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Robert Smithdas

1925 – 2014

American teacher, advocate and author

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About Robert Smithdas

Lived 1925 – 2014 (aged 89). Robert Smithdas was an American poet and teacher.

Robert J. Smithdas (June 7, 1925 – July 17, 2014) was an American deaf-blind teacher, advocate and author.

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".

Books

Life at My Fingertips, (1958) Doubleday City of the Heart (poetry), (1966) Taplinger Shared Beauty (poetry), (1982) Portal Press

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
St. John's University, New York University, Perkins School for the Blind
Employers
Helen Keller National Center
Awards
Migel Medal
Also known as
Robert J Smithdas

People in Robert Smithdas's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Robert Smithdas's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Robert Smithdas?

American teacher, advocate and author (1925–2014)

When was Robert Smithdas born?

Robert Smithdas was born on 7 June 1925 in Brentwood.

When did Robert Smithdas die?

Robert Smithdas died on 17 July 2014 in Fort Collins.

What was Robert Smithdas's occupation?

Robert Smithdas was a poet and teacher.

What nationality was Robert Smithdas?

Robert Smithdas was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Robert Smithdas

· Wikidata: Q7349895

· DBpedia: Robert Smithdas

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert Smithdas. https://biography.guide/robert-smithdas/

MLA: "Robert Smithdas." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-smithdas/.

Chicago: "Robert Smithdas." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-smithdas/.

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