FamousPeopleFacts - I. King Jordan
I. King Jordan - famouspeoplefacts.com

I. King Jordan

Date of Birth: June 16, 1943

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

Irving King Jordan, commonly known as I. King Jordan, is a renowned American educator and a prominent advocate for the rights of the deaf community. He was born in Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania, and became profoundly deaf at the age of 21 as a result of a motorcycle accident. Despite this life-altering event, Jordan persevered and earned a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University, followed by a doctorate in psychology from the University of Tennessee. Jordan’s career reached a significant milestone in 1988 when he became the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, a federally chartered university for the deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, D.C. His appointment came after the historic Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, a student-led protest demanding the selection of a deaf president for the university. During his tenure, Jordan played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of the deaf community, enhancing educational opportunities, and increasing accessibility. Jordan retired from his presidency in 2006 but continues to be an influential figure in the field of deaf education and advocacy. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions, including being named a “Washingtonian of the Year” and receiving the U.S. Presidential Citizen’s Medal.

5 Interesting Facts about I. King Jordan

1. I. King Jordan was the first deaf president of Gallaudet University.

2. He became profoundly deaf at the age of 21 after a motorcycle accident.

3. Jordan was a key figure in the Deaf President Now movement in 1988.

4. He holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of Tennessee.

5. He received the U.S. Presidential Citizen’s Medal for his contributions to the deaf community.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from I. King Jordan

1. “Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do, except hear.”

2. “The only thing a deaf person can’t do is hear. Everything else is possible.”

3. “I’m an educator; I believe in the power of education to change lives.”

4. “The Deaf President Now movement was a watershed moment for the deaf community.”

5. “Accessibility is not a privilege; it’s a right.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by I. King Jordan is not publicly available, but his contributions and impact on the deaf community are invaluable.

Children

I. King Jordan has two children, King Jordan III and Heidi Jordan, both of whom have pursued their own successful careers.

Relevant Links

1. [Gallaudet University Profile](https://www.gallaudet.edu/about/history-and-traditions/our-history/presidents-of-gallaudet-university/i-king-jordan/

2. [Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I._King_Jordan

3. [Deaf President Now Movement](https://www.gallaudet.edu/about/history-and-traditions/deaf-president-now/

4. [U.S. Presidential Citizen’s Medal](https://www.americanswhotellthetruth.org/portraits/i-king-jordan

5. [Interview with I. King Jordan](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2006/12/05/i-king-jordan/

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