TLC will recognize influential storyteller, scholar, and author Dr. Benjamin Bahan at its 55th Anniversary Gala celebration this April.
Benjamin Bahan is a visionary scholar, leader, and artist whose life’s work has profoundly shaped Deaf Studies, ASL linguistics, storytelling, and the global Deaf community. Emerging from early collaborations with pioneers such as William C. Stokoe and Ursula Bellugi, Dr. Bahan forged a path uniquely his own, co-founding DawnSignPress to elevate Deaf-authored literature, serving as coordinator of the Deaf Studies Program at Boston University, and later becoming chair of the Deaf Studies Department at Gallaudet University, where he helped institutionalize the field.
His influence extends through transformative initiatives such as the Deaf Studies Digital Journal, the DeafSpace project, and innovative graduate curricula, as well as foundational scholarship including Journey into the Deaf World, research on ASL syntax, and seminal writings on sensory orientation. His creative contributions—ranging from the documentary Audism Unveiled and the world’s first monolingual ASL dictionary to iconic storytelling works like Bird of a Different Feather—cement his enduring legacy as both an intellectual architect and a master storyteller.
In recognition of his lasting impact, Dr. Bahan will receive TLC’s annual Warren Schwab Award, named in honor of TLC’s founder, and presented to an individual or organization that has worked tirelessly to empower and advance Deaf education. Previous recipients include Dr. Robert (Bob) Hoffmeister, Dr. Terrell Clark, and Dr. Joseph C. Hill.
TLC’s Signs of Spring Gala will take place on Wednesday, April 15, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The event will feature Emcee Jac Cook, entertainment, a silent auction, and additional program highlights.
Tickets are on sale now.
Proceeds from the gala will support TLC’s two schools and its wide range of community programs, including the Audiology Clinic, Interpreting Department, Public School Partnership Program, and statewide, wraparound mental health services for families with a deaf child or adult. The event is the organization’s largest in-person fundraiser since 2019.
Founded in 1970 as The Learning Center for Children, TLC was established to ensure accessible education for deaf students through the use of sign language in the classroom. Founder Warren Schwab, inspired by his son, envisioned a school rooted in respect, enjoyment, and meaningful communication—a cultural shift from the traditional oral-only approach. He dedicated personal resources and countless hours to bringing this vision to life.
Today, The Learning Center for the Deaf is a national leader in educational, therapeutic, and community services for, by, and with deaf and hard of hearing children and adults. TLC is home to two schools: Marie Philip School, serving more than 130 students from Pre-K through Grade 12+, and Walden School, a residential treatment program focused on trauma-informed care. Community-based services include an Audiology Clinic, Interpreter Services, Community ASL Classes, Parent Infant Program, statewide Behavioral Health services, and the Public School Partnership Program.