The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the oldest continuously operating civil rights entity in the United States—established in 1880, nearly three decades before the NAACP. Deaf leaders founded the NAD to affirm the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, unite around shared concerns, and be represented at the national level. These core principles continue to guide the NAD’s work today.

The 1880 Milan Conference served as the catalyst for the NAD’s formation. When international educators voted to ban sign language and promote speech-only instruction, deaf leaders in the United States united to defend their right to sign and to preserve deaf culture and community.

The NAD became a driving force that defended the rights of deaf people to communicate freely, participate fully in society, and build a strong, self-determined community.

Over time, the advocacy work of the NAD has broadened to address barriers throughout every stage of life, with efforts spanning early intervention, education, employment, healthcare, technology, youth leadership, and more. Its legacy is rooted in the defense of rights, strengthened by leadership, and sustained by resilience.