The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) mourns the loss of Douglas Bahl, a extraordinary individual and a long-time supporter of the Miss Deaf America Program (MDAP) — now revamped as the Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) — under NAD Youth Programs.
The MDAP became a reality thanks to two individuals: Douglas Burke and Douglas Bahl. In 1966, the National Cultural Program was established, with the purpose of finding the hidden talents among deaf people in the visual arts. Originally intended only as a talent pageant, the program evolved under Bahl’s leadership to become the Miss Deaf America Program under the auspices of the National Cultural Program.
Through the Miss Deaf America Program, Bahl was instrumental in its evolution towards leadership and ambassadorship. The Miss Deaf America Pageant was held during the biennial NAD Conference. Young deaf and hard of hearing women from all over the nation came together to represent their home states and demonstrate their talents, leadership, and character in their quest for the NAD Miss Deaf America title. Bahl believed in the importance of recognizing excellence in the deaf and hard of hearing community, especially young women in this community.
Bahl talking with Miss Deaf Kansas, 1992.
Bahl at the 1992 NAD Conference in Denver, Colorado.
“Bahl’s far-ranging interests and work efforts brought together outstanding individuals from different backgrounds and he continues to be an inspiration to many,” said NAD President Chris Wagner.
During all those years, Bahl shared his unwavering support for the NAD Miss Deaf America program and devoted much of his attention to ensuring recognition of talented young deaf and hard of hearing women. He also greatly valued improving and expanding collaboration within the Deaf community.
Miss Deaf state contestants during the 2000 NAD Conference in Norfolk, Virginia.
Miss Deaf America Pageant contestants, 1982.
Miss Deaf America Pageant at the 1982 NAD Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
Not only did Bahl volunteer countless hours for the MDAP but he was also known as a great community leader in Minnesota.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the nation’s premier civil rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. Established in 1880, the NAD was shaped 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. These beliefs remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more – improving the lives of millions of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. The NAD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by the generosity of individual and organizational donors, including corporations and foundations.
State contestants doing the Derby Hat performance at the 2012 NAD Conference in Louisville, KY.
Announcing Chanel Gleicher of Maryland as the winner of the Miss Deaf America title, 2012.
We are sad to lose such a phenomenal individual, and our community is very fortunate that Douglas Bahl contributed so much to us.