State Relay                    

EMPOWERING OUR FUTURE

WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF

Established 1909 / Incorporated 1913

WSAD HISTORY

As one of 50 states affiliated with the National Association of the Deaf, the largest advocacy organization in the United States, we monitor, protect and support the rights of deaf and hard of hearing Washingtonians. Founded in 1909, the Washington State Association of the Deaf (WSAD) has taken measures to eliminate discrimination and continues to work hard to create an environment for 454,824 deaf and hard of hearing that leads to a self-sufficient and independent lifestyle within the communities of Washington State.

We are a non-profit, tax-exempt entity dedicated to the social welfare of the deaf/hard of hearing. We are an organization of deaf/hard of hearing. We depend on the voluntary efforts of our members.

WSAD PURPOSE

The Washington State Association of the Deaf, operated by, of, and for the Deaf community, advocates and promotes to improve the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing individuals including but not limited to deaf-blind individuals, parents of deaf children, interpreters, late deafened adults, Children of Deaf Adults (CODA), regardless of ethnic background, sexual orientation and religious by:

• empowering deaf /hard of hearing individuals to exercise self-determination, independence, and a better means for quality of life necessary to lead self- reliant and productive lives in Washington State,
• advocates for equal opportunities in social, educational and employment opportunities,
• educating and protecting our rights to accessible services, and equipment
• recognizing and promoting awareness that American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary natural language for most deaf individuals and should be utilized to the fullest extent possible
• recognizing American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign language for high school and college credits, and
• preserving and respecting our culture and heritage.

WSAD'S FUTURE GOALS

• Continue efforts to educate, increase WSAD visibility, to improve access in local communities and governments
• Establishing a leadership program for deaf and hard of hearing youth and adults
• Providing and hosting regional and state-wide conferences
• Work collaboratively with local associations and club within their local communities
• Enhancing WSAD's legislative and advocacy activities
• Increase visibility, educational opportunities and awareness w/ parents of deaf/hard of hearing children
• Continue to provide strong advocacy for improved education and access for the deaf/hard of hearing children
• Establish a retirement home for the deaf/hard of hearing

Your help is needed to achieve WSAD's future goals. JOIN WSAD! Add Your Voice With Us! Let it be heard!

The WSAD welcomes deaf and hard of hearing volunteers who would like to advocate on behalf of the Washington State Association of the Deaf. If you are interested, please contact us!

When you join WSAD, your membership dues provides you with the following benefits and are used for:

1. Quarterly subscriptions of the WSAD newsletter,
2. State membership to the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and you receive free monthly NAD Broadcaster newsletters
3. Conference discounts at the biennial state, mini conferences and NAD conferences
4. An opportunity to join or participate WSAD's projects
5. A chance to be an elected member on WSAD board and officers.

Your comments, additions, corrections, and/or suggestions are welcome:
Send email to Jenifer Torrey Baker

© copyright 1999 Washington State Association of the Deaf (WSAD)
Site Design by Gerry Grimm