The Empire State Association of the Deaf (ESAD) is the state affiliate of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) for New York State. Founded in 1865, ESAD is the oldest active state association of the Deaf in the United States — and predates the National Association of the Deaf itself. Based across eight regions throughout New York State, ESAD advocates for the civil rights, equal access, and full participation of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing New Yorkers in all aspects of civic, educational, and community life.
The current board of directors represents ESAD's eight regional zones across New York State:
The full board includes regional representatives appointed from each of ESAD's eight zones. Regional representatives are appointed to the Board of Directors with a majority vote of the Board per ESAD By-Laws (Section 8.2).
ESAD covers New York State through eight regional zones, each with its own representative:
ESAD's Gallaudet Home Fund provides financial assistance for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing New Yorkers aged 55 and older. Support covers:
Contact Susan Snyder, Chair of the Gallaudet Home Fund, at susan.snyder20@gmail.com for applications.
ESAD delegates attend the NAD Biennial Conference, advocating for New York State's Deaf community on the national stage. Steve Lovi has served as ESAD's delegate to NAD conferences, including the 57th Biennial Conference in Chicago (July 2024).
ESAD actively supports the New York State Attorney General's Office in addressing ASL interpreter access issues. ESAD has promoted reporting incidents where hospitals, doctors, clinics, EMTs, ambulances, or police refuse ASL interpreters, encouraging community members to contact the AG's Health Care Bureau (Amaris Elliott-Engel, Amaris.Elliott-Engel@ag.ny.gov, 585-546-7430).
ESAD traces its roots to August 30, 1865, when notices were sent to leading newspapers announcing a "convention for the deaf-mutes" at Wieting Hall in Syracuse, New York. Over 150 people attended and established the Empire State Deaf-Mute Association, adopting a Constitution and By-Laws drawn by John Carlin. John Wilkes Chandler of Mexico, New York (Oswego County) was elected as its first President.
In 1912, the organization's name was changed to the Empire State Association of the Deaf, the name it retains today. ESAD is the oldest continuously active state association of the Deaf in the United States — and older than the National Association of the Deaf (founded in 1880).
ESAD also participates in the annual NAD Biennial Conference, with delegates representing New York State's interests at the national level.
ESAD welcomes all Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing New Yorkers, as well as allies who support the community. Membership is open to residents of all eight ESAD regions. Registration for the annual conference includes 2 years of free membership.
ESAD accepts donations to support its mission. Options include:
ESAD also participates in the Gallaudet Home Fund program (see above), which provides direct financial assistance to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing residents aged 55+.