National Association of the Deaf

Nothing About Us, Without Us

Our Identity. Our Rights. Our Future.

Founded by deaf leaders, the National Association of the Deaf was created to defend American Sign Language, assert the right to self-expression, and ensure the we are represented in decisions that affect our lives.

The mission of the NAD is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. We work to remove barriers and ensure that full access and participation is the norm, not the exception.

Explore within to discover who we are, what drives us, and how you can be part of the movement.

Throughout this website, ‘Deaf’ includes people who identify as Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened.

| Events

ID: Graphic for the 58th Biennial National Association of the Deaf Conference. The design has a blue gradient background with a faint bridge image. The NAD logo and white conference title appear near the top. A large watercolor-style image of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is centered on the graphic. The bottom text reads: “Visit www.nad.org/sf26."

Join us for the 58th Biennial National Association of the Deaf Conference: Roots and Rising, from June 30 to July 5, 2026, in vibrant San Francisco, California, at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. This national gathering will bring the community together to honor our roots, strengthen our shared work, and rise toward the future.

Registered attendees can look forward to workshops and training sessions, exhibits, business meetings, alumni gatherings, and related activities. Nights of Unity events will also feature the Opening Ceremony, Cultural Extravaganza, College Bowl Competition, and ASL Slam and Post-College Bowl Social (the Conference Bash/Closing Celebration is sold out).

Secure your spot. Choose the Combo option for the full #NAD2026 experience, or select à la carte registration options that fit your plans. Explore www.nad.org/sf26 for registration, hotel accommodations, the full schedule, partnership opportunities, and more. We can’t wait to welcome you to San Francisco for #NAD2026!

58th Biennial NAD Conference

A Legacy of Progress: Celebrating 145 Years of the NAD

On August 25, 1880, deaf leaders founded the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) to defend our civil rights.

In honor of 145 years of advocacy and progress, we’re asking you to consider a special gift of $145. Your donation will directly fuel our work to remove barriers and secure access for the next generation. Of course, any amount that feels right for you will make a difference.

Make your gift today and help us continue our vital work.

| Latest News

  • A Bold Future for NAD: Welcoming Our New CEO

    May 18, 2026

    Nicholas Kiego has been appointed the next CEO of the National Association of the Deaf and will take office on August 1. He will be introduced at the 58th Biennial NAD Conference in San Francisco as Interim CEO Bobbie Beth Scoggins supports the leadership transition.

  • Standing Our Ground: NAD Principles on Gene Therapy

    May 7, 2026

    The National Association of the Deaf said it opposes using gene therapy to alter hearing status or eliminate Deaf identity, while recognizing its potential for serious medical conditions. The group urged ethical engagement that respects Deaf culture, consent, and human diversity.

  • CEO Finalist Announcement

    April 10, 2026

    NAD will host a live virtual town hall on April 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. Eastern featuring CEO finalists Michelle Cline and Nicholas Kiego. The event will include presentations, responses to pre-submitted community questions, and discussion of leadership priorities.

| Focus Areas

At the National Association of the Deaf, we are committed to building a world where Deaf and hard of hearing people can fully participate, thrive, and lead — without barriers. We get things done in five key areas — law, policy, education, access, and youth — where it counts most.

  • Civil Rights & Legal Advocacy Protecting and defending the rights of Deaf individuals through legal support, advocacy, and systemic change.
  • Public Policy & Government Affairs Advocating for laws and policies that reflect the lived experiences and needs of our community.
  • Education & Language Access Ensuring every Deaf child has full access to ASL and learning from the very start.
  • Technology & Accessibility Driving efforts to make communication access a standard in all technology and design.
  • Youth Leadership & Empowerment Building the next generation of Deaf leaders through scholarship, leadership, and citizenship.