NAD biennial conference in Louisville, KY 7/3-7/12

Michfingers

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Name of this site is: ALL DEAF and that is what I'm hoping to find. But while scanning the threads open for comment, I didn't see any mention of the National Association of the Deaf. IF you've never checked out National Association of the Deaf, you should. They came into existence following the notorious banning of signing in the education of the deaf back in 1880 to preserve the language and culture of the Deaf Community. Over 130 years has seen them grown from a few hundred to thousands yet still not a great percentage of membership to total deaf and hard of hearing in the U.S.A.

Many (deaf and hearing) think (if at all) that NAD is for DEAF only and a SOCIAL Club. THIS is far from the truth (even though members are bonded and social by nature, NAD's main mission is to be the LEGAL WATCH DOG for all with hearing loss. Their location close to the Washington DC gov't center has been instrumental in lobbying for passage of laws to gain access and communication benefits for all. I could go on, but think it best if you go to their site and read it for yourself.

They hold national conferences every 2 years at various locations all over the country ...keeping in mind they need accomodations for 2-3000 attendees. I've attended 2 conventions ...one in VA and the second one in WDC a couple years apart... but they've also been in CA, PA, Chicago, New Orleans, etc...

As wife of Deaf man for over 4 decades, and certified interpreter for more than twenty years, I attend workshops and conferences big and small... my favorites have been the NAD and Dr. Mike Turcelli's Silent Weekend in Fla. Both beat all others in presentations, vendors, CEUs...but the NAD wins out
of the two for equal access in communication (sign, interpreters, and cart) and in amount of freebies from the host town and hotels. They do a wonderful job of negotiating extra "party favors" that keeps the total cost down for attendees while offering breaks from all the sitting/standing around.

Another false assumption is "ONLY FOR OLDER ASL DEAF". As I said, NAD opens arms to all diverse segments...young/old, deaf/deaf-blind/hh/hearing, CI/aides with FM needs/signers only, ASL users/CART readers, Married/Singles, Gay/Straight... you will be amazed at their open acceptance.

Even though I'm late getting on here, there is still time to show up and pay at door for most things (entertainment might be sold out), but this year's event is in Louisville, KY and for the first time it is held in conjunction with KY Deaf Festival with renown Deaf entertainers... FREE!

NO ONE is paying me to say any of this... I'm just advocating now because it is my joy in life to alert people to the quality events for improving life, learning something new everyday, and gaining a broader band of friends and acquaintances than in your smaller circles.

Signingly yours, Michfingers
 
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