The Michigan Deaf Association (MDA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the rights and quality of life of Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals in the State of Michigan.
- Website: michdeaf.org
- Mailing address: Michigan Deaf Association, PO Box 5, Swartz Creek, MI 48473-0005
- Phone: (517) 234-3192
- Email: info@michdeaf.org
Per the by-laws, the elected officers serve as the Executive Board:
| Position |
Name |
| President |
Nicole Faino |
| Vice President |
Susan Lundy |
| Treasurer |
Connie Tincknell-Yandra |
| Executive Secretary |
Martin Dale-Hench |
| Public Relations Coordinator |
Matthew Stephens |
The Council includes the Executive Board plus regional representatives. Current regional representatives:
- Region 1: Warren Coryell (1 vacant seat)
- Region 2: Debi McNally (1 vacant seat)
- Region 3: 2 vacant seats
- Region 4: 2 vacant seats
- By-laws Committee — Standing committee welcoming active members to help strengthen and improve the organization
- Logo Redesign Committee — Established at the 55th Biennial Conference to oversee new MDA logo development
- 2027 MDA Conference Committee — Planning the Spring 2027 Michigan Deaf Association Conference (seeking chairperson, registration, workshop, accessibility, volunteer, and technology support coordinators)
- 2027 Election Committee — Organizing the upcoming election process; seeking at least 3 volunteers
Interested members can email their interest to vicepresident@michdeaf.org.
¶ Services and Programs
- Advocacy for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing residents across Michigan
- Biennial Conference — Annual state-wide gathering with workshops, activities, and community outreach
- Deaf Advocacy Day — Participation in state-level advocacy events
- Helen Keller Birthday Celebration — Annual commemorative event
- Michigan DeafBlind Advocacy — Support for DeafBlind individuals in Michigan
- Volunteer Opportunities — Conference support, event coordination, and community outreach
- July 5, 1880 — MDA's origins as a reunion for Michigan School for the Deaf Alumni in Detroit
- June 1887 — MDA adopts its constitution and by-laws at the Second Alumni Reunion at the Michigan School for the Deaf; E. Morris Bristol, the Deaf school's teacher, elected as first president
- 1898 — Name changed from "Alumni Association" to Michigan Association of the Deaf (M.A.D.) to include Deaf people living in Michigan regardless of graduation school
- 1981 — Name changed to Michigan Association of Deaf Citizens (M.A.D.C.)
- 1987 — 100th Anniversary celebration in Livonia (marking the year the constitution and by-laws were adopted)
- 1995 — Name changed to Michigan Deaf Association (MDA) to reflect the community's identity and cultural awareness
Open to all individuals regardless of hearing status. Must be a current Michigan resident.
| Type |
Cost |
| Regular Membership |
$15/year |
| Senior Membership (60+) |
$13/year |
| Youth Membership (Under 18) |
$5/year |
- Online: Purchase through Zeffy (MDA's payment platform)
- Mail: Send check payable to "Michigan Deaf Association" to PO Box 5, Swartz Creek, MI 48473-0005 with name, address, email, and phone number
- Membership is valid for one year from the date payment is received