The National Association of the Deaf works across five key areas to advance the rights, access, and full inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing people in society. Here’s how we put our mission into action:
Civil Rights & Legal Advocacy
The NAD protects the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people across the U.S. Through legal advocacy, education, and litigation, we confront discrimination in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and public life. We work to uphold laws like the ADA and Section 504 and provide resources to help individuals understand and assert their legal rights. Note: The NAD takes on select legal cases but generally does not provide individual legal representation.
Public Policy & Government Affairs
Driving change at every level starts with a strong national agenda. We advocate for policies that support the rights and needs of our community at the federal level. We push for access in communication, education, employment, healthcare, technology, and more—including full civic participation. Through position statements, advocacy policy briefs, lawmaker meetings, and grassroots campaigns, we hold governments and systems accountable.
Language Access & Education
Education begins with access to language, and building a strong start for every Deaf child means ensuring early exposure to American Sign Language (ASL), equitable educational opportunities, and systems that respect deaf learners. We advocate for and support families and educators so that children have the tools they need to succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally—without language deprivation.
Technology & Accessibility
Technology should work for all of us. We fight for access to media, emergency systems, streaming platforms, sporting events, and more—areas of daily life where exclusion still happens. By standing with communities, organizations, and government agencies, we push to make sure innovations like artificial intelligence are built with everyone in mind.
Youth Leadership & Empowerment
We support the next generation of leaders by empowering deaf and hard of hearing youth to lead with confidence, a strong sense of identity, and a commitment to scholarship and citizenship.
Through our flagship programs — Junior NAD and Youth Leadership Camp — and associated national youth initiatives, we provide life-changing opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and community-building.
