During the 96-97 school year I worked as a Dorm Parent for the Texas School for the Deaf.  During that time I had pleasure of being a photographer in a world-wide project documenting Deaf Culture around the world on a specific day.  Similar to "Day in the Life of America" 300 photographers in 30 countries photographed life in the Deaf Community during the 24 hours of May 1, 1997.  The only restriction was that all the photographers had to be either Deaf themselves, or work with the Deaf in a cultural way.  Though I am hearing, working as a surrogate guardian for deaf teenagers qualified me. Residential state schools for the deaf have traditionally been the foundation of Deaf Culture in America.  Since most deaf children are born to hearing parents, the residential schools are often the place that deaf kids meet their first deaf adult role models.  The schools are where the folklore and traditions of Deaf life are passed on from one generation to the next. 

For more information on this project see:

www.one-day.com

February  1,  2001

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"After classes Texas School for the Deaf Students often congregate under this particular tree to socialize and make plans for the evening."

"Jeremy calls home using one of the schools old, yet serviceable text telephones."

"Sammy, an aspiring auto mechanic, discusses a transmission with his auto shop teacher."