"Life Before Captions": Deaf NYC Stories

Many American cities have large interconnected Deaf communities. The New York City Deaf community is perhaps one of the largest. While cultural neighborhoods are distinct, and deaf individuals participate in a variety of organizations, the underlying story is one of seeking linguistic connection. A critical mass of Deaf people creates opportunities for camaraderie, shared information, and ease of language access.

Minimal documentation has been conducted on urban deaf life in the mid-20th century. Comparison and contrast with hearing communities are part of this humanities research that examines the way groups wrestle with linguistic, educational and employment challenges while building and maintaining cultural connections.

The Deaf NYC project has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and ZVRS.

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this Deaf NYC project: ZH-252962 do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

About the National Endowment for the Humanities:

Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at:www.neh.gov.