LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the New York State School for the Deaf
upon the occasion of celebrating its 135th Anniversary on March 25, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of distinguished purpose and high standards
whose exemplary programs and accomplishments demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of students with severe and
profound hearing loss; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the New York State School for the Deaf upon the occasion of its 135th
Anniversary to be celebrated on Thursday, March 25, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The first steps toward the organization of the New York State
School for the Deaf were taken in the summer of 1874, when Alphonso
Johnson, a deaf man, and a graduate from the New York Institution for
the Deaf and a teacher for some time, came to Rome, New York, and
proposed to establish a school; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas Gallaudet, son of Thomas H. Gallaudet, helped
Alphonso Johnson in getting a group of Rome businessmen interested in
establishing a school for the deaf; and
WHEREAS, After eight months of planning, on March 22, 1875, the
initial building, a rented two-story brick house, formally opened with
an attendance of four pupils; Alphonso Johnson was both Principal and
Teacher; the four students were from Clayton, Watertown and Rome; and
WHEREAS, September 1, 1875, commenced the first academic school year
of the then named Central New York Institution for Deaf-Mutes, with
Alphonso Johnson as Principal, one other instructor, and a board of 15
trustees; in 1931, the name of the school was changed to the Central New
York School for the Deaf; and
WHEREAS, On July 1, 1963, the school became a state facility by the
act of the State Legislature with powers and control transferred from
the corporation jurisdiction to the State Education Department and the
Board of Regents; it was at this time that the institution became known
as the New York State School for the Deaf; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, plans were started for the development of a new
school campus; construction first began on the lower school building and
was completed and occupied in 1967; however, facility development
continued through 1975, and was finished with the construction of the
outdoor recreation and athletic areas; and
WHEREAS, Today, New York State School for the Deaf consists of 17
acres and is one of the most beautiful and functional facilities for the
education of deaf children and young adults in the country; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, New York State School
for the Deaf has faithfully endured to ensure that each student has the
maximum opportunity for growth and development as tailored and designed
to complement his or her individual abilities, and to create a strong
foundation for a productive, happy life; and
WHEREAS, The programs at the New York State School for the Deaf in
their entirety are both innovative and progressive, and with its staff
of highly capable and talented instructors, the school will continue to
provide quality educational services for all those enrolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its high-
est commendation to all of the individuals who have been involved with
the New York State School for the Deaf, past and present, noting the
importance of their work and their unwavering commitment to deaf chil-
dren; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the New York State School for the Deaf upon the occasion of
celebrating its 135th Anniversary on March 25, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York State School for the Deaf.