The Colorado Association of the Deaf (CAD) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ASL-centered organization founded in 1904. CAD advocates for Deaf rights, language equity, and community empowerment through education, outreach, and policy change, aiming for a future where every Deaf person in Colorado has full language access, equal opportunity, and a strong, connected community.
The CAD Board of Directors (as listed on their official site):
- Jake Pfau-Martinez — Board Chair
- Jessica Needs — Family Advocacy Lead
- Maria Gallucci — Board Member
Additional board positions are open; CAD invites community members to apply via a Board Application.
- CAD’s bylaws define the organization’s structure, responsibilities, and decision-making process.
- A current version of the Bylaws (PDF) is available for download on their official site.
- A draft of updated bylaws for 2025 is also referenced on their governance page.
- A Code of Ethics is available at Code of Ethics (PDF).
- CAD is governed by a Deaf-led Board responsible for strategic direction, policy oversight, and statewide advocacy priorities.
- Board meeting minutes and work session information are referenced on the Governance page.
- Annual Board Reports are available via Google Drive.
- Governance emphasizes transparency, community leadership, and ethical decision-making grounded in ASL, equity, and public service.
- CAD maintains board meeting minutes and work session documentation.
- Some session details and dates are listed on the governance page, but a comprehensive public archive of historical minutes is not directly provided (as of 2026-06-05).
- No specific affiliate chapters are publicly listed on CAD’s site.
- CAD collaborates with Deaf community groups and state resources, and promotes events such as the Colorado Deaf Community Calendar (managed via info@deafcolorado.org).
- 1904: CAD founded as the Colorado Association of the Deaf, emerging from early Deaf advocacy efforts in Colorado.
- Early leadership included George Veditz, Charles Billings, and Mary Veditz.
- Key themes in CAD’s early history:
- Preservation of sign language and Deaf culture
- Formation of political and social structures for Deaf communities
- Advocacy against discrimination in employment and education
- Mutual aid and support during economic crises and wartime
- CAD has grown from a small advocacy group into Colorado’s primary voice for ASL access and civil rights.
¶ Events and advocacy
- CAD hosts events, webinars, and board work sessions (e.g., CAD Work Sessions 2026).
- An event list is available on the official site: See Events.
- CAD is actively involved in legislative and policy advocacy in Colorado.
- Mailing address:
- Colorado Association of the Deaf
- P.O. BOX #621412
- Littleton, CO 80123
- Contact and intake options (via online forms):
- CAD does not maintain daily office hours but responds to messages as promptly as possible.