Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, also known as AG Bell, is a resource, support network and advocate for listening, learning, talking and living independently with hearing loss. Through publications, advocacy, training, scholarships and financial aid, AG Bell promotes the use of spoken language as well as hearing technology for children with hearing loss. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with chapters located throughout the United States and a network of international affiliates.

The Association also sponsors the AG Bell College Scholarship Awards Program for a number of deaf and hard of hearing full-time students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. In 2010, 18 awards were granted ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

History

In 1887, Alexander Graham Bell's Volta Associates sold the record patents that they had developed in their laboratory to the American Graphophone Company. Bell took part of his share of the profits to found the Volta Bureau as an instrument "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge relating to the deaf."

The organization, which was first housed at Bell's father's house at 1527 35th Street in Washington, worked in close cooperation with the American...
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