Watch Through Deaf Eyes

Through Deaf Eyes is a thought-provoking and emotional documentary that explores the rich and complex history of the Deaf community in America. Produced by PBS and narrated by Linda Gabriel, the film features interviews with dozens of Deaf people, including activists, educators, artists, and ordinary citizens, as well as hearing people who have played key roles in the history of Deaf education and advocacy.

The film begins by exploring the early history of Deaf people in America, from the founding of the first permanent school for the Deaf in the United States in 1817 to the rise of Oralism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which sought to suppress American Sign Language (ASL) and force Deaf people to learn how to speak and lip-read. The film examines the devastating impact of this movement on Deaf culture and identity, and the resistance and resilience of the Deaf community in the face of oppression.

The documentary also explores the history of Deaf education, from the early manualist schools that used sign language as the primary mode of instruction to the development of Total Communication in the 1960s and 1970s, which recognized the importance of multiple modes of communication, including speech, sign language, lip-reading, and gestures. The film features interviews with educators, students, and alumni of Deaf schools, and highlights the crucial role that Deaf schools and Deaf teachers have played in preserving and advancing Deaf culture and identity.

Through Deaf Eyes also delves into the world of Deaf art, showcasing the work of Deaf artists in a variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to dance and theater. The film explores how Deaf artists have used their work to express their unique perspectives on the world, challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Deaf people, and celebrate the richness and diversity of Deaf culture.

In addition to these broader themes, the documentary also features numerous personal stories of Deaf individuals and families, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of living in a predominantly hearing world. From the struggles of Deaf parents to communicate with their hearing children to the experiences of Deaf children growing up in mainstream schools, these stories offer a compelling and intimate look at the daily realities of Deaf life in America.

The film also includes interviews with hearing individuals who have played important roles in the history of Deaf advocacy and education, including Stockard Channing and Ed Chevy, as well as hearing parents of Deaf children who have become advocates for Deaf rights and education.

Through Deaf Eyes is a powerful and moving exploration of the history, culture, and identity of the Deaf community in America. By highlighting the struggles and triumphs of Deaf people throughout history, the film offers a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the ways in which language, culture, and identity shape our lives and our place in the world. Whether you are Deaf or hearing, this documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in the rich and complex history of American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and the Deaf community.