NAD CEO Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins – Update on U.S. Department of Education

Summary: NAD CEO Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins provides an update on recent impacts on the U.S. Department of Education

Important Update from NAD 

The NAD has learned that the U.S. Department of Education has made significant cuts, affecting key programs and positions that serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. This Reduction in Force (RIF) impacts:

• HRSA – Early Childhood Education – Birth to 3 programs nationwide
• K-12 Deaf Education
• Postsecondary Programs
• Interpreter Training Programs
• Liaison to Special Institutions – which supports:
  • Gallaudet University
  • National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
  • Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind
  • American Printing House for the Blind

What is NAD Doing?

The NAD recognizes that these decisions could roll back decades of progress under policies like IDEA and other critical protections for Deaf education.

 Working with key leaders, including special institutions and disability organizations
 Collaborating with state associations, affiliates, and the NAD Board to understand the full impact and plan next steps
 Prioritizing Deaf Education, especially Deaf Schools and Birth to 3 programs

What Can You Do?

 Stay informed.
 Advocate! Contact your state and federal representatives to ensure Deaf education remains protected.
 Engage with NAD and your local organizations to support ongoing efforts.

The fight is not over. Our community must take action. Stay tuned for updates!