Robert Smithdas
Smithdas (June 7, 1925 – July 17, 2014) was an American deaf-blind teacher, advocate and author.
Also recorded as Robert J Smithdas
Robert Smithdas
- Name
- Robert Smithdas
- Birth Name
- Robert J.
- Born
- 7 June 1925
- Birthplace
- Brentwood, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Died
- 17 July 2014
- Place of death
- Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S.
- Spouse
- Michelle
- Nationality
- United States
- Occupation
- poet · teacher
- Education
- St. John's University · New York University · Perkins School for the Blind
- Honours
- Migel Medal
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Smithdas (June 7, 1925 – July 17, 2014) was an American deaf-blind teacher, advocate and author.
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Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Robert Smithdas • Birth Name — Robert J. Smithdas • Born — 7 June 1925 • Birthplace — Brentwood, Pennsylvania, U.S. • Died — 17 July 2014 • Place of death — Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S. • Spouse — Michelle
Biography
Biography
Smithdas was born in Brentwood, Pennsylvania. For many years, he was the director of Services for the Deaf-Blind at the Industrial Home for the Blind in New York City. He began his career there in 1950 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, cum laude, from St. John's University in New York. Three years later, he became the first deaf-blind person to earn a master's degree. He achieved this distinction at New York University where he specialized in vocational guidance and rehabilitation of disabled people. In conjunction with his work at Helen Keller National Center, he was an advocate for deaf-blind education and employment. He retired in December 2008. His wife Michelle was also deaf-blind. Barbara Walters considered Smithdas her "most memorable interview".
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Brentwood.
Birth place
Fort Collins.
Death place
Books
• Life at My Fingertips, (1958) Doubleday • City of the Heart (poetry), (1966) Taplinger • Shared Beauty (poetry), (1982) Portal Press
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 18 August 2026.
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