What significant event occurred at the Milan Conference in 1880?

The significant event that occurred at the Milan Conference in 1880 was the decision to ban the use of sign language in deaf education. Delegates at this conference, primarily composed of educators and leaders in the deaf community, advocated for oralism, which emphasizes teaching deaf students to communicate orally rather than through sign language. This marked a pivotal shift in educational philosophy, as the conference's resolution led to the widespread implementation of oralism in schools for the deaf, sidelining sign language for many years.

This decision had long-lasting effects on deaf education and the use of sign language, leading to a decline in its acceptance and use in educational settings during that era. The choice reflects historical trends in the perception and treatment of deaf individuals and highlights the social attitudes of the time towards communication methods.