The First Deafblind Student at Harvard Law School

The First Deafblind Student at Harvard Law School: Navigating Communication and Advocacy

Introduction to Harvard Law School (Fall 2010)

  • Setting: Cambridge, Massachusetts, Fall 20102010, marking the protagonist's first semester at Harvard Law School (HLS).
  • Protagonist's Status: The first Deafblind student admitted to HLS, highlighting a significant milestone in inclusive education.
  • Initial Communication Setup in Class:
    • Assistive Listening Device (ALD): Comprises an FM receiver, earbuds, and an FM microphone.
    • Interpreters: American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters with voice transliteration skills, Celia Michau and Erin Foley, whisper into a microphone covered by a stenographer's mask, which wirelessly connects to the FM receiver.
    • Classroom Dynamics: 7070 students in rows facing a lecturing professor; protagonist prefers siting in the back to communicate with interpreters; using her voice would disrupt the class.
  • Early Communication Challenges:
    • Sound Quality: Experiences scratchy, muffled voices, static crackles, and hissing, making words indistinguishable (