The Florida Association of the Deaf (FAD) is the leading advocacy organization for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened Floridians. Founded in 1917, FAD has served the Florida Deaf community for over 107 years and is an affiliate member of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Official Website: fadcentral.org
Phone: 904-342-1115
Mailing Address: Florida Association of the Deaf, 52 Tuscan Way, Suite 202-305, St. Augustine, FL 32092
FAD is headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida and works to protect rights, improve accessibility, and ensure strong representation for Deaf and hard of hearing citizens throughout the state.
Current Officers: 2025-2026 Term
According to FAD's bylaws, leadership elections take place during member conferences. The current elected officers include:
- President: Nancy Horne
- Vice President: Kim Lucas
The Board of Directors consists of elected officers and members who serve as advocates and watchdogs for the Deaf and hard of hearing community across Florida. FAD operates through member-driven committees covering education, advocacy, youth development, and senior services.
Membership Dues: $20 per year
The Florida Association of the Deaf was founded in 1917, making it one of the oldest continuous Deaf advocacy organizations in the United States. Over more than a century of service, FAD has:
- Advocated for Deaf education rights in Florida
- Protected civil rights and accessibility for Deaf Floridians
- Served as a watchdog on legislation affecting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened individuals
- Supported affiliated clubs and associations throughout Florida
- Built strong civic and social interaction within the Deaf community
FAD will celebrate its 50th Biennial Conference in October 2027 in St. Augustine, Florida. This milestone event will commemorate over a century of advocacy and community building.
The Florida Association of the Deaf, Inc. seeks to:
- Promote and safeguard the educational system for self-preservation
- Raise awareness of communication difficulties and methods
- Promote the use of communication devices and protective signaling devices (smoke detectors, alarms, etc.)
- Serve as a watchdog of legislation or practices affecting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened individuals
- Support all phases of organizations and associations working with and for the Deaf community
- Support affiliated clubs and associations in Florida to promote greater civic and social interaction
FAD operates through several member-driven committees and coordinator roles:
- Youth Coordinator / Committee — Engages Deaf youth and emerging leaders through programs, leadership development, and conference activities
- Education Committee — Advocates for quality Deaf education, collaborates with schools and educators, monitors policies
- Advocacy Committee — Tracks state laws and policies, advocates for accessibility and rights, coordinates with state organizations
- Senior Adults Committee — Supports older Deaf adults with healthcare, housing, and community connection needs
- Finance Committee — Reviews financial records, ensures transparency and sound financial practices
- Fundraising Committee — Strengthens FAD's sustainability through fundraising, donor engagement, and financial growth
- Web/Social Media Committee — Manages FAD's website and social media, improves digital accessibility, promotes events
- Endowment Committee — Builds and maintains a strong endowment fund with investment strategies and planned giving
- Bylaws Committee — Ensures the organization operates according to current and effective governing rules
- Conference Committee — Organizes and manages the Bi-Annual Conference
FAD has launched the "Reconnect • Renew • Rebuild" initiative to strengthen the organization's future, reconnect with members and community, renew programs and services, and rebuild infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
FAD welcomes membership from all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened individuals in Florida. Annual dues are $20 per year. Membership provides:
- Participation in conferences and community events
- Advocacy and representation on state and national issues
- Connection with affiliated clubs and associations across Florida
- Access to youth programs and senior services
- Voting rights in organizational elections
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD) — National affiliate
- Affiliated Clubs and Associations of the Deaf in Florida — Local Deaf organizations statewide
- Florida Legislature — Advocacy and legislative monitoring
- Agencies serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened citizens — State and federal agencies
For membership inquiries, volunteer opportunities, or more information about FAD programs and events, contact the FAD office.