The Delaware Association of the Deaf (DAD) is a statewide nonprofit organization representing Deaf, Hard of Hearing, late-deafened, and Deaf-Blind individuals in Delaware. Founded in 1982 and restarted in 2011, DAD advocates for the civil, human, and linguistic rights of Delaware's Deaf community and is an affiliate member of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Official Website: delawaredeaf.org
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The objective of the Association is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of the deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and deaf-blind individuals in Delaware. Self-advocacy and empowerment are two primary ways of achieving the Association's goals.
DAD's mission is guided by the following principles:
Bylaws Note: On June 3, 2023, DAD bylaws were changed to alternate officer elections each year. Vice-President and Secretary are elected on even-numbered years; all other officers are elected on odd-numbered years.
DAD has had several presidents and leadership changes throughout its history, particularly around periods when the organization shut down and was later restarted.
The full roster of past officers is available on the DAD Past Officers page.
DAD was formed in Wilmington, Delaware on November 18, 1982 under Frank Bock, a teacher at the Sterck School for the Deaf (now known as the Delaware School for the Deaf or DSD). This information comes from the NAD State Association handbook.
Like many small state associations, DAD shut down a few times over the years. In 2011, former President Jay Innes reported restarting the organization, bringing it back to active service for Delaware's Deaf community.
On June 3, 2023, DAD updated its bylaws to implement alternating officer elections:
This change was designed to provide more continuity in leadership while still allowing for regular member input on governance.
DAD continues to serve Delaware's Deaf community through advocacy, education, social events, and resource sharing. The organization maintains an active website and holds regular programming including their annual Expo.
DAD hosts an annual Deaf Expo featuring vendor booths, sponsors, raffles, food vendors, and community activities. The Expo 2024 featured:
The Expo serves as a major community gathering point for Delaware's Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents.
DAD organizes Deaf Night Out (DNO) events — state-wide gatherings that bring together the Deaf community for socializing, networking, and cultural celebration.
The Silent Social Club provides regular meetups for DAD members and friends, offering opportunities for social interaction and community building.
DAD offers ASL in Spanish classes (Clases de ASL en español) to serve Delaware's Spanish-speaking Deaf community, reflecting the organization's commitment to linguistic diversity and accessibility.
DAD maintains a comprehensive Resources page with links to accessible customer service and support services, including:
DAD welcomes membership from all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, late-deafened, and Deaf-Blind individuals in Delaware. Membership provides:
For questions about DAD programs, membership, or events, visit the DAD website or contact the organization through their website.