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.

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

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.