Dorothy Miles – Biography
Early Life and Background
Dorothy “Dot” Miles was born on August 19, 1931, in Holywell, Flintshire, Wales. She was the youngest of five children. At the age of eight, she contracted cerebrospinal meningitis, which resulted in complete hearing loss. This event drastically changed her life but also set the path for her remarkable contributions to the Deaf community and sign language poetry.
Education
Dorothy attended the Royal School for the Deaf and later continued her education at Mary Hare Grammar School for the Deaf in England. Her exceptional talent earned her a scholarship to Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., the only liberal arts college for the Deaf in the United States. She graduated in 1961 with high honors and was one of the first British Deaf individuals to achieve this distinction at Gallaudet.
Career in the United States
After completing her studies, Dorothy remained in the United States for two decades. She became a leading figure in the National Theatre of the Deaf, where she pioneered the performance of poetry in American Sign Language (ASL). Her contributions were not limited to acting but also included writing, editing, and mentoring other Deaf performers. She was instrumental in shaping a new era of Deaf performance art that merged poetry with visual storytelling through sign language.
Return to the United Kingdom
In 1977, Dorothy returned to the UK and became a central figure in the British Deaf community. She worked with organizations such as the British Deaf Association and the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP), now known as Signature. Dorothy helped develop educational materials for British Sign Language (BSL) instruction and teacher training.
Literary Contributions
Dorothy Miles was a prolific writer and poet. She authored the poetry collection “Gestures: Poetry in Sign Language” and the influential play “Trouble’s Just Beginning: A Play of Our Own.” Her book “British Sign Language: A Beginner’s Guide” was published by the BBC and remains a notable resource for learning BSL. Her poetry, including her iconic piece “Language for the Eye,” explored the expressive power of sign language and the richness of Deaf culture.
Media and Advocacy
Dorothy contributed to media by consulting and appearing in Deaf-centered television programming, including the BBC’s “Open Door” and the long-running series “See Hear.” Through these platforms, she raised awareness about Deaf identity, language, and the need for accessible education and communication tools for the Deaf community.
Legacy and Recognition
Dorothy Miles is widely regarded as the pioneer of sign language poetry in both the UK and the US. Her impact has been lasting, with her work continuing to influence new generations of Deaf poets and artists. In 1992, the Dorothy Miles Cultural Centre was founded in her honor, promoting Deaf arts and community engagement. In 2024, a purple plaque was unveiled at her childhood home in Rhyl, Wales, to honor her enduring legacy.
Personal Life and Death
Despite her achievements, Dorothy faced personal challenges, including mental health struggles. In the early 1990s, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Tragically, on January 30, 1993, she died by suicide at the age of 61. Her death marked a profound loss for the Deaf and artistic communities worldwide.
Conclusion
Dorothy Miles left an indelible mark on Deaf culture, language, and literature. Her work as a poet, performer, and educator not only transformed sign language into a respected artistic medium but also inspired pride and empowerment within the Deaf community. Her legacy continues to live on through her writings, performances, and the generations of artists and educators she influenced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Dorothy Miles?
Dorothy Miles was a Welsh Deaf poet, playwright, performer, and activist known for her pioneering work in sign language poetry and advocacy for Deaf culture and education.
What is Dorothy Miles known for?
She is best known for developing and popularizing poetry in American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL), and for her advocacy in Deaf education and media.
Where did Dorothy Miles study?
She studied at the Royal School for the Deaf, Mary Hare Grammar School, and Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., where she earned her degree with distinction.
What contributions did she make to the arts?
Dorothy Miles wrote and performed sign language poetry, authored educational materials, appeared in Deaf-related media, and mentored many within the Deaf community.
What organizations did she work with?
She worked with the National Theatre of the Deaf, British Deaf Association, and the CACDP (now Signature), contributing to education and advocacy for Deaf people.
When and how did Dorothy Miles die?
Dorothy Miles passed away on January 30, 1993, at the age of 61. She died by suicide following struggles with mental health.
What is her legacy today?
Her legacy lives on in the field of sign language poetry, in Deaf arts education, and through organizations and artists inspired by her life and work.
Was Dorothy Miles honored after her death?
Yes, a cultural center was named after her, and in 2024 a commemorative purple plaque was installed at her childhood home in Rhyl, Wales.