Alexander Graham Bell Association For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) is a resource, support network, and advocate for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The organization was founded by Alexander Graham Bell, a renowned inventor and scientist who had a deep interest in the field of audiology and speech-language pathology.

History[edit | edit source]

The AG Bell was established in 1890 by Alexander Graham Bell. The organization was initially known as the Volta Bureau, named after the Volta Laboratory and Bureau, which Bell had established earlier. The Volta Bureau was dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge relating to the deaf, and it later evolved into the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Mission and Vision[edit | edit source]

The mission of AG Bell is to ensure that people who are deaf and hard of hearing can hear and talk. The organization envisions a world where "hearing loss is a thing of the past". AG Bell provides a variety of services, including education, research, advocacy, and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, their families, and the professionals who work with them.

Programs and Services[edit | edit source]

AG Bell offers a range of programs and services to support its mission. These include:

Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) Services: AG Bell promotes early diagnosis of hearing loss and early intervention with appropriate amplification and LSL services.
Scholarship Programs: AG Bell provides financial aid to students who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are pursuing a degree in a field related to the mission of AG Bell.
Advocacy: AG Bell advocates for the rights of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at the local, state, and federal levels.
Research: AG Bell supports research in the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology.

Criticism and Controversy[edit | edit source]

While AG Bell has been praised for its advocacy and support services, it has also faced criticism. Some members of the Deaf community have criticized the organization for its emphasis on oralism (the education of deaf students through oral language) and its perceived neglect of sign language.