The North Carolina Association for the Deaf (NCAD) is a nonprofit organization that oversees important educational, civil, health, and social issues for deaf, hard of hearing, and Deaf-Blind citizens in North Carolina. Founded in 1908, NCAD is one of the oldest Deaf advocacy organizations in the state.
Official Website: ourncad.org
Email: ourncad@gmail.com
Text: 202-489-2571
Mailing Address: North Carolina Association for the Deaf, Box 28922, Raleigh, NC 27611
NCAD is an affiliate member of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and serves as the primary advocacy organization for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in North Carolina.
Current Board Officers
NCAD is governed by elected officers and regional representatives:
NCAD is divided into three regional districts, each with its own representatives:
Regional representatives serve as liaisons between local Deaf communities and the state board, ensuring regional concerns are addressed in statewide advocacy efforts.
NCAD was founded in 1908 when Deaf citizens in North Carolina were concerned about the education of Deaf children and the residential school for the Deaf. Since that time, NCAD has evolved into a broad organization overseeing important educational, civil, health, and social issues affecting deaf, hard of hearing, and Deaf-Blind citizens in North Carolina.
Over more than 115 years of service, NCAD has been a steadfast advocate for:
NCAD holds regular board meetings throughout the year. Meeting minutes are published on the NCAD website and available by year:
NCAD operates under bylaws approved at the 2017 General Assembly. The current governing documents outline the organization's structure, officer responsibilities, and meeting procedures.
NCAD holds a biennial statewide conference open to all members and the community. The 2026 Conference was held in February 2026 and featured workshops, presentations, and community activities. Past conferences have included:
NCAD actively advocates for Deaf and hard of hearing North Carolinians in the following areas:
NCAD's three regional districts ensure statewide coverage:
Serves Deaf and hard of hearing communities in the Appalachian and mountain regions of NC.
Covers the Triangle region (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill), Research Triangle Park, and surrounding areas.
Serves coastal and eastern NC communities including the Outer Banks.
Each region holds local meetings and sends representatives to the NCAD Board.
NCAD welcomes members from across North Carolina. The organization offers various ways to get involved:
For more information about NCAD programs, membership, or upcoming events, contact NCAD via email or text.