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Born deaf; vision failed until total blindness at age 5. At first attended a small school for the deaf-blind at Bath, then at age 10 transferred to another charitable private school at Swansea, Wales, but drops out of the historical records after 1890.

First identified deaf-blind person in America to receive any attempt at education. Resident of Glastonbury, CT; became deaf and blind at about age 4 1/2 from long-term typhus fever. Progressively lost her ability to speak, and eventually entered the American Asylum for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb at Hartford, CT around 1820, where she learned sign language and lived for many years, performing various small duties.

Son of famous actor Spencer Tracy. Probably born deaf; deafness was discovered at 9 or 10 months of age. Much later it was found he had Usher Syndrome, though almost no source admits this (only his deafness). Taught to speak by his mother Louise. Entered the Wright Oral School ages 3-6 until stricken by polio, which added some physical disability and also weakened his eyesight. Home schooled for a while until he was able to re-enter an oral school for the deaf, then graduated a regular public high school. Graduated Pasadena [CA] Junior College in 1952, then attended an art school for 3 more years. Married in 1953 to a hearing woman and had one son, but this marriage was short-lived. Worked for Walt Disney as an artist in the prop department for several years in the 1960s, but soon after retreated into seclusion and obscurity as Usher Syndrome caused his vision to fail. His eyesight was reported to be nearly completely gone by the early 1980s. Frustrated at the lack of help for parents of deaf children in the Los Angeles area, Mrs. Tracy had founded the John Tracy Clinic, named after her son and initially funded by her husband Spencer, in 1943. Walt Disney, friend of Spencer Tracy, was also a regular charitable contributor to the Clinic, and may also have created a job for John in his company. Initially a walk-in parent counseling program, the Clinic is best known for its parent-education-by-mail program, based on an earlier similar program from the Wright Oral School.

Born at Shiprock, NM; deafness discovered in early childhood. Enrolled at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, graduating 1991. Abruptly lost her vision soon after, and went to the state School for the Blind at Alamagordo for cane use training in 1994. Participated as a presenter in many workshops to educate the public about deaf-blind persons.

Born at Milwaukee, WI; deaf at 6 1/2 from scarlet fever. Her mother took her back to her old home in Scotland in vain search of a cure, but they soon returned to Milwaukee, where she entered the new Milwaukee Day School for the Deaf and remained for 8 years. Graduated a hearing high school after 2 1/2 years, then in 1895 entered the University of Wisconsin, but had to withdraw for financial limitations. Passed a civil service examination to work as a public library assistant, but failed to get a position. Took up journalism instead, publishing articles in various hearing and deaf newspapers and magazines; also wrote a published book, a biography of her teacher Paul Binner (q.v.). From 1902 on, was appointed the teacher of deaf-blind pupil Eva Halliday in the Wisconsin Institution for the Deaf.

Born at Valladolid, Spain; uneducated until age 16. Entered the Colegio Nacional de Sordo-Mudos y Ciegos in Madrid, and remained there apparently for the rest of his adult life.

Reportedly served as a judge despite being deaf-blind.

Hearing. Trained at the Perkins School for the Blind; taught deaf-blind Helen Keller beginning when she was 6, then served as Keller's companion, interpreter, and manager until her (Macy's) death.

Born at Goonamarris, Cornwall; began losing his vision at age 5, and his hearing also started to fade beginning at age 16. Completely deaf by age 19 and totally blind by 30. Even before becoming totally deaf and blind, he was writing poetry and philosophical works, which advocated a personal and controversial approach to spiritual experience of God. Married Ruth Peaty, apparently hearing and sighted, when he was 52 and she 45. Died at Weymouth.

Born deaf in the Louisiana Cajun country; after unsuccessful attempts by "folk healers" to cure her deafness, was sent by her parents to the Louisiana School for the Deaf. Also attended and graduated Gallaudet College (1972). Worked as a librarian at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf until her early retirement about 1995. Married Lance Fischer, a Jewish deaf man. During her 20s, her vision began to become increasingly narrower, and eventually it was confirmed she had Usher syndrome. The high incidence of Usher syndrome among Cajun people led her to re-examine her roots, and eventually she adjusted to a new life celebrating her four cultures: Deaf, Cajun, Blind, and Jewish. Autobiography is Orchid of the Bayou: A Deaf Woman Faces Blindness (2001).