The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) operates as a federation of state associations, organizational affiliates, and individual members. Together, we advocate for the rights, needs, and priorities of Deaf and hard of hearing people across the United States.

Each part of the federation plays a vital role. The NAD sets national goals and priorities. State associations focus on regional and local issues. Organizational affiliates represent the interests of their specific constituencies. Every two years, representatives from across the federation gather at our biennial national conference to shape both short- and long-term strategic goals, discuss key issues, review bylaws, and vote on policies, resolutions, and leadership — the foundation of member-based nonprofit governance.

This federation structure ensures that our work is led by the people we serve. It demonstrates our commitment to shared leadership, community accountability, and the principle of Nothing About Us, Without Us.