Women have been at the heart of every movement for progress—whether in science, activism, the arts, or education. Throughout history, women have fought for inclusion, shattered expectations, and changed the world in ways too often overlooked. And when we look at the Deaf community, we see the same pattern of resilience and brilliance.
For centuries, Deaf women have carved out space for themselves in fields that weren’t built to accommodate them. They’ve challenged stereotypes, advanced accessibility, and left legacies that continue to inspire. Their contributions have shaped education, law, politics, entertainment, sports, and so much more.
At Gateway, we believe in honoring the past while building a future where every individual—regardless of hearing ability—has the opportunity to thrive. Today, we’re celebrating 10 Deaf women who changed history and paved the way for generations to come.
1. Laura Redden Searing (1839–1923) – Journalist & Poet
A fearless journalist and poet, Laura Redden Searing wrote under the pen name Howard Glyndon to navigate the male-dominated press. Losing her hearing due to illness at 11, she mastered writing and became one of the first Deaf women to make a mark in journalism. She interviewed President Ulysses S. Grant and covered the Civil War—proving that disability was no barrier to storytelling.
2. Helen Keller (1880–1968) – Author, Activist, & Educator
Helen Keller is one of the most famous DeafBlind individuals in history. With the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan, she shattered communication barriers and became an influential advocate for disability rights. Keller wrote 14 books, gave speeches around the world, and co-founded the ACLU. Her life is a testament to perseverance, education, and advocacy.
3. Gertrude Galloway (1930–2014) – First Female President of the NAD
A powerhouse in Deaf advocacy, Gertrude Galloway was the first woman to serve as president of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). She fought for gender equality in leadership and was instrumental in advancing Deaf education. She also worked to improve access to services for Deaf women, ensuring they had a voice in decisions affecting their lives.
4. Marlee Matlin (Born 1965) – Award-Winning Actress
Marlee Matlin broke Hollywood barriers as the first (and so far only) Deaf actor to win an Academy Award for Children of a Lesser God in 1986. She has since starred in numerous TV shows and movies, using her platform to advocate for Deaf representation in media. Her work in entertainment and activism continues to inspire Deaf actors and audiences worldwide.
5. Claudia Gordon – Disability Rights Lawyer & Advocate
The first Black Deaf woman to become a lawyer in the United States, Claudia Gordon has dedicated her career to fighting discrimination. She has worked in the White House, advocating for disability rights, and played a crucial role in implementing accessibility policies. Her work ensures that people with disabilities, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, have equal opportunities.
6. Ann Silver – Deaf Artist & Advocate
A pioneer in Deaf art, Ann Silver uses her work to challenge perceptions of Deaf culture and identity. Her designs, often infused with humor and social critique, highlight the richness of Deaf experiences. Silver has also been a leader in making graphic design more accessible and inclusive for Deaf creatives.
7. Marie Jean Philip (1953–1997) – ASL Educator & Activist
Marie Jean Philip was a champion for bilingual education, ensuring American Sign Language (ASL) was recognized as a legitimate language in Deaf education. Her advocacy helped establish bilingual-bicultural programs in schools, allowing Deaf children to learn in ASL while also acquiring English literacy.
8. Agatha Tiegel Hanson (1873–1959) – First Deaf Woman to Graduate College
As the first Deaf woman to graduate from Gallaudet University (then the Columbia Institution for the Deaf), Agatha Tiegel Hanson set a precedent for women in higher education. She advocated for Deaf women’s rights and challenged the idea that Deaf individuals were intellectually inferior.
9. Raisa Kazakova – Deaf Olympic Champion
A trailblazer in sports, Raisa Kazakova was a Deaf Olympic gold medalist in cycling. She competed in the Deaflympics, proving that Deaf athletes could achieve greatness on the international stage. Her achievements continue to inspire young Deaf athletes to pursue their dreams.
10. Nyla DiMarco – Activist & Model
Breaking barriers in fashion and entertainment, Nyla DiMarco is a Deaf model, advocate, and speaker. As the mother of Nyle DiMarco (winner of America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars), she has also played a key role in supporting Deaf talent. Her advocacy work focuses on Deaf education and language accessibility.
Why These Stories Matter
When women rise, society rises with them. The achievements of Deaf women throughout history prove that barriers—whether societal or systemic—can and must be broken. These leaders fought for accessibility, equality, and representation, ensuring a more inclusive world for future generations.
At Gateway, we honor their legacies by continuing the fight for inclusion, communication access, and Deaf rights. Whether through our ASL classes, interpreting services, educational programs, or advocacy efforts, we are committed to creating a world where every voice—spoken, signed, or written—is valued.
https://www.ava.me/blog/womens-history-month-spotlighting-deaf-women-advocates-artists
https://deafunity.org/article_interview/11-inspirational-deaf-women/
https://library.rit.edu/ntid-blog/seven-first-deaf-women-csd
Learn More About Gateway Maryland
Gateway Maryland connects people to their worlds and aids individuals in their ability to understand and to be understood. Gateway Maryland has grown into an organization that serves more than 4,000 children and adults every year, helping them communicate more effectively. With programming both on our Baltimore campus and through community-based programming, we provide education, access, and medical support to anyone who needs it.
We envision a society where everyone can understand and be understood and where everyone is treated with integrity, compassion, and equity.
