Remembering Dorothy Miles, Deaf Poet and Activist

On August 19, 2024, Google celebrated the life of Dorothy Miles, a remarkable deaf poet from Wales, with a special Doodle artwork. This beautiful animation shows Miles gracefully shaping the letters of the word ‘Google’ using her hands, surrounded by a field of flowers and a butterfly.

Born Dorothy Squire on August 19, 1931, Miles lost her hearing as a child due to cerebrospinal meningitis. Despite this challenge, she made significant contributions to the world of sign language and poetry.

The Doodle illustrates the impact of Miles’ work, which has influenced modern sign-language poetry in both the UK and the US. As an accomplished poet, teacher, and playwright, she was known for her passionate performances that combined dynamic sign language with storytelling.

Her most significant work, “Trouble’s Just Beginning: A Play of Our Own,” as well as her books such as “Gestures: Poetry in Sign Language” and “British Sign Language: A Beginner’s Guide” continue to resonate today.

After finishing her education at Gallaudet College in the U.S., Miles returned to the UK, where she became a crucial figure in the British deaf community. She was recognized as a pioneer in British Sign Language poetry, establishing a foundation for many contemporary deaf poets.

Throughout her life, Miles faced personal struggles, including bouts of manic depression. Tragically, she died in 1993 at the age of 61. In her memory, friends created the Dorothy Miles Cultural Centre to honor her legacy and contributions to the deaf community.