When Clerc was about one year old he fell of his high chair into a fireplace. This incident lead him to lose his hearing and left a scar.
First school for the deaf in america
GALLAUDET
When Clerc was 12 years old his uncle enrolled him into the Institut National des Jeune Sourds-Muets. This was the first deaf public school. Abbe De L'Epee established this school and was also known as the father of deaf. Jean Massieu was his first teacher and ended up becoming his friend.
Official School Building
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Abbe Sicard was in prison and was to be killed. Massieu led a petition with the school and Clerc to set Sicard free. Sicard ended up being released. In 1805 Sicard decided to visit England and brought Clerc and Massieu with him. In London Thomas Gaullaudet attended one of their lectures.
Clerc's Influence
The Connecticut Asylum at Hartford for the instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons started off as rented rooms . Alice Cogswell was the first student to enroll. Gallaudet served as the principle and Clerc was the head Teacher.
MrClerc
In 1818 Clerc was the first deaf person to address the Connecticut Legislature. In 1819-1820 a Connecticut bill was sponsored and the school was granted 23,000 acres of land in Alabama that was sanctioned by President Monroe. The proceeds were given to the school to construct a building.
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Clerc had a huge influence on deaf culture. He taught many students and trained many teachers. These students and teachers passed down his teachings . His accomplishments have shaped todays deaf society.