The Kentucky Association of the Deaf, Inc. (KAD) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing Kentuckians. KAD is one of the fifty (50) state affiliates of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
KAD is organized exclusively, by and for the deaf community, for charitable and educational purposes.
Mission: In the same vein as NAD, the mission of KAD is to preserve, protect and promote the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing community in the Commonwealth.
Vision: The language, culture, and heritage of deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians will be acknowledged and respected in the pursuit of life, liberty, and equality in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Deaf Community Definition: Deaf and hard of hearing individuals; but not limited to, deafblind individuals, parents of deaf children, interpreters, late-deafened adults and children of deaf parents.
KAD has a long and storied history intertwined with the Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD). The organization is deeply connected to the educational foundation provided by KSD, founded in 1823 in Danville, Kentucky — the fourth-oldest deaf school in the US and the first state-supported one.
For over a century, KSD has provided the educational foundation for generations of Kentucky's deaf citizens, with KAD leaders serving as key figures in the community. Some KAD advocates have received state honors including the Kentucky Colonel title for their advocacy work.
KAD has hosted significant events throughout its history:
KAD holds regular meetings and events throughout the year:
Past Events:
Upcoming: