Hofsteater, Howard Tracy "Hoffy"

Born deaf to deaf parents, who taught him English in infancy through constant fingerspelling only. Home schooled until age 9, when he entered 4th grade at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and the Blind; promoted quickly, he graduated at the age of 14, promptly entering Gallaudet College, from which he also graduated. Master's degree from the University of Illinois. Taught at the Michigan and Alabama schools for the deaf; briefly was partner in the Coosa Valley Press of Talladega, AL. In 1947, joined the faculty of the Illinois School for the Deaf, remaining there until his death. He coined the term "Simultaneous Communication". Died of burns from spilled lighter fluid.