Robert SmithdasRobert J. Smithdas was an American deaf-blind teacher, advocate and author.BiographySmithdas 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 Services for the Blind|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".BooksLife at My Fingertips, DoubledayCity of the Heart, TaplingerShared Beauty, Portal Press