Birmingham, Alabama--History Through Deaf Eyes, a social history exhibition aligning nearly 200 years of United States history with the experiences of deaf people is coming to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.  Developed by Gallaudet University, the Birmingham appearance is coordinated by the Alabama Association of the Deaf and will be on display September 7-October 24 in the Institute's Odessa Woolfolk Gallery.  Dr. I. King Jordan, the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, will be on hand for the opening program on September 7 at 4:00 p.m.
Using objects and images collected by individuals, organizations and schools for deaf children, this exhibition illustrates the shared experiences of family life, education and work—as well as the divergent ways deaf people see themselves, communicate, employ and adapt technology and determine their own futures.  Special displays will include a cast of the sculpture of Helen Keller's face, which is in the Washington National Cathedral.  This is the first time the cast will have traveled outside of Washington.  The Helen Keller birthplace, Tuscumbia, is loaning a dress, toys and a replica of the famous pump where she learned the connection between finger spelling and language.

SPONSORS
Major local sponsors for the exhibition include:                            * Alabama Power Foundation                                                     * Whatley Drake Law Firm                                                          * Alabama Division of Rehabilitation Services                              * Sprint Relay                                                                          * Alabama Ear Institute
Other sponsors include the Office of Deaf Services of the Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation, the AIDB Foundation, the Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Association of the Deaf and The Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf.
TICKET INFORMATION FOR OPENING
To purchase tickets for the opening program and President's Reception, please contact the Rev. Jay L. Croft, HTDE Chair, at jlcroft@juno.com.  The exhibition was developed by Gallaudet University and has been shown in selected cities nationwide.  For more information about the exhibition, go to http://depts.gallaudet.edu/deafeyes/.  The Alabama Association of the Deaf coordinated the local appearance of this exhibition.  BCRI serves as the exhibition's host site.
 
MEDIA COVERAGE of all events is welcome.  Please contact Angela Hall at (205) 328-9696, ext. 211 to coordinate access to events.  To schedule interviews with Gallaudet University President, Dr. I. King Jordan, "Mama Cares" Performer, Ms. Evon Black or representatives of the Alabama Association of the Deaf, please contact Rev. Jay L. Croft, History Through Deaf Eyes Chair, at jlcroft@juno.com. 

MEDIA COVERAGE of tour by students from the Alabama School for the Deaf is encouraged.  The tour will take place Wednesday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m.