Fant, Louie Judson "Lou"

Hearing child of deaf parents. Plans to study at Baylor University and enter the ministry changed when he realized he enjoyed teaching more. MA from Teachers College, Columbia University (1955) and teaching certificate from the Lexington School for the Deaf. Taught at the New York School for the Deaf (Fanwood), then taught at Gallaudet College until 1967. Founding member of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; author of two popular American Sign Language textbooks; coined the term "Ameslan" (from AMErican Sign LANguage). Founding member, 1967-1970, of the National Theatre of the Deaf and sometime actor in small parts in TV shows, films, and commercials. Also coached hearing actors on their sign language. Faculty member at California State University, Northridge, from 1970 until 1989, when he moved to Seattle to head the interpreter training program at Seattle Central Community College. Retired 2000 and died in Seattle from a lung infection following pulmonary fibrosis.