National Association of the Deaf

#NAD2026 Entertainment

Updated April 12, 2026

Person with short hair and glasses wearing a dark suit, standing in front of a blue background with text about the NAD2026 Conference and a colorful illustration of the Golden Gate Bridge.

At the 58th Biennial National Association of the Deaf Conference in San Francisco, join us for two signature events you won’t want to miss. On July 2, the Cultural Extravaganza will showcase the creativity and diversity of Deaf culture through powerful performances and storytelling. Then on July 4, we’ll come together one last time for the Conference Bash/Closing Celebration—an evening to gather and enjoy great entertainment together. With JAC bringing energy and passion to both events, you’ll be part of an overall experience you won’t forget.


About JAC
JAC—often known as a “JAC of all trades”—is a dynamic Master of Ceremonies, auctioneer, and ASL & Accessibility Consultant with nearly 30 years of experience in theatre, film, keynote, training, education in LGBTQIA+, and live events. Known for commanding the stage with warmth, wit, and cultural fluency, JAC has emceed national programs, galas, and fundraisers including the NAD ASL Literacy Night and Miss Deaf America / Ambassador programs.

JAC made history as the first ASL (dubber) performer featured in Marvel’s Ant-Man and has since served in creative leadership roles including Director of Artistic Sign Language (DASL), Quality & Assurance Supervisor, and translator for productions.

As the founder and CEO of Velvet Hands, an ASL theatrical & performance interpreting company celebrating its tenth year, JAC currently serves as Sales & Marketing Strategist for Keystone Interpreting Solutions, Adjunct Theatre Faculty at Community College of Baltimore County, and a freelance Deaf interpreter.

A proud alumni of Gallaudet University, JAC lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 25 years before moving to Maryland to live with life partner Rosa Lee Timm, two bonus children, and four cats.

JAC is thrilled to return as Entertainment Coordinator for the #NAD2026 Cultural Extravaganza and Conference Bash/Closing Celebration in the Bay Area—a place that has never left JAC’s heart.