Bridgman, Laura Dewey

ID
0449
Nationality
American
Occupation
Deaf-blind
Summary
Said to be the first deaf-blind person in America, and probably the world, to be successfully educated (at the Perkins School for the Blind, by Samuel Gridley Howe); afterward, she lived at the School. Became deaf and blind at age 2 from fever; she had begun to speak by that time, but lost the skill and never regained it. Biography books about her include The Education of Laura Bridgman: First deaf and Blind Person to Learn Language (2001) and The Imprisoned Guest: Samuel Howe and Laura Bridgman, the Original Deaf-Blind Girl (also 2001).
References
Gallaudet Encyclopedia, vol.1 p.157-159; Encyclopedia of Special Education, vol.1, p.246; American National Biography, vol.3 p.529-531; Deaf Women, p.78.
Dates
21 December 1829-24 May 1889