Guided by the principle of Nothing About Us, Without Us, the NAD ensures representation in guiding the policies that affect our lives. This work involves advocating for laws, regulations, and decision-making processes at the local, state, and national levels. By working with policymakers, government agencies, and allied organizations, the NAD helps advance education, employment, technology, healthcare, and civic participation, ensuring that our community has a role in the broader systems and structures that affect us nationwide.

The NAD takes action through the following efforts:

• Legislative Monitoring: Following U.S. Congressional bills and committees on relevant issues and share their impact with lawmakers.
• Regulatory Engagement: Giving feedback on proposed rules and regulations to advance access and other issues of importance to our community.
• Coalition Engagement: Partnering with deaf, hard of hearing, disability, and allied organizations to increase impact and share advocacy resources through our Knowledge Hub.
• Public Engagement: Providing webinars, briefings, and presentations to connect communities with policy information.
• Capacity Building: Empowering and training advocates, organizations, and communities with the resources and knowledge to create policy change.

Our areas of focus evolve with changing challenges and opportunities; currently they include:

• Education and Early Intervention – Ensuring policies support full language and communication access from birth through adulthood.
• Emergency Management – Making sure emergency planning, alerts, and services are inclusive and accessible.
• Mental Health & Youth – Promoting policies that address gaps in youth mental health services and supports.
• Older Adults – Ensuring supports in healthcare, housing, social services, and community programs.
• Leadership – Advancing representation and leadership opportunities within decision-making spaces.

We know change doesn’t happen unless we lead the way. We ensure that lawmakers, agencies, and decision-makers hear directly from us—not about us.

Together with coalitions, partners, and grassroots advocates, we organize, take action, and advance policy issues that align with our mission and strategic goals.