Jack R. & Rosalyn Gannon Receive WFD Award

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD-USA) is pleased to extend its congratulations to Jack R. Gannon and Rosalyn Gannon of the United States recipients of the prestigious International Solidarity Merit Award, First Class presented by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in recognition of their work to preserve the history of Deaf people around the world. This award is presented to individuals and organizations that have made extra-ordinary contributions to the WFD and deaf people on the international level. They received this award at the XVI World Congress of the WFD in Durban, South Africa on July 24, 2011.
 
Jack Gannon has devoted much of his life to recording the history and accomplishments of the Deaf community. He is the author of three books and his third and newest book, World Federation of the Deaf: A History will debut at the XVI World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf in Durban, South Africa, July 18-24, 2011. He is also known for his comprehensive history of the American Deaf community in Deaf Heritage, A Narrative History of Deaf America and his compelling telling of the “Deaf President Now” protest at Gallaudet University in 1988, The Week the World Heard Gallaudet.  In addition, he is the curator of “History Through Deaf Eyes”, a national exhibition about the American Deaf community, which was developed at Gallaudet University and toured the United States and co-author of Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community.
 
“Throughout all of his writing endeavors, his wife Rosalyn has been by his side as his partner and behind the scenes assistant. They make a formidable pair, a dynamic duo whose commitment and perseverance enlighten the world about the history and accomplishments of the Deaf community both in the United States and globally” said NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins. “Their work emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts among national and international organizations and provides resources for studying and researching the global Deaf community and insight on international policy and human rights issues. Jack and Rosalyn Gannon are most deserving of this recognition from the WFD.”