This year marks the 200th anniversary of Carl Oscar Malm's birth, honoring his significant contributions to the deaf community in Finland. At just 20 years old, Malm founded the country’s first school for the deaf in Porvoo, which laid the groundwork for both Finnish and Swedish sign languages as well as deaf culture. His early life was marked by deafness, which motivated him to pursue education in Sweden, where he became one of the first Finns to receive instruction in sign language at the Stockholm school for the deaf.

Graduating in 1845 with high marks, Malm's vision of establishing a school in Finland became a reality, addressing the previously weak status of deaf individuals in the country. Before his efforts, many deaf children lived isolated lives in rural areas, as their hearing parents often shielded them from interaction with others, stemming from societal stigma. Malm’s initiative not only provided much-needed educational opportunities but also began to challenge and change the perception of deaf individuals within society.

The impact of his work is still felt today, as Finland's deaf community continues to benefit from the foundation he laid 200 years ago. Researchers, such as Sirpa Varis from the Deaf Museum, highlight that Malm's legacy is one of empowerment and inclusion, celebrating advancements in education and culture for the deaf that began with his pioneering school. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of access to education and the ongoing need to support marginalized communities.