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Robert Smithdas
Encyclopedia
Robert Smithdas is a deaf-blind teacher, advocate and author.
where he specialized in vocational guidance
and rehabilitation of the handicapped. In conjunction with his work at Helen Keller National Center
, he was an advocate for deaf-blind education and employment. He retired in December 2008. His wife Michelle is also deaf-blind. Barbara Walters
considers Smithdas her "most memorable interview".
Life & work
For many years, he was the director of Services for the Deaf-Blind at the "Industrial Home for the Blind" in New York. He began his career there in 1950 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, cum laude, from St. John’s University in New York. Three years later, he became the first deaf-blind person to earn a master’s degree. He achieved this distinction at New York UniversityNew York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
where he specialized in vocational guidance
Vocational education
Vocational education or vocational education and training is an education that prepares trainees for jobs that are based on manual or practical activities, traditionally non-academic, and totally related to a specific trade, occupation, or vocation...
and rehabilitation of the handicapped. In conjunction with his work at Helen Keller National Center
Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Helen Keller Services for the Blind is an American organization that helps the blind develop independence.-Agency Mission:Since 1893, Helen Keller Services for the Blind's mission has been to help individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, and who may have additional disabilities,...
, he was an advocate for deaf-blind education and employment. He retired in December 2008. His wife Michelle is also deaf-blind. Barbara Walters
Barbara Walters
Barbara Jill Walters is an American broadcast journalist, author, and television personality. She has hosted morning television shows , the television newsmagazine , former co-anchor of the ABC Evening News, and current contributor to ABC News.Walters was first known as a popular TV morning news...
considers Smithdas her "most memorable interview".
Books
- Life at My Fingertips, (1958) Doubleday
- City of the Heart (poetry), (1966) Taplinger
- Shared Beauty (poetry), (1982) Portal Press