Stephanie, President, National Association of the Deaf
Hello NAD Members and Community,
March is bringing exciting momentum as we prepare for one of the most anticipated gatherings of our movement — the 2026 NAD Conference in San Francisco!
Under the leadership of our Conference Chair, Milmaglyn Morales and with the steady guidance of the NAD Board, planning is moving forward with energy and intention. We recently traveled to San Francisco to visit the conference hotel site, meet with local partners, connect with community leaders, and hold our Board meeting. Seeing the space firsthand and building those local relationships reminded us why the NAD Conference is more than an event — it’s a powerful convening of our national community.
We are grateful for the leadership of Bobbie Beth Scoggins, who, in her role as Interim CEO, is overseeing conference logistics to ensure a smooth, accessible, and welcoming experience for all. This work would not be possible without the collaboration of our valued partners, including RID Region V and its affiliate chapters, Deaf In Government, key stakeholders such as the National Deaf Education Committee (NDEC), the Education Section of the National Association of the Deaf, and our local partners at the City of San Francisco, Office of Disability and Access, along with our sister agencies in California — NorCal Services for Deaf & Hard of Hearing, DCARA, and Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD) through its Office of Deaf Access.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with these local organizations and partners to make this conference the best ever — rooted in collaboration, accessibility, and community pride.
What’s Coming Next?
- Workshop Proposals – We encourage you to submit dynamic, thought-provoking proposals that reflect the diversity, expertise, and innovation within our community.
- Exhibitor & Sponsor Opportunities – Showcase your organization, products, or services and connect directly with attendees from across the country.
- Conference of Representatives (COR) – Milmaglyn is coordinating preparations for our delegates, and more details will be shared soon.
- Community Forums – Our first forum kicks off today (March 11. These forums are designed to keep you informed and provide space for dialogue. Watch your email and social media for updates.
Be sure to visit www.nad.org/sf26 for the latest conference updates and important deadlines.
A New Digital Chapter
We are also preparing to launch the newly redesigned NAD website in the coming weeks. This refreshed platform will make it easier to access advocacy updates, resources, and conference information. Stay tuned — we can’t wait to share it with you.
Addressing Community Concerns
While we prepare to celebrate and gather, we also recognize the serious challenges facing Deaf and hard of hearing communities nationwide. From language access gaps and interpreter shortages to education inequities and policy shifts affecting disability rights, the NAD Board is actively monitoring developments and working closely with our state associations, sections, and affiliates.
- We are committed to:
- Strengthening coordination with state associations
- Sharing timely advocacy resources
- Responding strategically to emerging legislative and civil rights issues
- Supporting our partners in advancing equity and access at every level.
You matter. Your experiences shape our work. And your engagement strengthens our movement.
If you have conference-related questions, please contact [email protected].
Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and commitment to our shared mission. I look forward to seeing many of you in San Francisco as we come together to learn, lead, and move forward — united.
With appreciation,
Stephanie
President, National Association of the Deaf