Hi Friends, I’m Dr. Glenn!

Hello there, boys and girls! My name is Dr. Glenn B. Anderson, but you can just call me Dr. Glenn. I want to tell you a story—my story—about how I grew up, learned new things, and helped lots of people.

I’m part of something very special called Deaf culture. That means I am part of a community that uses our eyes, hands, and facial expressions to communicate, celebrates our history, and stays connected through our beautiful language, American Sign Language.

When I Was Little

I was born in a big city called Chicago, on the South Side. When I was your age, I could hear just like you. But when I turned seven years old, I got very, very sick with something called pneumonia, and after that, I became deaf. That means I don’t hear with my ears anymore—I use my eyes, my hands, and my heart to understand people.

I grew up in a Black community where most people could hear, but that didn’t stop me. Learning American Sign Language helped me connect with other Deaf friends and be part of Deaf culture.

I also learned something called intersectionality—a big word that means all the different parts of who I am (like being Black and Deaf) work together to shape my experiences and my story.

Growing Up and Going to School

When I got older, I went to schools with other Deaf kids. I loved learning and asking questions! I worked hard, and I even went to college. First I went to Northern Illinois University, and then I moved to a very special school for Deaf students called Gallaudet University.

I studied psychology, and later I learned all about something called Rehabilitation Counseling. That’s a kind of work where you help people with disabilities reach their goals, find jobs, and live strong, independent lives.

What I Did When I Grew Up

When I became an adult, I kept learning and helping. I worked hard and earned a Ph.D., which means I studied so much that people call me Doctor—but not the kind that gives shots!

I worked at a university helping Deaf and hard-of-hearing people learn new skills so they could do great things in life. I also helped make big decisions at Gallaudet University by serving on the Board of Trustees—that’s a group of people who help guide the school and make sure students have what they need.

I even wrote a book about Black Deaf history because I wanted people to know how strong, brave, and smart Black Deaf people have always been.