John Ratcliffe collection of communication devices for the deaf
RIT/NTID Deaf Studies Archive
Table of Contents
Collection Overview
- Title
- John Ratcliffe collection of communication devices for the deaf
- Creator - Donor
- Ratcliffe, John A.
- Inclusive Date(s)
- circa 1955-2015
- Abstract
- Collection of communication and noisealerting devices for the deaf used by donor John Ratcliffe throughout his life. Items included are doorbell signals, flashing lights, vibrating devices, and Telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDDs) that assisted those living without hearing.
- Extent
- 3.75 Linear feet (3 cartons)
- Location
- C.S. North, Shelf 268
- Repository
- RIT Archive Collections
RIT Libraries
Wallace Center
90 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York, 14623
(585) 475-2557
raswml@rit.edu
- Language
- English
Biographical Information for John Ratcliffe
John Ratcliffe was a deaf student at RIT in the 1950's. At RIT, he was a Publishing and Printing student. His senior photo can be found in the 1953 Techmila on page 65. Ratcliffe was a member of the Gamma Phi fraternity (p.137) and the Pi Club (p.109).
Scope and Content
Collection of communication and noisealerting devices for the deaf used by donor John Ratcliffe throughout his life. As a deaf person, John relied on devices such as doorbell signals, flashing lights, vibrating devices, and Telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDDs) that assisted those living without hearing.
In addition, there are phone line management systems, a vibrating alarm clock, videophone signalers and strober receivers. Resources and publications for TDDs and other devices and equipment are also within this collection, such as Teletypewiters Made Easy!, various operating manuals, and The Blue Book TDI : 2015 TDI National Directory and Resource Guidelines. There is a Braille alphabet and numbers card and a 2011 American Deaf Schools calendar.
Arrangement
There is no formal arrangement to Box 1 in this collection. Box 2 is arranged chronologically.
Additional Finding Aids
In addition to this finding aid, an inventory is available below. For more information, please contact the RIT Archive Collections.
John Ratcliffe collection of communication devices for the deaf
Subject Headings
Personal Name(s)
- Ratcliffe, John A.
Corporate Name(s)
- Rochester Institute of Technology. Publishing and Printing Department.
Subject(s)
- Deaf -- Means of communication
- Teletypewriters
Genre(s)
- Books
- Telecommunications devices for the deaf -- United States -- History
Information for Researchers
RIT/NTID Deaf Studies Archive
John Ratcliffe collection of communication devices for the deaf, RIT/NTID Deaf Studies Archive
Restrictions on Access
This collection is open to researchers.
Administrative Information
Collection ID
RITDSA.0155
Accession Information
Accession number(s): 2016:009
Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated to RIT Archive Collections by John Ratcliffe in March 2016.
Processing Information
Finding aid created by Jody Sidlauskas and Jenna Bossert in March 2016.
Revision Description
Donation of two more pieces of equipment May 31, 2016