* Family Connection: Bell's mother and wife were both deaf, which profoundly influenced his life and work. He saw firsthand the challenges faced by deaf individuals and was deeply invested in finding ways to improve their communication and integration into society.
* Passion for Education: Bell believed strongly in the importance of education for everyone, including the deaf. He founded the School of Vocal Physiology and Elocution (later renamed the American School for the Deaf) to promote oralism, a method of teaching deaf children to speak and lipread.
* Scientific Curiosity: Bell's scientific interests extended beyond just speech. He was fascinated by the mechanics of sound and human hearing, and his research on sound waves and the physiology of speech ultimately led to his invention of the telephone.
* Social Impact: Bell advocated for the rights of deaf individuals and believed they could achieve full societal inclusion. His work helped raise awareness and improve public understanding of deafness.
In summary, Alexander Graham Bell's work with deaf people was driven by a combination of personal experience, scientific curiosity, educational passion, and a strong belief in the rights and potential of individuals with disabilities.