Introduction
Hey there, little friend! Today, we are going to learn about a very special person named Ferdinand Berthier. He was an amazing man who helped many people who couldn’t hear, just like how some of your toys might need batteries to make sounds. Ferdinand did many great things in his life, and we’re going to explore his story together. Let’s find out more about Ferdinand Berthier and his wonderful work ibomma!
Early Life
First, let’s talk about Ferdinand’s early life. Ferdinand Berthier was born on September 30, 1803, in a place called Louhans, in France. When Ferdinand was a young boy, he couldn’t hear like you and me. This means he was deaf. At the age of eight, he went to a special school in Paris called the Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris.
Learning and Influences
At school, Ferdinand learned many things, and he had some very special teachers. One of his teachers was named Roch-Ambroise Auguste Bébian. Bébian was not deaf, but he learned French Sign Language to help teach his students. Ferdinand also learned from two other important teachers, Jean Massieu and Laurent Clerc, who were both deaf like him. These teachers helped Ferdinand understand the importance of sign language and deaf culture.
Becoming a Teacher
By the time Ferdinand was 27 years old, he became a teacher at the same school where he studied. He loved teaching and helping other deaf students learn and grow. Ferdinand believed that deaf people could do anything if they had the right help and support baddies west.
Helping the Deaf Community
Besides teaching, Ferdinand wanted to do even more to help the deaf community. So, in 1837, he asked the French government if he could start a special group for deaf people. This group was called the Société Centrale des Sourds-muets, which means “Central Society of Deaf-Mutes.”
What Did the Group Do?
The group that Ferdinand started helped deaf people in many ways. It brought deaf people together from all over the world, so they could help each other and share their experiences. This group also organized classes for adults, so they could keep learning even after they finished school. It was a place where deaf people could feel understood and supported.
Writing Books
Moreover, Ferdinand loved to write. He wrote many books about deaf history and deaf culture. He wanted everyone to know that deaf people have their own language and culture, which are very important. His books talked about deaf artists and poets who used sign language to create beautiful works of art.
Honors and Awards
Furthermore, Ferdinand’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed. In 1849, he received a very special award called the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur. This is the highest honor you can get in France, and Ferdinand was the first deaf person to receive it. This award showed that his work was very important and appreciated by many people.
Later Life and Legacy
Finally, let’s talk about Ferdinand’s later life. Ferdinand Berthier passed away on July 12, 1886, in Paris. He was 82 years old. Even though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. In fact, on September 30, 2023, there was a special Google Doodle made to honor him. A Google Doodle is a fun drawing on the Google homepage that celebrates important people and events. This doodle helped many more people learn about Ferdinand Berthier and his amazing contributions to the deaf community.
Conclusion
So, that’s the story of Ferdinand Berthier! He started a special group, wrote many books, and received a very special award for his work. Ferdinand showed us that with love and support, anyone can achieve great things. Remember, it’s important to be kind and help others, just like Ferdinand did.
