was also involved in political activism during the French Revolution, writing about contemporary issues.
Desloges' life and work have had a lasting impact on the deaf community, and his contributions to the understanding of deafness and the importance of sign language are still recognized today.
