Why when someone is deaf and blind did they also call them dumb?
445895
Because initially those who could not speak were thought of as "dumb".. then it was derogatory, but even after it was learned and understood, the term remained.  So now, when someone is described as deaf, dumb and blind, we know that they cannot hear, speak or see.
408523
Because they were idiots in the first place...?
616229
It is a human tendency to think that one who does not see things as you do is just stupid.  Sometimes people who are dominated by their left brain are very one-sided in their thinking.  Their brain tells them that there is logic and reason to support a particular theory, and it closes off to any other viewpoint.  People argue at cross-purposes to each other, because they are thinking in 2 completely different ways.  They talk past each other from different paradigms, and it seems so senseless.  \n\nEach person seems the biggest dummy to the other.  One has not refuted his fellow until he has refuted him from within his own paradigm.
611034
Many people with cerebral palsy are very intelligent.  It's just that the condition, which effects speech and other motor functions, may cause them to appear to be mentally handicapped.
484515
DUMB IS NOT A FAIR QUESTION.  DUMB MEANS YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO WRITE, SPEAK, LACKING AN  ABILITY THAT WAS NEVER TAUGHT. HOWEVER IGNORANT MEANS YOU DO NOT HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF SOMETHING, IE: A CERTAIN SUBJECT ETC. PLEASE GAIN SOME KNOWLEDGE AND LEARN TO NOT BE SO IGNORANT.
541519
cuz some people are stupid
989610
Because dumb people need someone to look up to also.
561150
I never think of people as "stupid".  I sometimes think that they are lacking intelligence or that they are lacking good judgment, but not "stupid".  I guess that perhaps people who are lacking intelligence do fall under the definition of "stupid", but I find that such a negative word, that I just refuse to use it.
1113636
I personally thought it was kind of funny. I did not see how it slammed deaf-mute people in any way. Some people have no sense of humor, huh? Well, the answer to your question is, yes, because they do speak, just in a way that most of us can't understand. They'd probably have to get an interpreter, though. Someone who signs. Who me, you need a life. bragging about being on level 5 only means that you spend WAY too much time on the computer. Get out there and socialize!
578069
You can't make anyone, "not so dumb".\n\nIf it were possible someone would have helped you a long time ago.
465244
The Term they used to use was\nDEAF & DUMB It's not used any\nmore because of the stides made\nin education for the Blind/Deaf\nthere are good programs out there\nyou just have to let some one help\nyou find them (Colledges/Schools)
236431
I'm assuming that you don't mean dumb in a bad or derogatory way. If you mean dumb as in mute, there are children who are born mute. And if you mean dumb as in lacking in mental capacity, there are birth defects like retardation.
286009
people ask stupid questions because they are stupid
514719
same reason people think blondes are stupid
547830
Many of the worlds most intelligent and famous people throughout history had special needs. One example is Albert Einstein.  He was doing very poorly in school and the teachers did not like him and thought he was just a slacker. His mother had to take him out of school and decided to home school. He was a genius. \n\nMost people who are special needs eg. ADD,ADHD,DYSLEXIA, etc usually have 'above' average intelligence. The can have memory problems and seem out of it but anyone who knows them, is aware that this is not about intelligence.\n\nPeople who do not understand them tend to 'treat' them poorly and unless they get 'a lot' of strong support elsewhere they can fail at life because of their very low self esteem - but not because they are dumb. \n\nSo it is mistreatment that leaves them winding up in prisons, correction facilities etc. Many are already convinced that they are 'losers' in grade 'one.' They have been destroyed while still babes - unless there is intervention. Public abuse because of ignorance is their real downfall.  \n\nDon't listen to the comments about SPELL CHECK. Everybody makes mistakes, and your question was 'perfectly' understandable. Only a moron would have trouble understanding it. The others are just being cruel.
579857
Individuals with Disabilities.\nNever refer to a person who is Deaf by their disability, such as The Deaf Person...or a person who is Visually Impaired as a Blind Person.
142978
...What is stopping the blind man from speaking, and the dumb chap [who cannot speak] from listening ?!