Dorothy Miles was a groundbreaking poet, performer, and activist who left an indelible mark on both the Deaf and hearing communities. Born in 1931, she is best known for her pioneering work in sign language poetry and her passionate advocacy for Deaf culture, rights, and education. A bilingual artist fluent in both British Sign Language (BSL) and English, Dorothy seamlessly bridged two worlds that are too often separated by misunderstanding or neglect.

Her legacy isn’t just one of artistic brilliance—it is also one of courage, resilience, and fierce love for language in all its forms. For Deaf people in the UK, the US, and beyond, Dorothy Miles remains a symbol of empowerment and visibility.

Dorothy’s poetry performances were not only artistically rich—they were politically charged, emotionally evocative, and culturally vital. Through her work, she showed that signed language is not only a means of communication but also a powerful vehicle for art, storytelling, and identity.

Trigger Warning: This post discusses themes of mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or support line in your area. You’re not alone.

Dorothy Miles Poems

Dorothy Miles was one of the first poets to create original works in sign language—a revolutionary artistic decision that challenged traditional notions of poetry. In the 1970s and 80s, when the legitimacy of sign language was still under debate in academic and public spheres, her performances gave BSL the platform and recognition it deserved.

Her poems were more than just art; they were acts of resistance. She spoke—and signed—truths about Deaf identity, community, oppression, and joy. Some of her most iconic works include:

• “Language for the Eye” – A vivid celebration of sign language as a complete and beautiful form of expression.
• “To a Hearing Mother” – A heartfelt piece that explores the complex dynamics between Deaf children and their hearing parents.
• “Deaf View” – A sharp, insightful poem capturing the Deaf experience through a lens of pride and honesty.
• “Tribute to Hands” – Perhaps her most famous poem, this piece is a lyrical homage to the hands that speak, feel, create, and connect in sign language.

Dorothy’s work often walked the line between personal introspection and cultural commentary. Whether addressing the silence imposed on Deaf children in oralist schools or the beauty of signed storytelling, her poems held a mirror up to the world—and demanded that it see the Deaf community not as broken, but as whole.

Today, her poetry is studied in Deaf studies programs and shared across Deaf communities globally. Videos of her performances still circulate, inspiring new generations of sign language poets and advocates.

Dorothy Miles Obituary

Dorothy Miles passed away in 1993, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate through the arts, education, and Deaf culture. Her obituary in The Independent and other publications noted not only her artistic contributions but also the profound influence she had on the Deaf community in both the UK and the US.

Her death was a devastating loss, but those who knew her personally—and the many who knew her only through her work—remembered her as a visionary. A woman of rare talent, profound empathy, and unstoppable energy, Dorothy Miles was someone who could light up a room with her storytelling, and then leave her audience in tears or applause, or both.

Her obituary paid homage to her international impact, her advocacy for the rights of Deaf people, and her commitment to bilingual education in sign and spoken languages. It acknowledged her struggles, as well, particularly with her mental health—a subject that was often whispered about at the time but now deserves open, compassionate conversation.

Dorothy Miles Died

Dorothy Miles died by suicide in 1993 at the age of 61. Her death was a heartbreaking moment for the communities she served, particularly in the Deaf arts and education spaces. At the time, there was limited public discourse around mental health—especially in the Deaf community—making her loss even more difficult to process for many.

Her passing served as a tragic reminder of the pressures faced by Deaf individuals, especially those in the spotlight who bear the responsibility of representation. Dorothy had spent much of her life fighting for inclusion, visibility, and understanding, while navigating a world that often failed to offer her those same courtesies.

Today, we honor not only the brilliance of her work but the complexity of her journey. Her story continues to open doors to important conversations around mental health, the unique challenges faced by Deaf people, and the need for supportive, inclusive communities.

If there is anything we can learn from the way she lived—and the way she died—it is the importance of compassion, of listening, and of holding space for one another in all our humanity.

Dorothy Miles Cultural Centre

In honor of her enormous contributions to Deaf culture and education, the Dorothy Miles Cultural Centre (DMCC) was established in the UK. The centre serves as a tribute to her life’s work, focusing on the promotion and celebration of Deaf arts, sign language poetry, and cultural heritage.

The DMCC has been a hub for creativity and advocacy, hosting poetry readings, workshops, and educational programs. It offers a space where Deaf and hearing communities can come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the richness of BSL and Deaf identity.

Through the DMCC, Dorothy’s legacy lives on—not just in memory, but in action. It supports emerging Deaf artists, encourages bilingual literacy, and ensures that her pioneering work in sign language poetry continues to inspire and evolve.

The existence of such a centre is a powerful reminder that art can change lives, build bridges, and affirm identities. It’s everything Dorothy Miles stood for.

Dorothy Miles Cause of Death

Dorothy Miles died by suicide in 1993. The official cause of death was linked to her ongoing struggles with mental health, which had been a private yet persistent battle for much of her life.

In recent years, there has been a growing willingness to discuss her mental health struggles openly and with the compassion they deserve. It’s important to recognize that mental illness does not diminish a person’s value, talent, or impact—it simply means they were human.

For Dorothy, the pressures of being a trailblazer, a cultural ambassador, and an advocate in often isolating spaces may have contributed to her emotional burden. She lived in a world where Deaf people had to fight for recognition, for dignity, and for the right to simply exist as themselves. That kind of fight takes a toll.

By acknowledging the full truth of her story—including her cause of death—we can work toward a more empathetic, inclusive culture. One where mental health support is accessible, stigma is reduced, and no one has to carry their pain alone.

Where Was Dorothy Miles Born?

Dorothy Miles was born in Holywell, a small town in North Wales, in 1931. Her early years were spent in this rural Welsh environment, which shaped her understanding of community, language, and cultural heritage.

At the age of eight, Dorothy contracted cerebrospinal meningitis, which left her profoundly Deaf. This life-altering event would come to define much of her path—but not in a way that limited her. Instead, she adapted, learned to sign, and began building a life that defied the expectations of her time.

Holywell may have been a quiet town, but it produced one of the most eloquent and courageous figures in modern Deaf history. Dorothy’s connection to Wales remained strong throughout her life, and many of her poems draw from the natural beauty and cultural richness of her homeland.

Where Did Dorothy Miles Live?

Dorothy Miles’ life journey took her across countries and continents. After her education in the UK, she spent a significant part of her adult life in the United States, where she studied at Gallaudet University—the premier university for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. There, she earned a degree in English and was introduced to American Sign Language (ASL), which would influence her poetic style and broaden her understanding of Deaf culture.

She later became involved in Deaf theater and education, writing plays, scripts, and poems that were performed across the U.S. and U.K. Her work with the National Theatre of the Deaf and her role as a creative writing instructor allowed her to uplift others and pass on her wisdom.

In the 1970s, Dorothy returned to the UK, where she became an instrumental figure in promoting BSL and bilingual education. She settled in London, and later in areas of Wales and England where she continued writing and performing until her death.

Her transatlantic journey was more than just geographical—it was cultural, educational, and deeply emotional. Everywhere she lived, she left a legacy of learning, empowerment, and expression.

Final Thoughts

Dorothy Miles was a once-in-a-generation talent—a woman whose words (and signs) shook the walls of silence that often surround the Deaf community. Her legacy reminds us that language is more than just spoken or written words—it is movement, rhythm, expression, and heart.

To this day, Dorothy continues to inspire poets, activists, educators, and artists across the globe. Her courage, creativity, and compassion still ripple through the communities she touched.

Let’s remember Dorothy Miles not only for the beauty she created but also for the battles she fought. And let’s carry forward her message: that sign language is poetry, Deafness is pride, and every hand that speaks deserves to be heard.