The Vermont Association of the Deaf (VTAD) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights, well-being, and equal opportunities of Deaf and hard-of-hearing Vermonters. VTAD actively hosts community dialogues, participates in legislative updates, and fundraises to support the Deaf community across the state.
VTAD's goal is to create a better world for Deaf individuals and their families through community outreach, advocacy, education, legislative efforts, and empowerment. Core focus areas include:
- Community & Advocacy: Organizing outreach and protecting the civil, linguistic, and human rights of Deaf Vermonters.
- Education & Opportunity: Advancing educational, vocational, economic, and social experiences.
- Self-Determination: Empowering Deaf individuals and families to exercise independence.
| Role |
Name |
| President |
Franly (Franley) Ulerio-Nunez |
| Vice President |
Val Annis |
| Secretary |
Jessica Norton-Chaffee |
| Treasurer |
Shannon Winter |
| Member At-Large |
Don Petit-Homme |
| Past President |
Rebecca Lalanne |
Board elections and updates are published on the VTAD website at deafvermont.com/about/officers.
The New England region, including Montpelier and wider Vermont, is historically recognized as a foundational hub for the American Deaf community. Early roots of Deaf education and community building trace back to the 19th century in the state. VTAD was formed to carry this historical advocacy forward.
¶ 2025–2026 Activities and Initiatives
- Leading advocacy pushes for funding and support for the DeafBlind community, including State Supported Program (SSP) programs in the state budget.
- H.143 Bill: Introduced by Representative Theresa Wood of Waterbury in the Human Services Committee (February 2025); VTAD actively supported and testified in favor.
- Disability Advocate Day: February 11, 2026 — VTAD President met with legislators to raise awareness about H.143 at Montpelier.
- Legislative session begins January 6 each year; VTAD actively participates.
- Town Hall Meeting — October 18, 2025
- Polar Bear Swim — Annual fundraiser
- Community Dialogues — Regularly hosted, including "Gone Guys Film & Community Dialogue" (April 18, 2026)
- Participated in the Vermont Historical Society's program on Vermont's 19th Century Deaf Community — public education talks about the state's Deaf heritage.
- The website publishes legislative news, meeting minutes, event announcements, and organizational updates regularly.
- Vermont Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind (D/HH/DB) Advisory Council — Established by Act 107 of 2016; VTAD collaborates closely with this council.
- Vermont Historical Society — Partner on Deaf heritage education.
- State of Vermont Legislature — Active engagement on Deaf rights legislation.