The Missouri Association of the Deaf (MoAD) is Missouri's oldest and largest nonprofit, consumer-based organization advocating for the rights and quality of life of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the state. Founded in 1904 by alumni of the Missouri School for the Deaf and formally incorporated in 1907, MoAD has over 120 years of history advancing accessible education, employment opportunities, and legal enforcement of regulations supporting Deaf citizens in Missouri. MoAD is affiliated with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and collaborates at the national level.
- Website: moadeaf.org
- About: moadeaf.org/about
- Mission: To preserve, protect, and promote the rights and quality of life of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in Missouri
Current MoAD board officers:
- President: Nathan Johnston
- Vice President: Clark Corogenes
- Secretary: April Mason-Donovan
- Treasurer: Shanda Miller
- Board Members: Jonathan Kraus, Lori Earls, one vacant
MoAD was founded in 1904 by the alumni of the Missouri School for the Deaf (MSD) in Fulton, Missouri, and was formally incorporated in the state of Missouri in 1907. The organization was established to advance the general welfare of the Deaf community, promote accessible education, and uphold legal enforcement of regulations supporting Deaf citizens.
As the oldest and largest nonprofit consumer-based organization of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in Missouri, MoAD has served as a cornerstone of advocacy and community building for over a century.
- Legislative Advocacy: MoAD advocates for Deaf rights at the state and national levels
- Education Access: Works to ensure accessible education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students across Missouri
- Employment Opportunities: Champions equal employment access and anti-discrimination protections
- NAD Collaboration: Partners with the National Association of the Deaf on national policy and advocacy
- Community Support: Serves as a consumer-based organization directly representing the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community
- Biennial Conferences: MoAD holds regular conferences for members throughout the state
- Annual Meetings: Board and membership meetings held throughout the year
- Collaboration Events: Partners with the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) and DEAF, Inc. on community events
- Missouri School for the Deaf (MSD) — Fulton, MO, founding organization for MoAD
- Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) — State commission partner
- DEAF, Inc. — Missouri partner organization
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD) — National advocacy partner
- Website: moadeaf.org
- Mission: Preserve, protect, and promote the rights and quality of life of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in Missouri
- Membership: Open to all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and allies interested in supporting the Missouri Deaf community