Dorothy Miles: A Great Luminary in Communication and Accessibility Advocacy 2024

Dorothy Miles, In the tapestry of social reform and education, few figures shine as brightly as Dorothy Miles. Born during a time when societal perceptions regarding disabilities were fraught with misunderstandings and limited opportunities, Dorothy Miles blossomed into a pioneering advocate whose work transformed the landscape of communication for individuals with disabilities. A true visionary, she devoted her life to ensuring that every voice could be heard and that every individual could express their thoughts, emotions, and dreams, regardless of their communication challenges.

Biography

Dorothy Miles (née Squire) was born on August 19, 1931, in the charming town of Holywell, Flintshire, North Wales. She was the beloved youngest child of James and Amy Squire (née Brick) and grew up in a vibrant family with four older siblings, each of whom contributed to her supportive upbringing. Tragically, her early childhood was marked by a significant health challenge; in 1939, at the tender age of eight, she contracted cerebrospinal meningitis. This life-altering illness rendered her deaf, yet it did not diminish her indomitable spirit or her thirst for knowledge.

Determined to pursue an education despite her challenges, Dorothy Miles attended the Royal School for the Deaf and later the Mary Hare School. These institutions provided her with a nurturing environment to develop her communication skills and artistic talents, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors. It was here that she first discovered her love for literature and the expressive power of sign language.

In 1957, now a young woman of 25, Miles took a bold step that would shape her destiny. She crossed the Atlantic Ocean to attend Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., the world-renowned institution dedicated to the education of deaf individuals. Sponsored in part by the British Deaf and Dumb Association, her journey symbolized a significant leap into a world of academic and social opportunity. During her time at Gallaudet, she not only excelled in her studies but also made history by becoming the first member of her junior class to join the prestigious Gallaudet Phi Alpha Pi honor society. Her exceptional performance earned her a place in the 1961 edition of "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities."

Miles' talents extended beyond academics; she made substantial contributions to student publications, serving as an editor for several magazines. Her flair for writing and performance was widely recognized, and she garnered multiple awards for her prose, poetry, and acting. Her creative works were featured in The Silent Muse, an anthology that showcased the voices and writings of deaf authors from the past century. Moreover, she composed “The Bison’s Song,” which became widely appreciated within the Gallaudet community, further cementing her reputation as a gifted artist.

In September 1958, Miles embraced another significant chapter in her life by marrying fellow Gallaudet student Robert Thomas Miles. However, their marriage was short-lived, and they separated in 1959. Despite this personal setback, Dorothy Miles remained focused on her academic journey and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, achieving a commendable distinction.

Following her graduation, Dorothy Miles dedicated herself to serving the deaf community as a teacher and counselor for deaf adults in the United States. Her passion for education and advocacy for deaf individuals illuminated her path, and in 1967, she joined the newly founded National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD). This innovative organization provided a platform for exploring and celebrating deaf culture, and it was here that Miles began to forge a new artistic frontier by creating sign language poetry that resonated with both deaf and hearing audiences.

Initially taking on the role of wardrobe mistress, Dorothy Miles made her stage debut in 1968 in NTD's production of Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, where she not only acted but also played a critical role in translating the script into sign language. Her contributions helped bring this classic work to life in a way that was accessible and meaningful to the deaf community. Her involvement with NTD extended to its Little Theatre of the Deaf, where she passionately worked to create performances specifically for children and teenagers, fostering a love for the arts among younger audiences.

Dorothy Miles continued to build on her academic credentials by pursuing a master's degree at Connecticut College, which she earned in 1974. Her thesis, titled "A History of Theatre Activities in the Deaf Community of the U.S.," explored the rich tapestry of deaf theater and documented the contributions of deaf artists, further asserting her role as a leading voice in this vibrant cultural sphere.

In 1975, Dorothy Miles transitioned to a new role when she accepted a position with the campus service for the deaf at California State University, Northridge. After two decades in the United States, she returned to her native England in the autumn of 1977, where she immediately reengaged with the deaf community. One of her notable achievements was her participation in the National Union of the Deaf’s groundbreaking television program Open Door, where she performed her poignant poem "Language for the Eye." Her involvement also spurred discussions that ultimately led to the creation of the influential television series See Hear, which showcased deaf culture and issues.

Back in England, Dorothy Miles continued her advocacy by working with the British Deaf Association (BDA) on a wide range of initiatives that aimed to empower and educate the deaf community. Among her many contributions, she compiled the first teaching manual specifically designed for British Sign Language (BSL) tutors and actively participated in the establishment of the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP). Her work on the BDA dictionary was particularly groundbreaking, providing a vital resource for teachers and learners of sign language.

For a time, Dorothy Miles embraced the independence of self-employment, working as a writer, lecturer, and performer. She passionately promoted the teaching of sign language and the training of tutors, recognizing the importance of accessible education for deaf individuals. One of her crowning achievements was her role in establishing and teaching on the British Sign Language Tutor Training Course—the first university-level program dedicated to training deaf individuals to become certified BSL tutors. Additionally, she authored the best-selling BBC book BSL – A Beginner's Guide, published alongside a successful television series, aimed at broadening access to sign language resources.

Throughout her extraordinary life, Dorothy Miles emerged as a powerful advocate and trailblazer for the deaf community. Her remarkable contributions to education, the arts, and the promotion of deaf culture resonate to this day, ensuring that her legacy endures as a source of inspiration for future generations. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact that one individual can make in advocating for inclusivity and understanding.