« Those born deaf and mute are human beings; therefore, they are entitled to our benevolence and our care, to raise them to the status of educated and virtuous citizens.» - Charles de l'Epée, 1784
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Président : Jérôme MELCHIOR
Secretairy : Helena FERNANDES VARANDAS
Treasurer : Richard SAVIGNARD
Board Members - Advisors : Henri LE GUEN, Marc PREGNIARD et Jean-François LABES
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Honorary Présidents : Jean-François DUTHEIL et Jean-Paul PERBOST
Honorary Patrons : Yves BERNARD et Bernard TRUFFAUT
EMAIL : contact@amis-abbe-epee.fr
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Liste of président :
2008-2019 : Jean-Paul PERBOST
2019-2023 : ALexis DUSSAIX
2023-2025 : Odette PUNSOLA
2025-... : Jérôme MELCHIOR
Our mission
Our mission
Founded by Jean-Paul Perbost (Honorary President) and the late Ginette Marlin, the association stems from a branch of the Société Centrale that became independent in order to actively pursue the campaign for the Panthéonisation of Abbé de l’Épée.
Founded by Jean-Paul Perbost (Honorary President) and the late Ginette Marlin, the association stems from a branch of the Société Centrale that became independent in order to actively pursue the campaign for the Panthéonisation of Abbé de l’Épée.
Now chaired by Jérôme Melchior, it is committed to two main objectives:
Now chaired by Jérôme Melchior, it is committed to two main objectives:
1. To obtain recognition from the French Republic by working for the transfer of Abbé de l’Épée’s remains to the Panthéon.
2. To perpetuate his legacy through cultural and educational initiatives, highlighting his pivotal role in the history of the Deaf and in education.
1. To obtain recognition from the French Republic by working for the transfer of Abbé de l’Épée’s remains to the Panthéon.
2. To perpetuate his legacy through cultural and educational initiatives, highlighting his pivotal role in the history of the Deaf and in education.
The legacy of abbé de l’Épée
The legacy of abbé de l’Épée
A pioneer of Deaf education: Founder of the first free public school for deaf people.
Defender of sign language: By promoting methodical signs, he enabled deaf people to access knowledge and citizenship, breaking down the prejudices of his time.
A worldwide tribute: Since his death in 1789, Deaf communities in France, Europe, and around the world have paid tribute to him every year.
A fight for recognition
A fight for recognition
For decades, the Deaf of France have called for the transfer of Abbé de l’Épée’s remains to the Panthéon.
This symbolic gesture would represent:
National recognition of his role in the history of education and the rights of Deaf people.
The humanist legacy of the 18th century Enlightenment, when he worked for the inclusion and dignity of all.
Did you know ?
Did you know ?
A universal name: Many streets in France and around the world bear Abbé de l’Épée’s name.
A man of the Enlightenment: This Jansenist priest and visionary educator marked the century of philosophers and scientists with his commitment to human rights.
Joins our cause
Joins our cause
Support the association in honouring Abbé de l’Épée and continuing his work by taking part in our activities or contributing to our Panthéonisation campaign.
#soutienADE
"In 1791, passed by the National Constituent Assembly, the decree of 21 July granted him the title of Benefactor of Humanity, stating that his “institution shall be maintained at the expense of the State, as a monument worthy of the French nation”; “the name of Abbé de l’Épée, first founder of the establishment, shall be placed among those citizens who have most deserved well of humanity and the fatherland…” The law of 29 July specified its funding.
This fulfilled the promise made by the Archbishop of Bordeaux, Monseigneur Champion de Cicé, during Abbé de l’Épée’s final moments on 23 December 1789: “The Nation adopts your children!”
In this sense, the Rue des Moulins became the cradle of the first two State-run institutions: those of Paris and Bordeaux. Abbé Sicard, trained by Abbé de l’Épée, had been directing the Bordeaux school since 1785 at the request of Monseigneur de Cicé; in 1790, he became the first teacher of the Paris Institution, tasked with taking in Abbé de l’Épée’s pupils.”
— Yves Bernard, August 2025
Petition to the President of the French Républic
More than two centuries after his death, Abbé de l’Épée has still not been transferred to the Panthéon, despite the commitments made by the Nation and several initiatives, both before and after 1914.
In 1952, the Republic honoured the work of Louis Braille by transferring his remains to the Panthéon.
It would be fair and consistent to grant Abbé de l’Épée equivalent recognition: he was the first to offer Deaf people free, structured education through a visual language.
We, Deaf and hearing citizens alike, solemnly request that the remains of Abbé de l’Épée be transferred to the Panthéon.
Such a symbolic act would mark the Republic’s recognition of his foundational role in promoting equality, public education, and the dignity of Deaf citizens.
LES AMIS DE L'ABBE DE L'EPEE. (FRIENDS OF ABBÉ DE L’ÉPÉE)
LES AMIS DE L'ABBE DE L'EPEE. (FRIENDS OF ABBÉ DE L’ÉPÉE)
Association under the French Law of 1er july 1901
Association under the French Law of 1er july 1901
PUBLISHED ON : 19 april 2008
PUBLICATION No. : 20080016
ANNOUNCEMENT No. : 1571
TITLE : LES AMIS DE L'ABBE DE L'EPEE. (FRIENDS OF ABBE DE L'EPEE)
PURPOSE : The association has two main activities: - The Panthéonisation of Abbé de l’Épée. - Perpetuating the memory of Abbé de l’Épée through cultural activities.
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