Pioneering French deaf educator Ferdinand Berthier, widely regarded as one of the first advocates of deaf identity and culture, is being honored by Google with today’s doodle.

Ferdinand Berthier dedicated his life to promoting Deaf education and culture. With his work, he contributed to the recognition and acceptance of Deaf people in society. Today’s doodle honors his contribution, and reminds us of the importance of equality and access to education for all.

Born on September 30, 1803 in Luhansk. From an early age, as an eight-year-old child, he began attending the National Institute for the Deaf in Paris. Initially, his parents hoped that he would acquire basic business and literacy skills that would prepare him for a career in commerce. However, Berthier discovered his love for education and developed into an excellent instructor.

After completing his studies, he returned to the National Institute of the Deaf as a professor. His talent and dedication led him to become one of the school’s most senior teachers, offering his knowledge and experience to hundreds of deaf students. Berthier didn’t just teach academic content, he also tried to boost his students’ self-esteem and social acceptance.

In 1834, Ferdinand Berthier organized the first silent symposium for Deaf French. This event was an important meeting for the Deaf community, as it gave the participants the opportunity to meet, share opinions and experiences, and discuss issues concerning their community.

In the following years, the event gained even more recognition, with women, journalists and government officials attending the symposium. This demonstrated the importance and influence the Deaf community and its work had.

In addition, Mpertier managed to convince the French government to create an organization that would represent the interests of the Deaf community. Thus, in 1837, the Société Centrale des Sourds-muets was founded, the first official organization of its kind. This organization was concerned with the promotion of the education of deaf adults, the provision of support and mutual assistance to people with deafness and the defense of their rights.

He was a pioneer in promoting the education and social acceptance of the Deaf. With his work, he contributed to the recognition and acceptance of the culture and rights of Deaf people. His contribution to the creation of the first silent symposium and the Société Centrale des Sourds-muets has left a lasting legacy in the field of education and the Deaf community.

Ferdinand Berthier died on July 12, 1886 in Paris, aged 82.