Did you know this very spot once housed a pioneering institution? We stand before the Střední škola Základní škola a Mateřská škola pro sluchově postižené a its history is rich and inspiring. This isn’t just a school. It’s a testament to decades of dedication to educating children with hearing impairments.
Founded much earlier than its current iteration this location has served as an educational haven for the hearing impaired for centuries. The institution’s origins trace back to 1786. A remarkable journey began then. Initially conceived as an orphanage it transformed into a haven for deaf children thanks to Emperor Joseph II’s vision. Karel Berger became its first director. He used finger spelling to teach writing and reading. He also developed unique methods to help deaf children learn to pronounce syllables sounds and words.
The school’s early years weren’t without challenges. Its first building was sold forcing a temporary relocation. They even found themselves in a Chomutov building for two years. Yet the school persevered eventually establishing itself in a permanent location on Lipová Street. Ondřej Schwarz introduced the German oral method there.
A golden age followed under Josef Herget’s leadership. He expanded the school’s resources increasing its capacity. A larger building was purchased on the corner of Karlova and Žitná streets. Czech language instruction was introduced. The primary focus was education and raising deaf children.
Václav Frost’s innovative “Frost combined method” or the “Czech method” marked a significant shift. This was essentially bilingual education for deaf children. This was remarkably ahead of its time rediscovered in Scandinavia in the 1960s.
Leopold von Hennet secured considerable donations. This allowed for further expansion. A new building was acquired on Karlova Street in 1883. A new building was constructed in the Kinský Gardens. Emperor Franz Joseph I himself laid the foundation stone. The school moved into its current beautiful location amongst parks and gardens in 1902.
Karel Kmoch’s leadership from 1876 to 1912 further solidified the institution’s standing. He was a champion of sign language. While Frost’s principles were maintained teachers had flexibility in their teaching methods.
World War I brought significant hardships. The school faced closure in 1919. Dr Antonín Schauer’s efforts led to its revival. It became known as the First Prague Institution for the Deaf. World War II was survived thanks to the school housing children and state police.
The school evolved into a state institution. A kindergarten and schools for children with partial hearing were established. The oral method remained dominant. Advances in electronics in the 1970s modernized the school’s equipment. Vocational training workshops were added. A secondary vocational school was also incorporated a unique element for its time.
Post-1989 changes provided deaf children the right to education in sign language. The school’s name changed. New three and four-year courses were introduced. A major renovation in 2005/2006 finally consolidated all facilities under one roof. This landmark building we see today embodies this long and impactful history. The Střední škola Základní škola a Mateřská škola pro sluchově postižené stands as a beacon of progress and inclusion in the heart of Prague.