People Who Have Made A Difference

Now that we're in the 21st Century, let me introduce you to several people who have made a difference in the last Century. They are deaf and/or Hearing Impaired yet they aren't invisible in their chosen fields. In this article, I'll be focusing on the people in The Performing Arts.

A young New York, high school senior, Bruce Hlibok had a starring role, in a long running off Broadway production called "Runaway." Bruce came from a socially active family. His brother Greg, was one of the student leaders of the Galludet revolt.

The Galludet University is a liberal arts college specifically for Deaf people. In March of 1988, the students and teachers revolted.

Once again the college board hired a hearing person to be the President. Together the students and the teachers closed down the University. They started a movement called, "Deaf President Now." They held up banners that said, "Deaf Pride."

Together the Teachers and Students won the right to have a Deaf President in Office. Dr. I King Jordan became the Universities First Deaf President. His motto was, "We will no longer accept limits on what we achieve."

Lou Ferrigno overcame his disability and found success. He has a 65% hearing loss. He began weight lifting, winning the title of Mr. Universe two times, within his career.

His television role on "The Incredible Hulk" as the alter-ego of Dr. Banner (Bill Bixby) made him famous the world over. Lou appeared on November 27 & 28, 1999 at the mid-Ohio-con Comic Book and Pop Culture Party to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. He will be appearing in the upcoming Disney feature "Ping" as a Dog Catcher.

Linda Bove was the first Deaf Actress to have a continuing role in a television series. Linda has appeared on Sesame Street since the 70's. A Galludet Graduate, Linda has been with the National Theatre of the Deaf, for a decade prior to joining the popular television program.

As Deaf performers around the country began searching for outlets, New York Deaf Theatre established in 1979, not only provided professional quality plays, it has also held an annual Deaf Playwright's competition.

Bernard Bragg, a professor at Galludet is well regarded in the Deaf community for his acting skills. Studing with the likes of Marcel Marceau. Bernard performed his One-Man Mime Shows throughout the United States and Europe. Bragg who holds an honorary doctorate from Galludet has appeared on National television many times and even had his own series entitled, "The Quiet Man."

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