 Juan Pablo Bonet was born in Torres de Berrellén (Aragon), and became secretary to Juan Fernández de Velasco, 5th Duke of Frías, Condestable of Castile.While serving in the Condestable's household, Bonet observed the methods of a tutor hired to teach Luis, the Condestable’s second son, who was deaf from birth.In this wealthy and titled family as well as in others related by marriage or birth were a number of deaf sons and daughters whose parents wanted them educated in addition to their hearing siblings.