Weitbrecht, Robert Haig

Born deaf. At first attended a small private school, then graduated public schools, Santa Ana Junior College, and the University of California, Berkeley (1942); later got a master's degree from the University of Chicago. Worked as a physicist and electronic engineer before beginning his own business; invented the acoustic coupler which makes possible the TTY. Founded a company to manufacture TTYs, which eventually became Ultratec, Inc.; another company became Weitbrecht Communications Inc. Earned a private pilot's license in 1967 and owned his own airplane. Receipent of several honors and awards, including an honorary doctorate from Gallaudet College (1974). Died after being struck by a car while walking his dog.