To nominate someone who deserves a #NADHandwave, one must submit a brief explanation of how a certain person embodies the NAD’s spirit. For some people who are deserving of this recognition, a simple 200-word explanation is not enough to capture everything that the person has done for our community! Lori Wakat is one of those people who have given so much and deserves a #NADHandwave from our community.
Lori is a teacher in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community-Based classroom at Hinsdale South High School in Illinois. She has been a teacher in the program for over 30 years and has worn many different hats during her career. She has left a lasting impression on the MANY students that have graduated from the program. In addition to being a teacher who has influenced so many, people also know Lori for her role as the Jr. IAD sponsor and as the volleyball coach. She gets to school early in the morning ready to teach, and at the end of the school day, stays afterwards to sponsor or coach. Many hats indeed!
She has spent countless hours each day and night ensuring that the students feel welcomed and part of a community the moment they step on campus. Among the priceless gifts that Lori has brought to the students are hands on activities that build confidence, self-awareness, and satisfaction in them.
Lori is approaching retirement and her shoes will be difficult to fill at Hinsdale South! Thank you, Lori, for your many years of selfless service. The NAD recognizes and appreciates your loyal dedication towards deaf and hard of hearing youth, who are our future leaders.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) gives monthly #NADHandwaves to people in our community. This is great opportunity for the NAD to recognize exemplary people for the work they do. With such great people, the world continues to progress. If you know someone who deserves a #NADHandwave, submit your suggestion online!
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The NAD was established in 1880 by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. As a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more.