National Anthem in ASL at Super Bowl LV The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2026-09-17 | National Anthem in ASL at Super Bowl LV
President Updates | June 2023 The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-07-06 | President Jenny shares updates from the NAD while at their retreat in Silver Spring, Maryland. The NAD Board continues to work on the priorities and ensures our progress. If you haven't, we encourage you to register for the NAD Leadership Training Conference happening this Fall in New Mexico -- www.nad.org/2023-nltc![VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: President Jenny is standing in the NAD Headquarters’ lobby.JENNY: Hello! I’m thrilled to be at the NAD’s Headquarters because the NAD Team is having a retreat. On the first day of the retreat, departments such as Communications, Law & Advocacy Center, and Policy, discussed their visions, plans, and how to be more streamlined moving forward. Then, the next day, the NAD Team discussed internal operations for the NAD as a whole and how to improve and work better for our communities. Next, the NAD Board continues to work on our priorities and make sure we’re progressing. I'm excited about our progress, more updates will be shared. And last, the NAD Leadership Training Conference (NLTC) is happening this Fall, there’s still time to register! We have a lot of good workshop topics that will benefit individuals as well as State Associations and Organizations in our communities.]
Advocacy Letter | Camps The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-06-29 | Does your Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing kid want to go to a hearing camp but aren't sure about accommodations? This advocacy letter may help! nad.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Camps.pdf. [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Darien is sitting down at a table on the phone as on-screen text appears, “Going to a hearing camp as a deaf person” video freeze-frame in gray then back to color. On the phone, Darien sees an Instagram post about a summer camp that looks really cool.DARIEN: Mom! Come look at this camp! It looks really fun and cool!MOM: Yeah? Let me see…Darien shows Mom the post.MOM: Oh, yeah, it does! How long is the camp?DARIEN: About two weeks.MOM: Two weeks, not bad. Oh, wait, is this a deaf camp? Darien looks at the post.DARIEN: Looks like it’s a hearing camp. MOM: Let’s ask if they’ll provide interpreters.DARIEN: We can do that? MOM: Yeah, the NAD has an Advocacy Letter for camps – we can use it!Darien: Really?!Mom and Darien are seated together on a bench as Darien types on the phone. ON-SCREEN TEXT *attaches the NAD’s Advocacy Letter for camps*DARIEN: and it’s sent!ON-SCREEN TEXT: One day later…Darien is sitting at the table holding the phone.DARIEN: Mom! MOM: Yeah?Darien: They responded saying they’ll provide interpreters!MOM: Hey now, see!? Sending that advocacy letter worked! So, you better get to packing!ON-SCREEN TEXT: One month later…Mom and Darien are on their way out, standing in front of their front door, Darien is carrying a backpack and a duffle bag.MOM: Do you have everything? Underwear? DARIEN: Mom!MOM: Hey, they’re important! Alright, we gotta hurry – I’m picking up my friends from the airport after I drop you off at camp.Mom walks away, leaving Darien confused.DARIEN: Wait, what??]
Our progress with ASL Resources for Deaf Babies | NADs 2022-2024 Priorities The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-06-27 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Milmaglyn and Michelle are standing in the middle of a school’s library.MILMAGLYN: For one of our priorities, ""ASL Resources for Deaf Babies"" the committee has been meeting regularly. Michelle can share a bit more about the committee's work thus far. MICHELLE: Before the committee even begins identifying resources for deaf babies, which is important yes, but we realized we need to design a road map. To develop our plan will help us achieve our work towards this priority. I'm actually excited about having different stakeholders on the committee. Their perspective from different organizations and approaches help us tremendously! We also have an outside consultant to provide us with structure and guidance which will help us build a road map. I'm looking forward to that! MILMAGLYN: Yes!]
Our progress with Dismantling Racism in the Deaf Community | NADs 2022-2024 Priorities The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-06-20 | VYRON: Our main goal is developing the curriculum and I'm happy to report that we're almost at the finish line. The only thing left to do is polish it up a bit before we release it. If you have suggestions or activities related to dismantling racism, self awareness, check-in, unpacking, and more -- please let us know! We'd be thrilled to have you join the committee. We're also happy to take suggestions if you don't have bandwidth to join a committee.
Shop at the NAD store! The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-06-07 | Dominique is standing in front of a wall.DOMINIQUE: Hey girl! Today, I want to buy more deaf empowerment shirts to add to my Deaf owned collection. I know the NAD Store has some shirts but I’m stuck on which one I should buy. So, help me out! I'll wear some shirts and show you.Dominique signs "READY?" with just her hand in frame.DOMINIQUE (wearing NAD’s progressive-themed logo shirt): I love seeing the progressive colors with the NAD logo. This is my favorite NAD shirt.DOMINIQUE (wearing “Nothing About Us, Without Us” shirt): "Nothing about us, without us!" This phrase is actually historic and comes from disability rights. Let me show you what it looks like on the back.DOMINIQUE (wearing finger-spelled version of NAD shirt): N-A-D! This shirt was designed by a Deaf printer and owner of dirtybeardpress, Laural Hartman. It's easy to read and eye-catchy!DOMINIQUE (wearing “Sharing Your Story” shirt): "Sharing your story is powerful" is a quote by Melissa Draganac-Hawk, former NAD President. We should share our story because you never know when your story might help inspire others. DOMINIQUE: I really can’t pick just one -- I love them all! So, I’m taking them all!
Education Advocates Training at #NLTC2023 The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-06-07 | CHRIS: We’re excited to announce that we will be launching our newly revised Education Advocates training curriculum this September at NLTC! SARAH: Hi! I’m Sarah, the NAD Education Policy Specialist.CHRIS: Hello! I’m Chris, the NAD Education Policy Counsel. The EA training is free for NLTC participants! Are you passionate about education advocacy? Do you believe that all Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing children should have high quality education? Are you interested in working with your state association of the deaf and the NAD? If so, this is a great opportunity for you!SARAH: We’re looking for at least one person from each state association and affiliate organization to join our training at NLTC to become an Education Advocate. Through this training, you will attend workshops to become familiar with special education and disability rights laws, state and local education systems, early intervention systems, and more. You’d also have an opportunity to attend other workshops. You’ll join a group of people who will preserve and protect deaf education! When you register for NLTC, check the EA training box so we know you’re coming. If you have questions about the EA training, contact sarah.honigfeld@nad.org. If you have general questions about NLTC, email nltc@nad.org.
[WEBINAR INVITATION] HOW TO: LGBTQIA2S+ Clubs at Deaf Schools/Programs The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-31 | EDIT: We want to make it clear that current legislative action impacts trans people the most.[VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Lizzie is sitting down and in front of a cameraLIZZIE: With rising anti-queer legislation in states across the U.S., it is critical to ensure deaf queer youth have space at their school/program for the deaf. LGBTQIA2S+ clubs create a community for queer students and to allow students to organize around issues that impact them. Does your school/program have a club but need more support? Do you want to set up a club at your school/program? This panel will include advisors from different schools who will share stories about how they established their club, why it is important to have a club, their challenges and things they’re proud of. Join us on June 13, 7-9p ET!]
President Updates May 2023 The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-31 | In this installment, President Jenny reminds folks to explore our archived webinar page (www.nad.org/resources/webinars), consider taking either the Parliamentarian Training or Education Advocates Training at the NAD Leadership Training Conference (www.nad.org/2023-nltc), and ends with excitement for June coming up![VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Jenny is standing in front of a black background and looking at a camera.JENNY: Hi everyone! May has been a busy month for the NAD, communities, and different organizations. The NAD hosted several webinars -- we keep a list of webinar recordings on our website in case you missed one, it's a great opportunity to learn from past webinars. May is Mental Health awareness month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Awareness Month -- check out our social media posts to learn more. The NAD continues to plan for its NAD Leadership Training Conference (NLTC) during September 21-23, 2023. We will host two different trainings at NLTC: Education Advocates Training and Parliamentarian Training. Both trainings are useful for anyone who wishes to learn more about those individual topics. If you're interested in either training, check the box when you register for NLTC. Your organization may not know who to send to NLTC yet and may want to take advantage of the early bird rate, you can! Go ahead and register with a 'placeholder' name and let us know who your organization decides to send. Sometimes your organization doesn't know who to send yet because you haven't had your conference yet -- often that's when elections happen. We look forward to knowing your organization's new officers once you have your elections. Contact us if you're interested in having the NAD attend and give a workshop or send a welcome letter for your program book. We'll be sure to handle that promptly for you! So, May was busy for us right? Next month, we look forward to celebrating DeafBlind Awareness month and PRIDE -- we're excited to share some posts next month!]
Congrats Class of 2023! The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-30 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Five students are standing in different backgrounds while looking at a cameraTRENT: Heyyyy!AUTUMN: Congratulations Class of 2023! ELLA: You really did it – this major milestone is yours to celebrate! SEANNA: I’m sure you’re excited about the future – or perhaps unsure what’s to come… Or maybe both?! I get it--CHLOE: As I get closer to graduation day I can't help but overthink about what's next.TRENT: With whatever you're feeling, experience is key. Like when you plant a seed, it can't grow until it experiences both rain and sunshine, right? AUTUMN: It’s time for all of us to show that you, we, and the future generations -- ELLA: together as a group -- CHLOE: we can thrive because-- SEANNA: you got this!]
NAD Board Shares Congratulations to Graduates The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-26 | TYESE: (shows a photo of herself wearing cap and gown up close before showing her face).MILMAGLYN: (shows a photo of herself wearing cap and gown up close in an ' 09 photo frame).KIMBERLY: (shows a photo of herself wearing cap and gown while shaking someone's hand).JENNY: (shows a photo of herself standing between her parents). MILMAGLYN: I'm the first of my family to get a master's degree. I got a master's in Special Education. This was such a memorable day for me.KIM: That's me when I graduated high school in 1996.JENNY: My parents were so proud of me that day, when I graduated from high school. They raised me and was so proud that I finished high school -- they knew I had a bright future ahead of me. JACOB: You did it! Now the world is yours to explore and experience.MICHAEL: You're never too old to continue your journey.LISA: I've a quick tip for you to keep in mind as you embark on your new journey. F-U-E-L. (F) for feeding positive vibes. (U) for uplifting your mind. (E) for encourage others. And (L) for love it! DAWNMARIE: Yay! You graduated! Congratulations!NICHOLAS: (wearing commencement outfit) Congratulations graduates! DINO: You all are now birds, ready to fly and soar!
Why do we need more Black Deaf/Signing Mental Health Therapists? The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-25 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Naima is standing in front of the cameraNAIMA: We don’t have enough Black Deaf/signing therapists in the mental health field. Challenges include... ON-SCREEN TEXT: systemic oppression, lack of resources/support, cost of education, stigmatization of therapy and lack of exposure, a list that could go on.NAIMA: Why is it important to have a Black Deaf/signing therapist? Black deaf/signing therapists will be able to provide an authentic, safe space to promote and explore healing, have different experiences, and explore issues regarding racial identities and oppression/challenges of living in a society where black deaf and hard of hearing communities may be marginalized and overlooked. Naima gestures to camera "pause".NAIMA: Black Deaf/signing therapists are in high demand! So here's a message for YOU! Are you, or do you know anyone who is Black Deaf/signing therapist?! Tag or comment below! Come and support us, Black Deaf/signing therapists. Our Black Deaf/signing therapists are crucial for our Black Deaf/signing communities to heal and navigate through our healing journey.]
MYTH: You dont need a therapist if you have a friend or loved one The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-24 | MYTH: You don't need a therapist if you have a friend or loved one. #MentalHealthAwareness [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: A white woman is standing in front of a camera.MyDeafTherapy: Your friends and loved ones aren't your therapist because even though they're an important part of your life and support you, therapists can have a different role for you. Therapists offer resources and information you may need and are professionally trained to provide you tools. Therapists can connect with you based on your experiences and work with you to navigate through your mental health journey. Now, if altogether if you have your friends / loved ones and your therapists -- this means you have a much better system that is more whole!]
What are the NAD 2022-2024 Priorities? The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-19 | Curious about the NAD's five Priorities for the NAD Board's 2022 - 2024 term and how it was decided? Watch as Jenny explains. A playlist of videos explaining each priority can be found here youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_ya42PSqaEuXw898OH7Tgjtsocb704QE #NADPriorities [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Jenny is standing in front of a black background.ON-SCREEN TEXT: What are the 2022 - 2024 Priorities?ON-SCREEN TEXT: Address Deaf Youth Well-BeingON-SCREEN TEXT: Achieving Equity in Deaf EducationON-SCREEN TEXT: ASL Resources for Deaf BabiesON-SCREEN TEXT: Deaf Seniors IssuesON-SCREEN TEXT: Dismantling Racism in the Deaf CommunityON-SCREEN TEXT: What do the priorities mean? There are many important topics that the NAD focuses on – however, these five priorities help the NAD understand the community’s wishes for the NAD to address during the 2-year term starting right after the biennial conference until before the next biennial conference. ON-SCREEN TEXT: How was this decided? Before the conference, NAD members had the opportunity to submit priority proposals. Then later, at the NAD Conference NAD members had the opportunity to discuss proposals during the NAD Forums and narrowed it down. Then Delegates voted on the top 5. Who are the Delegates? A representative of an affiliated State Association, organization, and NAD sections. Check out our videos that explain each of our priorities!ON-SCREEN TEXT: Link in the description]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-15 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Kimberly is sitting downKIMBERLY: May is mental health awareness month! From my perspective as a mental health professional, I wanted to introduce a word for you all: COURAGE. Courage is the key to sharing your truth, asking for help, being willing to learn about mental health, discussing this topic, reaching out to others who need support, being comfortable with sharing your experience, sharing your feelings and thoughts, and reducing the stigma. It takes a lot of courage to do all of this! We can share courage with each other to encourage everyone to share their truth.]
Advocacy Letter: Cruises The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-08 | Summer is almost here! Making vacation plans? Want to take a cruise but not sure if they'll provide accommodations? Use our advocacy letter! Download it: www.nad.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Cruises.pdf.[VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: ON-SCREEN TEXT: Inspired by true events. Sheena is standing in front of a cruise terminal trying to find her cruise ship, Sheena is dressed for a vacation.SHEENA: Okay, I need to find “Forever,” but all of these ships look the same to me. Oh, perfect, I see someone I can ask.SHEENA: *waves at employee* *gestures that she’s deaf then shows their phone.”ON-SCREEN TEXT: “Hi! I’m a passenger looking for the Forever cruise. Can you help?” EMPLOYEE: *reads phone’s screen and then points at ship* Your ship is over there! Right beside the Queen! *Flashback to when Sheena bought the cruise ticket*SHEENA: I need a vacation! Oh, I could do a cruise!Sheena goes to browse online for available cruises.SHEENA: Oh, a week in the Bahamas! Sold! But wait, I need to let them know I’ll need a sign language interpreter. ON-SCREEN TEXT: *sends an email asking for interpreters*ON-SCREEN TEXT: *later*Sheena is excited at first before slowly becoming disappointed.Sheena mumbles “No? They won’t? I need to look for an interpreter?”*Sheena is visibly unhappy and responds back*ON-SCREEN TEXT: Hi! I’m excited about my upcoming vacation, but it isn’t my responsibility to search for and hire an interpreter. I’ve attached the National Association of the Deaf’s advocacy letter for Cruises for you to review. The Americans with Disabilities Act clearly states it’s your responsibility.After Sheena sends the email, she grumbles back on the couch.ON-SCREEN TEXT: *later*ON-SCREEN TEXT: “You’ve got mail”ON-SCREEN TEXT: Hi Sheena, thank you for sharing the advocacy Letter. We apologize. We’ve secured two sign language interpreters for your cruise! We hope you have a wonderful trip! *End of flashback*Sheena nods, signs thank you, then walks off to board on the Forever while dancing. In the background, behind Sheena, we see the employee trying to sign thank you.]
Webinar Invitation | Stories of Jr. NAD: Gen Z The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-08 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: DT is sitting down.DT: We have a webinar coming up with Deaf Youth, ""Stories of Jr. NAD: Gen Z"" on Wednesday, May 17 at 7p ET. The NAD Deaf Youth Well-Being priority committee is tasked to gain a better understanding and strengthen inclusive mental health-centered mentoring for deaf youth to promote their leadership development. Deaf Youth panelists will share their experiences including what worked for them and what are the challenges of leadership opportunities, finding a mentor, personal experiences of navigating through the COVID pandemic, and their hopes for the future of Jr. NAD chapters. After the webinar, you will learn some of the possible common success strategies and challenges for deaf youth to thrive in leadership opportunities. Register to get your Zoom link and join us on May 17th!]
Passengers with Disabilities Deserve Better Air Travel Experiences Panel Webinar Announcement The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-05-05 | You'd think important announcements on the plane were accessible but they're not. The NAD supports the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act -- join our webinar on Tuesday, May 16, 7-8 pm ET to learn more! Register: www.nad.org/webinar-passengers-with-disabilities-deserve-better-air-travel-experiences[VIDEO DESC: Lizzie is sitting in an airplane seat. Lizzie is watching the in-flight entertainment screen in front of her and appears confused, she looks closer.In-flight entertainment screen says, “IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. If you cannot hear through your headsets, please remove them.”Lizzie is confused, looks around for the flight attendant. Then, she shrugs. Video becomes black and white.ON-SCREEN TEXT: Fact: passengers with disabilities deserve better air travel experiences.ON-SCREEN TEXT: Join our webinar and learn from panelists who will share updates about the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act. Tuesday, May 16, 7-8 pm ET.]
President Updates | April 2023 The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-04-26 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Jenny is standing in front of a black background.JENNY: Hi! It's April and it was surely a busy month for the NAD! The NAD Board held its quarterly in-person meeting at the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind in Great Falls, Montana. It was a great visit, we met with the students and the local communities. In addition, the Montana Association of the Deaf (MAD) held an ASL storytelling event at the school, and we enjoyed ourselves. Thank you for hosting us, Montana! In other news, we have released a statement regarding who should teach sign language on social media -- the NAD affirms that the teaching of sign language must be done by members of the Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Late-Deafened, and Hard of Hearing communities who are heritage signers. You can view the statement on our website. Also, the NAD is excited to release registration information for our next NAD Leadership Training Conference (NLTC)! The website has all the info you need -- the where, when, what, and how to register. I look forward to having you with us at NLTC this Fall! And last but not least, during this month of April, we also celebrated Deaf History Month. This gave us an opportunity to recognize people and events that have made an impact on deaf history. We appreciated learning your stories that you shared on social media and with our communities. I hope everyone learned a thing or two this month! I know I did, especially about the deaf museums all over the US. Until next month!]
Webinar Invitation | Real Talk Good Action | Deaf Womens Journey: Obstacles and Successes The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-04-24 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Cookie is sitting in front of a yellow wall.COOKIE: This panel will include deaf women with different backgrounds who will share their stories about their upbringing, facing obstacles, and successes. Panelists will share different experiences from different times in their lives. This webinar will be moderated by Cookie J. Brand and include representatives from Black Deaf Advocates, Deaf Women of Color, and Deaf Women United.]
Advocacy Letter: Healthcare Providers The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-04-19 | [Video Description & Transcript: Dr. Zach talks to the camera from inside a hospital hallway. DR. ZACH: Deaf people go to the hospitals too. Sometimes it’s because we need help ourselves, or we’re going to visit our families or friends. Dr. Zach stands in a different hallway, facing the camera.DR. ZACH: Hospital staff sometimes forget that deaf people need access while they need care, for themselves or for their loved ones. Dr. Zach stands in a hospital room, facing the camera.DR. ZACH: We face discrimination even when we’re trying to live. Dr. Zach sits in a hospital room, facing the camera.DR. ZACH: The Americans with Disabilities Act protects deaf and hard of hearing people, even when they’re in the hospital. It covers a list of things:TEXT-ON-SCREEN: Title III of the ADA applies to all private health care providers; Healthcare providers must provide services that are necessary for effective communication with deaf patients; services include interpreters, captioning, video remote interpreters, and more; also applies to a deaf companion of a patient.DR. ZACH: Take care! Bye!]
Teaching Sign Language on Social Media Platforms The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-04-18 | VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Jenny is standing in front of a black background.The NAD affirms that the teaching of sign language in social media needs to be done by members of the Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Late-Deafened, and Hard of Hearing communities who are heritage signers. It is important to recognize and respect the expertise of heritage signers who teach and to prioritize their knowledge and experience. On social media, there have been many hearing people “teaching” sign language but do not have the same level of cultural and linguistic understanding of our sign languages as heritage signers. Regardless of their intent to teach, these hearing people often do not have the knowledge or experience necessary to teach sign language in a culturally appropriate and linguistically accurate manner. As a result, the misinformation caused by those without the proper expertise that post “how to sign'' videos on social media platforms often spread wrong signs and cultural contexts, which can be damaging to our communities and our linguistic rights. These untrained people are also taking jobs away from heritage signers. The rapid spread of unqualified people teaching sign language on social media platforms leads to devastating harm to our communities. Hearing influencers on social media can support our communities by amplifying only heritage signers and advocating for them to have equal access to resources and opportunities.
Join Us at #NLTC2023! The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-04-13 | [VIDEO DEC & TRANSCRIPT: Jenny is standing in front of a black background.JENNY: The NAD Leadership Training Conference (NLTC) will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, September 21-23, 2023. The NLTC is designed to provide Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Late-Deafened, and hard of hearing folks with the best workshops, training, and interactions to promote enhanced leadership skills for many purposes! NLTC creates opportunities for employment advancement, organizational operations, and legislative advocacy. We will provide Racial Equity Training, Education Advocates Training, and Parliamentary Training. In addition to that, we will have over 20 workshops, two keynotes, and several caucuses for you to attend and become familiar with resources to use in your role as leaders and professionals. Explore the NLTC website to find out registration rates, hotel information, and list of workshops and training. We look forward to having you participate in this engaging leadership training event in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico.]
Advocacy Letter | Access to remote employment The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-04-07 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Zainab stands ZAINAB: Are you a deaf or hard of hearing employee that works for a hearing business or company? Do you work remotely? We have resources for you to ensure you receive the accommodations you need, whether you work remotely or at the office. The law protects you and requires your employer to provide you accommodations. Such as: Captioning, ASL Interpreter, Using Video Relay Service, IP-CTS, and more! Read more and maybe you’ll learn something new! Zainab smiles with her palm up where an on-screen text says “Link in Caption!” and a graphic overlay of the guide: “Remote Workplace Communication Access: Recommendations for Employers During Times of Expanded Telework” Guideline!”].
President Updates | March 2023 The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-03-31 | President Jenny shares a recap of March and what she's looking forward to next month. Happy Spring! [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Jenny is facing the camera.JENNY: It's finally Springtime! This means we can enjoy going out more, as for me -- you'll find me hiking more. Even with better weather, we're still working hard on our Priorities. Our committees are making progress on their work and I'm making sure we're on track. Last month, February, we honored Black History Month. This month, March, we honor Women's History Month. We also celebrated National Deaf Youth Day on March 6th. Thanks to everyone for hosting events to recognize and celebrate our leaders of the future. I look forward to two things next month, in April: Deaf History Month and our next Board meeting in Montana. We will have opportunities to meet with the local communities. During our trip to Montana, we will participate in Montana's Deaf Enrichment Weekend for Deaf Youth between the ages of 7 and 17 years old.]
Celebrate Deaf History with us! The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-03-29 | Guess what's coming up? Deaf History Month! [confetti emoji] But, why is #DeafHistory so important to us? [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Jenny is standing in front of a black background.Our Deaf History should be preserved like any other history. We have so much history - each and every one of us, not just the NAD as a deaf civil rights organization since 1880 - it's you, your classmate, your state association, your organization, your sign language dialects and variations, your deaf doctor, your deaf carpenter, etc... we all contribute to deaf history. And our Deaf history should be honored like others. And THAT’s what we’re celebrating April 1-30, our Deaf history.]
Deaf Womens History Month The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-03-28 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Women from the NAD’s Board and Team share a brief comment, standing in different backgrounds.STEPHANIE: Growing up, as a Black deaf girl (shows a photo of herself as a kid)…ANNA: Growing up, as a deaf Brazilian girl (shows a photo of herself as a kid)...LIZZIE: (shows a photo of herself as a kid) as a deaf queer young girl, I didn’t have others like me to look up to.MICHELLE: I didn’t realize how important that would be for me as a little girl to have someone to look up to.DAWNMARIE: BUT that’s different today, I see more and more Deaf women –DOMINIQUE: In the media… TYESE: Leading organizations… SARAH: Community advocate… KIMBERLY: Legislative watchdog…EMILY: Lifting each other up… LISA: Paving the way for future generations… MARLENE: Sharing their truth…LAURA: When we, all Deaf, Hard of hearing, Deaf Disabled, DeafBlind, Late Deafened, and BIPOC Deaf women, celebrate each other…ZAINAB: we thrive! JENNY: You’re not alone and you are enough.]
Air Carrier Access Amendments Act The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-03-23 | Have you ever been on a flight where you couldn't watch any TV shows or movies because it wasn't captioned and you couldn't understand their announcements? The Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (ACAAA) will address these issues! Contact your Representative and Senator and ask them to support this bill. Download the templates through nad.org/take-action-campaign and edit the letters to best fit you. [VIDEO DES & TRANSCRIPT: Zainab is standing in front of a blue background.ON-SCREEN TEXT: UPDATE: Deaf Travelers and their rightsZAINAB: Are you frustrated when you fly because you find a few movies or TV shows that are captioned? Also, having no idea what is being said during the PA announcements? So many of us share the same stories about our frustrations with these problems when we fly on planes. That’s not equal access. And it’s disappointing that the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and airlines still have not made improvements in decades. HOWEVER! There’s now a new bill that will fix this, the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act. This bill would require the Dept. of Transportation to develop rules that will require 100% captioned videos as well as accessible PA announcements on planes.ON-SCREEN TEXT: Tell your Senator to support S. 545.ON-SCREEN TEXT: Tell your Representatives to support H.R. 1267ZAINAB: How can you help? Ask your senators and representatives to support this bill. We have template letters you can download from our website and edit the letter to best show what you want to tell your legislators.ZAINAB: Deaf travelers deserve equal access when we fly!]
We won! The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-03-22 | We WON! Earlier this year, we went to the US Supreme Court with Disability Rights Michigan, Latham & Watkins, and Ellen Saideman, to represent a Deaf man, Miguel Luna Perez, who grew up in a public school district without any access to sign language interpreters or accommodations. All nine Supreme Court Justices voted in favor of Miguel! Today, we celebrate a powerful victory and continue our fight.Read: supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-887_k53m.pdf[VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT] NAD CEO Howard A. Rosenblum stands in front of a NAD logo inside the NAD Headquarters lobby.HOWARD: We WON! Along with other lawyers and law firms, we represent Miguel Luna Perez in a case that was brought to the United States Supreme Court. And the Supreme Court has announced its ruling in favor of Miguel! In fact, all nine of the Supreme Court Justices ruled for Miguel without any dissent. Wow! This is a powerful victory. Miguel did not get a meaningful education, and we sued the school district for him under the special education law -- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the IDEA. On behalf of Miguel, we settled that case with the school district. However, we weren't satisfied and believed that the school district also violated Miguel's ADA rights. We sued the school district under the ADA, but the court rejected our case and said we have to exhaust the IDEA. We argued that the ADA is completely separate from the IDEA but the court did not agree with us. We then appealed but the appellate court also rejected our case. We appealed to the Supreme Court and finally we prevailed. The Supreme Court agreed with us that the IDEA and the ADA are separate laws and that we could pursue the ADA case for access issues independently of the IDEA case which focuses on special education. That is now final and clear, all school districts are now on notice that they are responsible for compliance with both laws -- the IDEA and the ADA, rather than relying on the IDEA and avoiding the ADA. At this point, we are going back to the original court that denied the ADA case and will start working on that case. We will share more information on that ADA case for Miguel as it develops. Nonetheless, we WON this huge Supreme Court case!]
Advocacy Letter | Real Estate The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-03-21 | Buying a house can be exciting and also complicated. Communication barriers shouldn't add onto that stress. If you’re ever in a similar situation, use the NAD’s advocacy letter for Real Estate Professionals and Entities. You can download it from nad.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Real-Estate-Professionals.pdf! [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Sarah and Garin are standing, facing the camera. ON-SCREEN TEXT: inspired by true events.GARIN: Buying a house can be complicated for anyone, right? [both nod before dead pan stare] It’s even more difficult for deaf folks like us. SARAH: (nod) I reached out to a Real Estate company to get started on our search process. GARIN: We wanted to schedule a meeting so we asked for an ASL interpreter. SARAH: They said they couldn’t provide one but one of their agents knew a friend who knew some signs.GARIN: Yeah, “some signs”...Freeze-frame to gray.BOTH: Umm, WRONG! SARAH: I explained that buying a house is a truly complex process and having a friend who “knew some signs” wouldn’t be a good fit. GARIN: I emailed the agent the NAD's Real Estate Professionals and Entities Advocacy Letter. SARAH: After he emailed the letter, the agent quickly replied back apologizing and said they’ll arrange for an interpreter for our meeting next week.GARIN: [looks over to Sarah] Ready to find our new home? SARAH: YES!]
Advocacy Letter | Festivals & Concerts The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-03-06 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Leila is in front of an entrance to an outdoor concert. LEILA: Many of you probably know that I love going to music festivalssss! Many of you also asked me how to request interpreters or other ADA accommodations. So, it depends. Some festivals like ACL and Lolla have a system in place when they receive requests, they know what to do and find the best interpreters for the job and so on. Unfortunately, many other music festivals, concerts, and events don’t provide the same champ accommodations for deaf and hard of hearing attendees. BUT I have great news! The NAD has an advocacy letter you can use and show it to them – first, you gotta buy your ticket, then you can show them the letter that outlines what they need to do. “It’s the law! The NAD says so.” Anyway, I’ll show you where to find the advocacy letters. First, type in NAD.org in your browser.Leila in front of the NAD website, showing exactly what she’s saying at the same time.LEILA: On your phone, go to the menu and click on RESOURCES. Then you’ll see ADVOCACY LETTERS. There’s a letter for different purposes, go to EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT and you’ll see the advocacy letter for FESTIVALS AND CONCERTS. Click on that and you’ll see the letter. The letter is complete and ready for you to use with the organizers as it’ll tell them what to do.Leila is in front of a concert.LEILA: Your music festival experience should be absolutely EPIC and The video behind Leila shows an ASL interpreter at a concert.LEILA: ACCESSIBLE! Leila dances along with the video of the ASL interpreter, in the background.]
The NADs Commitment and Transparency The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-28 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Jenny and Howard A. Rosenblum are standing in front of black backgrounds. JENNY: This month, we posted spotlights, encouraged you to follow Black Deaf influencers, support Black Deaf businesses, hosted a webinar about Black Deaf perspectives, and more. HOWARD: Our commitment to dismantling racism is not just for now or end now, it will continue.JENNY: We must recognize our history of racism, such as the NAD not allowing Black members before or having a racist application process. Because of our history of causing harm, we know we must continue our internal and external work.HOWARD: Our commitment is to do the work in different areas, not just posts this month but also training for the staff/Board, ensuring lounge space at conferences, revamping youth programs, hosting webinars every month, and more. JENNY: I hope you’ve learned new things, followed new accounts, and bought things from Black Deaf biz! Join me and the NAD to dismantle racism in our communities.
Past Nancy J. Bloch Leadership & Advocacy Scholarship Intern: Meet Drake! The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-27 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Drake is facing the camera.DRAKE: Hello, I'd like to share my experience when I was the Nancy J. Bloch Leadership & Advocacy Scholarship intern. At first, I was hoping to improve my advocacy skills and in fact, I did! I gained valuable skills and experience. For example, during an intake, I was able to advocate for my client who faced communication barriers at work. My client's employer refused to provide captioning. So I sent them a demand letter which resulted in them finally providing captioning at my client's request. That outcome made me feel very proud and I realized how much of an impact I made for that client. AND that internship helped me realize that I wanted to keep advocating for disability rights. I decided to take more classes on disability rights and disability laws in law school. Currently, I'm a Skadden Fellow and one of the Staff Attorneys at the NAD, advocating for the rights of deaf families and deaf children!]
Advocacy Letter | Theaters The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-20 | Deaf people love being entertained, but it's not so fun when our accommodation requests are denied. If you ever experience pushback, use the NAD's advocacy letter for theaters. You can download it from the link in @nad1880's bio (scroll down to 'Events and Entertainment' and you'll find 'Theaters and Concert Halls') for situations like these! [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Dickie walks by a theater and sees a poster promoting a play. He goes inside and greets a theater employee at the window.DICKIE: Hi, I’m deaf. Hold on.Dickie pulls out his phone and types, “Hi, I’d like to request an ASL interpreter, please.”THEATER EMPLOYEE (off camera): Yes, we’ll provide an interpreter for you!DICKIE (to theater employee): *thumbs up* Thank you, thank you! Dickie walks back outside.DICKIE (to camera): See that? Some theaters are super easy to work with, but I know that’s not always true for other theaters. If you’re in a situation like this, and need to know what to do, use the advocacy letter for theaters. It explains our right for having interpreters or any kind of other access. Deaf people love and enjoy watching theater too.Fades to black.]
SBLVII National Anthem | Sign Language by Troy Kotsur | Chris Stapleton The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-16 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Troy is standing in the middle of a football field.ANNOUNCER: On behalf of the NAD, ASL performer and Academy Award Winner, Troy Kotsur. Performing the National Anthem, 8-time Grammy award-winner, Chris Stapleton.Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fightOver the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet waveOver the land of the free and the home of the brave?]
SBLVII America, the Beautiful | Sign Language by Colin Denny | Babyface Edmonds The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-16 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Colin is standing in the middle of a football field.ANNOUNCER: YouTube TV pre-kick show! Here in Glendale, Arizona as we now go over to public address announcer Alan Roach.ALAN ROACH: Joining us today on behalf of the National Association of the Deaf ASL signer from the Navajo Nation, Colin Denny. In celebration of our country, performing America, the Beautiful 12-time Grammy award-winning recording artist songwriter and producer, Babyface.COLIN: O beautiful for spacious skies,For amber waves of grain,For purple mountain majestiesAbove the fruited plain!America! America!God shed His grace on thee,And crown thy good with brotherhoodFrom sea to shining sea!God shed His grace on thee,And crown thy good with brotherhoodFrom sea to shining sea!]
SBLVII Lift Every Voice and Sing | Sign Language by Justina Miles | Sheryl Lee Ralph The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-16 | [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Justina is standing in the middle of a football field. Lift every voice and singTill earth and heaven ring,Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;Let our rejoicing riseHigh as the listening skies,Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, Facing the rising sun of our new day begunLet us march on till victory is won.]
President Updates | January 2023 The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-16 | JENNY: Hard to believe January 2023 is over in the blink of an eye, time flies! Earlier this month, the NAD Board held its quarterly in-person meeting in Kansas. During our meeting, we discussed a list of things. We are making progress on our five priorities, talking through what we need to do and where the committees are at. We also discussed the Super Bowl -- information on how to watch will be shared with you. Also on our agenda, we discussed the NAD Leadership Training Conference (NLTC) happening September 21-23, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Save the dates and join us for a weekend full of training, workshops, and networking. We're planning great ideas and topics to bring up during NLTC to support our communities. Besides our usual business meeting, we also had time to meet with the local communities in Kansas. We're grateful for the Kansas Deaf community for hosting the NAD Board!
Good luck Colin, Troy, and Justina! The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-12 | Colin, Troy, and Justina, some folks want to send some love to you today! #SBLVII #DeafPerformers #ASL #SignLanguage [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: montage of past performers facing the camera.ALEXANDRIA WAILES, 2018: Hi Troy, Colin, and Justina! Have a great time! Just remember to breathe and seize today. We support you! TRESHELLE EDMOND, 2015: I’m so excited for y’all! I want to send my best best bestttt of luck to y’all. And, remember, you gotta savor moments like this so you can shine on! SANDRA MAE FRANK, 2022: Congratulations! The three of you now join many past Deaf performers from previous years. This is such a huge honor. I can’t wait to watch you perform!KINESHA BATTLES, 2010: Hi! Today you’ll be performing. And you’ll shine! Like you, I performed and I thrived! You’ll thrive too. Cherish and enjoy this moment. Best of luck! ILY!MARLEE MATLIN, 1993, 2007, 2016: The world will be watching you perform your hearts out at the Super Bowl. We, the Deaf community and beyond, are proud of you – I know I am! ILY.AMBER ZION, 2014: Break fingers and have fun! CHRISTINE SUN KIM, 2020: Good luckkkk!CANDICE VILLESCA, 2011: Hi! I’m Candice, good luck today! AARRON LOGGINS, 2019: Look at you thriving in this world, welcome to the team! Congratulations. Believe in yourself! KRISTON LEE PUMPHREY, 2017: Huge congratulations to you all! You three are amazing. I look forward to watching you perform at the Super Bowl. Best of luck to all of you. Just remember to have fun and ride out on the most fantastic energy out there! Enjoy yourselves and again, congratulations! JOHN MAUCERE, 2013: The entire world is watching you at the Super Bowl. The three of you will perform in our language, ASL! We’re excited for you! Good luck! ILY! WARREN “WAWA” SNIPE, 2021 & 2022: Troy, Colin, and JTay! You guys are gonna kill it! I’m so proud of you. Welcome to the Super Bowl team! ILY!]
HOW TO WATCH Sign Language at Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023 The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-09 | Colin Denny, Troy Kotsur, and Justina Miles wants you to bookmark two different links to watch them perform at #SBLVII this Sunday! -- Pre-Game show: bit.ly/SuperBowlASLPreGame -- Half-Time show: bit.ly/SuperBowlASLHalftime[VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Justina Miles, Troy Kotsur, and Colin Denny stand together in front of #SBLVII backdrop.TROY: Hi! Ready to watch us perform in sign language at the Super Bowl this Sunday?! COLIN: How? It’s easy! JUSTINA: Both links are included in this post!]
Introducing new project focusing on Child Welfare The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-08 | The NAD has initiated a new project to focus on advocating for access to child welfare programs and services for deaf families and children.Children with disabilities are at an increased risk of being in the child welfare and foster care systems. Studies show that children with disabilities were at least three times more likely to be abused or neglected, leading them into the child welfare and foster care systems. Child welfare is a system where services are provided to ensure that all children live in safe, permanent and stable environments.For example, one private agency may contract with the State to recruit, train, and maintain foster and adoptive homes. Another example is a caseworker who works with the child and family to meet their needs (like counseling) and reports to the Court on their progress.Are you facing discrimination and communication barriers? Do you know someone who is struggling with receiving services? Tell us! When you contact us, we will create a new “intake” that allows us to understand your situation more. The more intakes we receive, the more likely we can identify system gaps and demand accessibility. Bottom line: children with disabilities are more likely to be in the child welfare and foster care systems. Families are also at risk of losing their children because of the system’s lack of understanding of their needs. No one deserves to be discriminated against – the NAD wants to change this.
Supreme Court Case The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-02-06 | In January 2023, the NAD went to the US Supreme Court with Disability Rights Michigan, Latham & Watkins, and Ellen Saideman, to represent a Deaf man, Miguel Luna Perez, who grew up in a public school district without any access to sign language interpreters or accommodations. We hope for positive results in a few months. HOWARD: I'm standing in front of the U.S. Supreme Court because we're representing a Deaf man from Michigan, Miguel Luna Perez. Miguel grew up in a public school district without any access to sign language interpreters or accommodations. We took legal action because they violated two laws. First, we filed legal action for violations of the IDEA, the special ed law, which we successfully settled. We then wanted to sue under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This lawsuit was denied, so we appealed and appealed, and as a result, we're here at the Supreme Court. This is important because both laws apply to this case so we should be able to take action under both laws. That's why we're here. The oral argument is done, we will find out the results in a few months.
YLC Staff Alumni The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-01-31 | Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to build the next generation of Deaf/Hard of Hearing leaders! This opportunity also includes some perks and a lifetime of memories. The next step is to apply by March 1st, 2023, through our website (link is in bio).[VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: All Staff Alumni are in front of a camera, in different backgrounds.SMA #1 (Jai Dortch): I did not hesitate to apply as a builder/staff member because I believe in uplifting our next generation of Deaf/Hard of Hearing kids and investing in their future. SMA #2 (Jett Kelly): You will meet and work with many Deaf Youth and work with staff members. This is also a great opportunity if you're looking for an internship and professional development! You can even get certifications that can apply to your future jobs.SMA #3 (Bridget): Another cool bonus is getting paid while staying at camp (like lodging, meals, and memories included)! CHAMP! SMA #4 (Jimel): And best of all, witnessing our Deaf Youth thriving is tru-biz a rewarding experience. Join the YLC team this summer! Apply by March 1st, 2023!]
Advocacy Letter| Courses & Examinations The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-01-26 | Deaf people should have access to online courses just like anyone else. If you're having issues with requesting interpreters for your courses or examinations, use our advocacy letter! Download a copy here: nad.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Courses-and-Examinations.pdf #deafrights VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Casavina browses the internet on her phone and comes across a post about a cosmetology course.CASAVINA: Emergency! SELENA: What what?!CASAVINA: There’s an online lipstick course that shows you how to get luscious lips!SELENA: Let me see![Selena looks at phone]SELENA: I’m definitely joining you!CASAVINA: Perfect, I’ll buy us tickets.SELENA: Hold on. Will they provide interpreters?CASAVINA: Well, they should have interpreters.SELENA: Are you sure about that? They always say, “Sorry interpreters are not available.”CASAVINA: Not with us.SELENA: Okay, we’ll see about that.Casavina calls the course hotline.VRS Interpreter: Hello!CASAVINA: Hi!COURSE FRONT DESK: Hi. Welcome to Lip Fierce. How can I help you?VRS Interpreter: Welcome to Lip Fierce. How can I help you?CASAVINA: Hi, I’m excited to tell you I bought two tickets for your online lipstick course!COURSE FRONT DESK: Yay! I am so excited to have you.CASAVINA: Same here! Also, I'd like to request sign language interpreters please.SELENA: Yes! (fingers crossed)!COURSE FRONT DESK: Sign language interpreter? Oh sweetie, this is the lipstick course.CASAVINA: Right. And we want to take your lipstick course.COURSE FRONT DESK: Oh. VRS Interpreter: Quiet. Selena throws her hands up in disappointment.CASAVINA (to Selena): Just wait.COURSE FRONT DESK: Yeah, we don’t have sign language interpreters. Sorry. But don’t worry! We can refund you.SELENA (to Casavina): See?CASAVINA (to Selena): Just wait.CASAVINA: We don’t want the refund. There’s a law that says you have to provide us access. Oh! I am going to email you a letter that explains this. COURSE FRONT DESK: Okay. Bye.Casavina hangs up.CASAVINA (to Selena): Oh, just wait and see.[Ten minutes later]Casavina gets a phone alert from Lipstick Fierce Company. CASAVINA: Oh!Casavina (to Selena): See!? (Answers the phone).VRS Interpreter: Hello again! COURSE FRONT DESK: Hey, it’s me again. Casavina: Hello!COURSE FRONT DESK: I just read your advocacy letter for courses and exams and gosh, I am so sorry. I’m new to this, so don’t worry. I got you covered. Interpreters will be there! Selena is visibly excited.CASAVINA: Perfect! Thank you, I appreciate it.COURSE FRONT DESK: Yay! I’m excited.Casavina claps.Casavina (to Selena): See?!Selena claps.SELENA: Yay, I cannot wait![later]Casavina and Selena are watching the course on a laptop and applying makeup at the same time, for a class assignment. Video cuts to behind Casavina and Selena and we see an interpreter on screen as a PIP, with the teacher.SELENA: Look at my luscious lips!CASAVINA: Look at mine!
More Reasons Why You Should go to NAD Youth Leadership Camp! The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-01-13 | Unsure if you should apply for the 2023 Youth Leadership Camp? 🤔 (thinking face emoji) Jessie shares some of the reasons why you should grab this opportunity! Visit youth.nad.org/ylc to apply by January 15th![VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Jessie is standing in front of a camera.JESSIE: If you haven’t applied yet, are you still not sure whether you should apply? These are some of the reasons you should go ahead and do it!Points to 3 areas on both sides. 6 totalON-SCREEN TEXT: Improve teamwork skillsON-SCREEN TEXT: Meet deaf role modelsON-SCREEN TEXT: Lead special events like ASL Night and more! ON-SCREEN TEXT: Develop new friendshipsON-SCREEN TEXT: Gain confidenceON-SCREEN TEXT: Be the leader you want to beJESSIE: Last but not least, you’ll make a lifetime of memories! Feeling excited? Apply by January 15, 2023!]
Reasons you should go Youth Leadership Camp (YLC)! The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-01-11 | YLC alumni share their reasons why deaf youth (YOU!) should go to Youth Leadership Camp!YLC will take place at Camp Taloali in Stayton, Oregon, June 26th - July 21st, 2023 --- visit youth.nad.org/ylc to apply by January 15th! #DeafYouth #NADYouth #YLC2023 [TRANSCRIPT & DESC: Montage of different YLC Campers, known as Leaders, signing briefly.Leader 1: Why should you go to YLC?Leader 2: YLC is Champ!Leader 3: You will make new friends,Leader 4: build confidence and self-esteem,Leader 5: learn about your rights,Leader 6: learn more about who you are,Leader 7: explore your future careers,Leader 8: become inspired, and you can inspire others.Leader 9: we will thrive together!Leader 10: Are you ready to be a Leader?]
Advocacy Letter | Conferences The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2023-01-10 | Did you know we have an advocacy letter for conferences and workshops? If you requested access but got some pushback, download our letter and share the letter with the conference organizers -- make sure you have access! The letter can be found here: nad.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Conferences-Conventions-and-Workshops.pdf #DeafRights[VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Angela is sitting at a desk and looks intrigued.ANGELA: I want to go to this conference, but there’s no information about accessibility. I’ll email them.[Text on-screen: later.]Angela reads the email, on-screen text, “Hi Angela, we are not able to provide an ASL interpreter, because - “][Angela gives up and FaceTimes her friend]Text-on-screen: Feeling defeated, Angela calls a friend.ANGELA: Hey–FRIEND: Hey! What’s up?ANGELA: Remember that conference that I told you about?FRIEND: Yeah…?ANGELA: They declined my request for interpreters.FRIEND: (sigh)ANGELA: I don’t know HOW to advocate for myself.FRIEND: The NAD has an advocacy letter for conferences – it has everything you need to tell them.ANGELA: Really? Please send it to me![Angela looks at the advocacy letter in her email.]ANGELA: Perfect, I’ll email this to them!ANGELA [looking at the camera]: I’ll also have proof that I've been discriminated against if they refuse to accommodate.]
A Ride-Share Driver | Ramadon The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2022-12-29 | Yes, deaf people can drive! Check out Ramadon's full story www.nad.org/2019/12/05/ramadon. [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Ramadon is standing outside.RAMADON: Of course, there was a rough beginning in terms of communicating with the riders. Some of the riders had never met a deaf person before. Some thought deaf people shouldn’t drive. Black and white video of Ramadon in his car, getting ready to start his shift.ON-SCREEN-TEXT: Meet Ramadon a ride-share driver.ON-SCREEN-TEXT: Ramadon is deaf. RAMADON: It’s hard to communicate with folks when they're sitting in the back but since the app told them their driver is deaf, I feel at ease.Black and white clip of Ramadon checking the ride-share app.]
A Deaf Teacher | Scott The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2022-12-26 | Sometimes your job means doing more outside your job. Scott gets inspired to do more as a teacher. Scott's full story can be found at www.nad.org/2020/05/28/scott. [VIDEO DESC & TRANSCRIPT: Scott is sitting on a chair.SCOTT: I mean some families moved out of state for their kids to go to bigger schools but not me and my family. Black and white video of Scott teaching.ON-SCREEN-TEXT: Meet Scott, a teacher.ON-SCREEN-TEXT: Scott is deaf. SCOTT: I joined the Kansas Association of the Deaf and went through legislative training — so, that’s how I really got into changing things for the better!Black and white clip of Scott teaching.]
Meet the NAD Board The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2022-12-23 | The 2022-2024 NAD Board members share why they serve on the Board.[VIDEO DESC & Transcript: Video begins with NAD Board members in a circle. On-screen-text: why our advocacy is importantNICHOLAS: The NAD promotes, preserves, and protects deaf people’s human rights in the US. The NAD advocates to ensure our rights are equivalent to other groups in America.MICHAEL: The NAD is our watchdog, especially on a Federal level, to make sure our rights are protected.MILMAGLYN: The NAD fights for our civil, linguistic, and human rights.LISA: Since 1880, the NAD has done a lot for deaf, DeafBlind, late-deafened, and hard of hearing communities.JENNY: I asked myself how can I contribute to the NAD and I realized it’s my knowledge, skills, experience, and leadership that I use towards the NAD which helps it move forward.LAURA: I rely on your input and feedback because that’s what I’ll share with the NAD. STEPHANIE: I support our community and focus on recruiting BIPOC members to the NAD. I love working with the Board. I just love our deaf community! JACOB: I appreciate the opportunity to get involved, discuss a variety of issues, all to make things better in our community. KEVIN: We serve on the Board fighting for our rights and to break down barriers and struggles over the years. Enough is enough.TYESE: I want to help get more BIPOC members to join the NAD!KIMBERLY: My passion is to lift and encourage deaf youth.LINSAY Jr: I want to see changes made that make an impact.MICHELLE: I feel like I’ve learned a lot in previous terms, every term I learn new things on how I can share what I learned with my local community. There are so many resources out there, it’s my role on the NAD Board to share with the local community.VYRON: I’m ready and comfortable to share my expertise, knowledge, and skills with the NAD. By serving on the NAD Board, I end up serving the deaf community. DINO: It’s a ripple effect. One drop impacts so many areas. We work on advocacy, education, system change, personal growth, professional growth, and so on – our work impacts everything!]
✅ DO THIS with deaf people during the holidays The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) 2022-12-22 | Check out some tips on how to have a deaf-friendly holiday season! Video description and transcript can be found on our YouTube channel. [Video DESC & TRANSCRIPT. Video shows an aerial view of hands setting up the dining table. Text on-screen: “DO THIS with deaf people during the holidays”.TEXT-ON-SCREEN: Let deaf folks know who’s coming and what the game plan isTeach some ASL phrases your hearing guests can use Allow phones at the table so deaf folks can transcribeEye contact wins! Face them when you’re talking Don’t say “never mind” Don’t tell them later Include them in your conversationsAsk deaf folks for other ideas!]
