Project to scientifically examine the suffering of deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Hamburg schools - WAL-GL-HH

In collaboration with the Hamburg Association of the Deaf and the Elbschule (Education Center for Hearing and Communication), the Institute of German Sign Language is conducting research into the traumatic experiences of former deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Hamburg between approximately 1960 and 1990. This research is part of a new project funded by the BSFB and the Social Welfare Authority.

Educational institutions for deaf and hard-of-hearing children have existed in Hamburg since 1827. Until around 2000, these schools were mostly run separately (schools for the deaf and schools for the hard-of-hearing), but then they were merged.

Educational practices in Germany were heavily influenced by oralism, a method focusing on spoken language and lip reading. German Sign Language was often prohibited, and even its informal use was punished—a situation that persisted well into the 2000s. This resulted in significant physical and emotional trauma, social isolation, and discrimination. In 2025, the Hamburg Parliament officially apologized to those affected for their painful experiences.

The WAL-GL-HH project is based at the GW Faculty and is led by Prof. Dr. Liona Paulus and Prof. Dr. Annika Herrmann at the IDGS. In cooperation with the Hamburg Association of the Deaf, represented by Alexander von Meyenn and Christian Ebmeyer, and the Elbschule, the project aims to identify and document the structural violence and long-term consequences of the oralist system on deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Hamburg. Methodologically, the project employs qualitative interviews with peers, literature reviews, and source analysis. The research is conducted in compliance with the highest ethical and data protection standards, taking into account the wishes of those affected.

The project aims to shed light on the physical and psychological suffering and document the experiences in a comprehensible manner while upholding the dignity of those affected. These efforts will establish a scientific foundation for addressing a dark, previously invisible chapter in Hamburg's educational history.