Education for the deaf was once a luxury most families couldn’t afford. Prior to the last century, wealthy Americans had to send their hearing-impaired children abroad for education. Youngsters from economically disadvantaged families had little access to education, and most were considered unsuitable for meaningful employment as they got older.
Here in St. Louis, a compassionate ear, nose and throat physician by the name of Dr. Max Goldstein began to worry about the deaf children in his practice. “What can we do to help them have a better future?” he asked his wife. During post-graduate medical training in Vienna, he met a professor who was teaching deaf children to talk, so they could communicate and function in the hearing world. In 1914 Goldstein began doing the same, starting what would become Central Institute for the Deaf in two rooms of his medical office.
CID has been at the forefront of progressive education for the deaf ever since. “We teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing to listen, speak, read and interact with others—without using sign language,” explains executive director Robin Feder. Students graduate as soon as they’re ready to attend a mainstream school. “We prepare them to thrive academically, socially and professionally in the hearing, speaking world.” CID alumni have made their mark as architects, lawyers, social workers, pilots, engineers and artists, she adds.
The institute serves children from birth to age 12 with an array of individualized programs, including classes at its Central West End school, at-home instruction, and audiology and speech therapy services. “We work closely with their families, a vital element in the educational process,” Feder says. CID also partners with institutions, educators and professionals worldwide to offer continuing education and other resources to professionals in deaf education and related fields.
“One of the things we’re most proud of is that we never turn down an eligible child, regardless of the family’s ability to pay,” Feder says. “Generous public support keeps us affordable for everyone who needs our services.” CID’s major annual fundraiser, titled CID Ultimate Birthday Bash in honor of the institute’s centennial, takes place April 5 at The Ritz-Carlton. The celebration, emceed by Mike Bush, is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors. Laurie Miller chairs the event and live auction; Rachel Oliver chairs the silent auction.
A framed, autographed photo hangs across from Feder’s desk. It reads, To Dr. Max Goldstein, in warm appreciation for his work with the deaf. Helen Keller. “Dr. Goldstein taught Keller how to do the two-step on one of her visits to CID,” Feder says with a smile. Keller was both blind and deaf, she notes. “When asked which was harder to bear, she chose deafness, because blindness cuts you off from things, but deafness cuts you off from people. For 100 years, CID has empowered its students to overcome social isolation. By having access to the same opportunities as every other human being, they’re able to contribute their talents to the world.”
Photo by CID
[CID Ultimate Birthday Bash, a fundraiser celebrating the centennial of Central Institute for the Deaf, takes place April 5 at The Ritz-Carlton. For ticket and sponsorship information, call 314.977.0163 or visit cid.edu.]