The Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD) is the oldest, largest, and premier nonprofit organization for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing (DDBHH) citizens in the state of Louisiana. Founded in 1908 by the alumni of the Louisiana School for the Deaf, LAD is one of fifty (50) state affiliates of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
LAD advocates the promotion of the educational, economic, and social well-being of DDBHH individuals in Louisiana. Operating as Deaf Focus, LAD provides a variety of services to the DDBHH community.
- President: Sherry Crosby (President@lad1908.org)
- Also elected Vice Chair of the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf's Board of Commissioners
- Vice President: Jerrod Wingate (VicePresident@lad1908.org)
- Appointed by Governor Jeff Landry to fill the long-vacant Deaf Representative seat on the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf's Board of Commissioners
- Secretary: Cammy Gaspar (Secretary@lad1908.org)
- Treasurer: Ben Wimberly (appointed by President Sherry Crosby)
The Board of Directors is elected by the general membership during the organization's biennial conference and governs LAD. Board members are DDBHH and serve on a voluntary basis.
¶ Programs and Services (Deaf Focus)
LAD, doing business as Deaf Focus, provides:
- Interpreting Services
- Educational Support/Tutoring
- Expert Consulting
- Law Enforcement & First Responders Training
- Professional Development
- Health and Wellness Services
- Social and Recreational Activities
- ASL Classes
- Advocacy: Legislative, Education, Services, Employment, and Access
- And more!
- March 11, 2026: Deaf Focus launched a BRAND NEW Interpreting Request Portal
- May 29, 2026: Awarded 3 state contracts through the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf to expand services
- May 4, 2026: LAD Office temporarily closed for renovations
- Open to: Louisiana citizens who are DDBHH; parents of DDBHH children; professionals working with DDBHH youth and adults (including those who are not Deaf); and DDBHH individuals outside Louisiana interested in supporting the mission
- Supported by: Members and stakeholders interested in achieving LAD's goals
- Organization type: Deaf-led with a Deaf-Centric approach
- JOIN: Available on the LAD website
- Bylaws: Available on the LAD website
- Minutes: Available on the LAD website
- Policy and Procedures: Available on the LAD website
- Committees: Information available on the LAD website
- Mission, Vision, & Values: Available on the LAD website
- May 23: NOBDA & LAD Collaboration — Special Book Reading with Franklin Jones on BASL
- April 2026: Governor's Office recognized April as Deaf History Month
- Biennial Conference: Members elect board members and vote on important decisions
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD) — State affiliate (one of 50)
- Louisiana Commission for the Deaf — State agency; awards contracts to Deaf Focus
- Louisiana School for the Deaf — State school; founded by LAD alumni in 1908
- NOBDA — New Orleans Board of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (collaborator)