Dorothy Miles (1925–2002) was a remarkable figure in the world of deaf education and activism. She was not only a talented educator and advocate but also a passionate champion of the rights of deaf people, especially in the areas of sign language use and cultural preservation. Her efforts to promote the use of American Sign Language (ASL) and establish it as a legitimate form of communication set her apart as a leader in her field. Her legacy lives on in the work of educators, activists, and researchers who continue to advocate for the rights of the deaf community.
This blog post will explore the life of Dorothy Miles, focusing on her early years, her contributions to the deaf community, and her influence on both the educational and cultural aspects of the deaf world.
Early Life and Education
Dorothy Miles was born in 1925 in London, England, into a hearing family. From a young age, she experienced a profound connection to language and communication, even though she herself was not deaf. However, her journey into the world of deafness began when she met several deaf individuals during her studies, which sparked her deep interest in the language and culture of the deaf community.
Her academic background was diverse, but she primarily focused on the study of languages and education. As a young woman, she pursued higher education at various institutions, eventually specializing in education, language, and communication. It was during her time at these institutions that she discovered the significance of sign language as an essential tool for communication among deaf individuals.
Moving to America: A New Chapter in Advocacy
In the 1950s, Dorothy Miles moved to the United States, where she encountered a vastly different landscape in terms of deaf education. At this time, American Sign Language (ASL) was still struggling for recognition as a legitimate language, and most educational institutions still primarily used oralism—the teaching method that encourages deaf students to lip-read and speak, instead of using sign language. Oralism, while designed with the intent of helping deaf individuals assimilate into the hearing world, often had detrimental effects on the deaf community, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration among many deaf people.
Dorothy Miles quickly became aware of these challenges. She was particularly troubled by the dominance of oralism in educational settings and the suppression of ASL, which she believed was the most effective means of communication for many deaf people. As a result, she dedicated herself to advocating for sign language recognition, alongside developing educational approaches that would embrace the natural communication methods of the deaf community.
Contribution to Sign Language Recognition
Dorothy Miles is perhaps best known for her role in championing the legitimacy of American Sign Language as a complete and expressive language. During the mid-20th century, ASL was often seen as an unstructured “gesture system” rather than a fully developed language with its own grammar and syntax. This misconception was not only harmful to deaf people but also reinforced the idea that sign language was inferior to spoken languages.
Miles, who was an expert in language and communication, worked tirelessly to dispel these myths. She was an advocate for the recognition of ASL as a fully developed and complex language, with its own unique rules of grammar and vocabulary. This advocacy work culminated in significant research projects and publications that demonstrated ASL’s linguistic richness.
One of her most significant contributions was her involvement in the research conducted by the linguist William Stokoe in the 1960s. Stokoe is often credited with revolutionizing the understanding of sign language as a legitimate language. However, it was Dorothy Miles who was one of his key collaborators and who helped bring attention to the cultural and educational implications of recognizing ASL as a full-fledged language. Her ability to work alongside linguists and researchers, while also remaining deeply connected to the lived experiences of the deaf community, made her an invaluable part of this groundbreaking movement.
ASL in Education: A New Approach
While advocating for ASL’s legitimacy as a language, Dorothy Miles also worked within educational settings to create new strategies for teaching deaf children. She understood the critical importance of language in cognitive development, and she argued that sign language was not only an appropriate form of communication but also a tool that could facilitate learning for deaf students.
Miles was a firm believer in the concept of bilingual-bicultural education for deaf students. This approach emphasizes teaching deaf children both sign language (ASL) and written/spoken English, while also fostering an understanding and appreciation of deaf culture. This approach has been shown to help students maintain a strong sense of identity and pride while also preparing them for participation in the wider society.
She was particularly influential in advocating for bilingual education programs in schools for the deaf. Through her work, she encouraged educators to recognize that deaf students could learn English, and even excel academically, as long as they were given access to a visual language such as ASL. Her ideas laid the groundwork for the modern bilingual approach to deaf education, which is still widely used today.
A Role Model for Deaf Activism
In addition to her work in education, Dorothy Miles was also a fierce advocate for the civil rights of deaf individuals. During the 1960s and 1970s, when the broader civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States, Miles was deeply involved in efforts to improve the social and political status of the deaf community. She was particularly focused on issues such as the right to equal access to education, employment opportunities, and social services for deaf individuals.
One of the defining moments of her advocacy career came when she supported the efforts of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and other organizations in their fight for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This landmark piece of legislation was a critical victory for people with disabilities, including those in the deaf community, as it mandated accessibility in public spaces, employment, and education.
Miles also served as a mentor to countless deaf students and professionals throughout her career. Her work inspired a generation of deaf activists who would go on to continue the fight for linguistic rights, educational access, and broader social inclusion.
The Legacy of Dorothy Miles
Dorothy Miles passed away in 2002, but her impact on the deaf community and the field of deaf education remains profound. Her advocacy for ASL and her tireless work toward creating a more inclusive educational system for deaf children set the stage for a more positive outlook on deaf culture and sign language.
Today, Dorothy Miles is remembered not only for her groundbreaking work in linguistics and education but also for her role in advocating for the recognition and celebration of deaf culture. Her legacy continues in the many individuals who are working to promote ASL, increase access to education for deaf students, and support the rights of deaf people worldwide.
In recognition of her contributions, there are scholarships, awards, and institutions that honor her work. Her influence can be seen in the way that the deaf community has gained greater visibility, empowerment, and respect in society. Through her work, Dorothy Miles helped to change the narrative around deafness and showed the world that sign language is not just a tool for communication—it is a vibrant, rich language that is integral to the identity and culture of millions of people worldwide.
Dorothy Miles’ Impact on Deaf Culture and Language Preservation
In addition to her work in education and advocacy, Dorothy Miles also contributed to the preservation of deaf culture through her involvement in the arts. She was a passionate advocate for the use of sign language in storytelling, theater, and poetry. Miles believed that ASL could be a powerful medium for self-expression and that the stories and experiences of deaf people should be shared and celebrated in their own language.
One of her most famous contributions in this area was her work with the National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD). She collaborated with the NTD on various projects that incorporated both ASL and spoken English, demonstrating that sign language could be used not just for day-to-day communication but also as an artistic and expressive tool. Her involvement in these efforts helped to bring greater recognition to the idea that deaf culture, like any other culture, is rich with history, tradition, and artistic expression.
Conclusion
Dorothy Miles’ career was a testament to the power of advocacy, education, and cultural pride. As one of the leading figures in the movement for the recognition of American Sign Language, she helped to shape the way that the world understands deafness and deaf culture. Her work laid the foundation for modern deaf education, and her contributions continue to inspire those who are dedicated to creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Through her advocacy, teaching, and artistic work, Dorothy Miles’ legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.
About The Author
