The Nebraska Association of the Deaf (NeAD) is a prominent advocacy group dedicated to protecting and promoting the educational, employment, and social rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nebraskans. Founded in September 1902 in Lincoln, Nebraska, NeAD has over 120 years of history as a driving force for community empowerment, accessibility, and civil rights in the state.
The NeAD executive board for the 2025–2027 term:
NeAD was originally founded as the Nebraska Association for the Advancement of the Deaf in September 1902 in Lincoln, Nebraska, by a core group of advocates including C.A. Hartman and John M. O'Brien. The organization was established to serve the growing Deaf community in Nebraska and advocate for their rights and needs.
In September 1922, the group updated its name to the Nebraska Association of the Deaf, which it retains today. Throughout its history, NeAD has been instrumental in advocating for the rights of Deaf citizens, especially regarding access to public emergency announcements, educational equity, and employment opportunities.
NeAD has closely collaborated with the state's Deaf community to support culture and heritage, including partnering with state boards and advocating on behalf of students from the historic Nebraska School for the Deaf.