Washington State Association of the Deaf
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.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Washington State Association of the Deaf is to promote, protect and preserve the rights and quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the state of Washington.
WSAD HISTORY
As one of 50 states affiliated with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the largest advocacy organization in the United States, we monitor, protect and support the rights of deaf, deaf-blind 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 and contributions.
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