Why is Laurent Clerc called Apostle to the Deaf People?

Laurent Clerc is called the "Apostle to the Deaf People" because of his significant contributions to deaf education in the early 19th century. He co-founded the first American school for the deaf, the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817, and played a pivotal role in promoting sign language as a means of communication for the deaf. His dedication to teaching and advocating for the rights of deaf individuals helped to establish a foundation for deaf culture and education in the United States. Through his work, Clerc inspired generations of deaf individuals and educators, earning him this esteemed title.