The Indiana Association of the Deaf (IAD) is a not-for-profit advocacy organization serving the Deaf community in Indiana since 1880. Over 130 years old, IAD is the state affiliate of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Mission: To promote access and to preserve, protect, and advance the civil, human, and American Sign Language (ASL) linguistic rights of Deaf people in Indiana.
Vision: That the multilingual and multicultural heritage of Deaf Hoosiers will be acknowledged and respected in the pursuit of life, liberty, and equality.
- Website: iadhoosiers.org
- Address: 1200 E 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205
- 140th Anniversary Gala: December 5, 2026 at Eli Lilly Hall, Indianapolis (170 seats)
- Linktree: linktr.ee/iadhoosiers
- Indy Deaf News 500 — Statewide news & events newsletter, published twice weekly
- Audience: 4,500+ total (1,500+ email subscribers, 3,000+ social media followers)
- Open rate: 54% (30% above non-profit standard)
- Sponsorship and advertising information available on the IDN500 page
- Board of Directors elected at the biennial conference
- Bylaws available in both English and ASL
- Members can vote on important decisions during biennial conference and general meetings
- Board members can be contacted directly about issues
Current board (as of 2025–2026):
Recent changes:
- Jeffrey Mansfield previously served as President
- Former Vice President Randilyn Woertz resigned early in 2025
Past board (2023–2025):
- Kristy Stellato — President
- Lori Villeneau — Vice President
- Amber Gellinas — Secretary
Full board roster with photos available on the IAD About Us page.
- Cost: $10 annually
- Open to: Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals in Indiana
- Join online: Zeffy ticketing
- Benefits:
- Stay informed — updates on events, workshops, and initiatives
- Access key resources — Standard Operating Procedures, meeting minutes, financial reports
- Shape the future — vote on decisions at biennial conference and general meetings
- Foster connections — build relationships with community members
- Develop skills — leadership opportunities and educational programs
- Direct contact — easily reach board members about issues
¶ Programs and Activities
- Biennial Conference: Members vote on important decisions, elect board members
- Biennial Cookout: Community gathering at Eagle Creek Park (sponsored by Relay Indiana)
- IDN500 Newsletter: Twice-weekly statewide news and events
- Advocacy: Active civil rights and ASL linguistic rights advocacy
- Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD) budget cuts campaign — "ISD Saves Lives"
- Contact legislators, Governor's office
- Attend school board meetings and voice concerns
- CAN: Community Action Night (August 25, 2025)
- Annual Gala: 140th Anniversary Gala, December 5, 2026 at Eli Lilly Hall, Indianapolis (plated dinner, full bar, commemorative programming)
- Community events: IAD splits into teams to show up for community in full force at various events
¶ Documents and Resources
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD) — State affiliate
- Relay Indiana — Sponsor of IAD Biennial Cookout
- Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD) — State school in Indianapolis; focus of IAD advocacy
- Indiana State DDARS Resource Directory — in.gov/fssa/ddars/brs/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing