The New Mexico Association of the Deaf (NMAD) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and state affiliate of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), representing and advocating for the rights of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind New Mexicans. Incorporated in Santa Fe in September 1977, NMAD serves as the unified voice of the community at the state level, leading advocacy initiatives regarding accessibility, interpreter services, education, and cultural awareness throughout New Mexico.
- NMAD does not maintain a traditional standalone website. The organization relies on its active Facebook presence and email communications for public outreach.
- NAD State Listing: New Mexico — NAD.org
Current Executive Board (2025–2027):
- President: Ryan Means (Santa Fe)
- Vice President: Mark Lucero-Muniz (Albuquerque)
- Secretary: Skye Dreumont (Santa Fe)
- Treasurer: Meena Mann (Santa Fe)
The full board roster is shared via NMAD's Facebook groups. NMAD holds annual conventions and elections for officers.
NMAD's mission is to represent and advocate for the interests of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind community throughout New Mexico. The organization works to ensure equal access to services, education, employment, and full participation in civic life for all Deaf and Hard of Hearing New Mexicans.
¶ Advocacy and Legislative Track Record
NMAD has a long history of advocacy at the state and national levels. Key achievements and ongoing efforts include:
- Telecommunications Relay Services: NMAD has lobbied at the New Mexico State Capitol for improved telecommunications relay access for the Deaf community.
- Sign Language Interpreter Licensing: NMAD advocates for professional interpreter licensing standards and accessible interpreter services in government, healthcare, and education settings.
- Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children's Educational Bill of Rights: New Mexico legislation mandating individualized educational plans that prioritize communication needs and appropriate language delivery for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. This ensures students receive services from qualified providers fluent in their primary mode of communication.
- Interpreter Rights: NMAD works with the NM Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) to expand interpreter access in healthcare, legal, and public services across the state.
- Deaf History Month Proclamations: NMAD actively lobbies for and coordinates with local governments to secure official state and municipal proclamations declaring April as Deaf History Month, recognizing the contributions of the Deaf community in New Mexico.
- NAD Partnership: NMAD sends delegates to the Biennial NAD Conference, holding town hall meetings to gather community concerns before each national gathering. NMAD members have participated in the 58th Biennial NAD Conference (June 30–July 5, 2026, San Francisco) and the 57th Biennial NAD Conference (October 15–19, 2025, New Mexico School for the Deaf, Santa Fe).
- State Capitol Lobbying: NMAD has historically collaborated with allied organizations to protest and lobby at the NM State Capitol for vital issues including sign language interpreter licensing, Deaf education funding, and accessibility legislation.
2025–2026 Events:
- 58th Biennial NAD Conference Town Hall — May 30, 2026 — Rio Rancho, NM
- NMAD held a community town hall to prepare delegates for the 58th Biennial NAD Conference. Community members voiced ideas and concerns for NMAD delegates to bring to the national gathering in San Francisco.
- 57th Biennial NAD Conference — October 15–19, 2025 — New Mexico School for the Deaf, Santa Fe, NM
- NMAD hosted New Mexico's section of the NAD Conference, bringing the national gathering to Santa Fe.
- 58th Biennial NAD Conference — June 30–July 5, 2026 — Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, CA
- NMAD delegates will represent New Mexico at the 58th Biennial NAD Conference.
- Annual NMAD Convention — Held periodically with elections for officers and community programming
- Town Hall Meetings — Regular community gatherings held in Santa Fe and Albuquerque areas to discuss pressing issues affecting the Deaf community
- Deaf History Month Events — April activities including proclamations, community celebrations, and awareness events coordinated across New Mexico
¶ History and Milestones
Establishment & Incorporation (1977): The New Mexico Association of the Deaf was formed to act as a unified voice for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in New Mexico. NMAD was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in September 1977 in Santa Fe. The organization has been an active state affiliate of the National Association of the Deaf since its founding.
Early Advocacy: In its early years, NMAD established itself as a leading voice for Deaf rights in New Mexico, collaborating with allied organizations to protest and lobby at the New Mexico State Capitol for vital issues including telecommunications relay services, sign language interpreter licensing, and Deaf education.
Landmark Events: NMAD has played a pivotal role in bringing national Deaf advocacy events to New Mexico, including hosting the 57th Biennial NAD Conference at the New Mexico School for the Deaf in October 2025.
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD) — State affiliate organization
- New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD) — Santa Fe, established 1885. The only land-grant school for the deaf in the United States. Serves 700+ Deaf children and 259 families through bilingual ASL/English programs. Founded in November 1885 by deaf education pioneers Lars M. Larson and his wife Belle. Recently celebrated its 140th anniversary (November 2025).
- NM Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) — State agency providing effective leadership, education, advocacy, and programs for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind communities. cdhh.nm.gov
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) — State chapter for professional interpreters
- Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) of New Mexico — Community support network
- Hands & Voices New Mexico — Parent-driven, non-profit organization supporting families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children
- New Mexico State Capitol Advocacy Partners — Allied organizations working on Deaf rights legislation