Deaf Founders. A Legacy in Action.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the oldest continuously operating civil rights organization in the United States.
Founded by deaf leaders in 1880, the NAD was created to protect our use of American Sign Language (ASL), advocate for the right to lead our own lives, express our culture and identity, and ensure our experiences and perspectives shape the decisions that impact our community.
ASL as Our Core Identity
Our original founding principles continue to guide our work. American Sign Language shapes our identity — it is our language, our culture, and our power.
ASL drives our movement and fuels a future where Deaf and hard of hearing people lead, shape, and thrive in every part of life.
Civil, Human, and Linguistic Rights
The mission of the NAD — our purpose — is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States and its territories.
Nothing About Us Without Us
We live by the principle, Nothing About Us Without Us — Deaf and hard of hearing people must lead every conversation and decision that affects their lives.
We advance civil rights by elevating leadership, vision, and action from within our community.
Deaf-Led Federation, National Impact
We lead a national federation composed of Deaf-led organizations — state associations, service agencies, advocacy groups, and community-based nonprofits — working with partners in government and business who share our values.
The NAD is more than an organization — we’re a Deaf-driven movement. If you believe in self-representation, self-expression, and self-determination, you belong here.
Access, Opportunity, and Justice
We work to protect the rights of Deaf and hard of hearing people at every stage of life. We stand for access to education, jobs, healthcare, telecommunications, and more. We support the use of American Sign Language and advocate for Deaf leadership and participation.
Everything we do is about removing barriers, opening doors, and making sure over 45 million Deaf and hard of hearing people across the U.S. are understood, valued, and fully included.
Join the Movement
As the nation’s oldest civil rights organization of, by, and for Deaf people, the NAD drives lasting change through Deaf leadership.
Join a powerful national federation — become a member, donate, and partner with us.
Together, we ensure access, participation, and opportunities driven by Deaf values, community, and self-determination.