The Washington State Association of the Deaf (WSAD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting the civil, human, cultural, and linguistic rights of Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals in Washington State. WSAD advocates for equal access to education, employment, government services, and community life for the Deaf community across Washington.
The WSAD executive board for the 2026–2028 term, as announced on the WSAD Facebook page:
- President: Karen Atwood (serving since January 2018)
- Vice President: Sandra Carr
- Secretary: Karen Philo-House
- Treasurer: Nancy Opheikens
- Members at Large: Jim House, Susan Izak, Don Redford, Paul Glaser
- Trustee (8 years): Tom Brown
Note: The WSAD website (wsad.org/about/board) lists alternative officers — Char Parsley (President, Spokane) and Kellie McComas Shapard (Vice President of External Affairs, Kirkland) — which may indicate a more recent restructuring. The Facebook announcement and LinkedIn profiles confirm Karen Atwood's long tenure as president.
WSAD has a long history of advocacy in Washington State, working alongside the Washington School for the Deaf (WSD). The organization has been instrumental in:
- Advocating for Deaf rights and accessibility in Washington State government
- Working with the Washington State Legislature on Deaf-accessible legislation
- Supporting the Washington School for the Deaf and its students
- Collaborating with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) on national policy
- WSAD has been a vocal advocate for Deaf cultural preservation and ASL recognition in Washington
- Legislative Advocacy: WSAD lobbies the Washington State Legislature on issues affecting the Deaf community
- Community Education: WSAD works to educate the broader public about Deaf culture and accessibility
- Conference Participation: WSAD delegates attend the biennial NAD Conference
- WSAD Future Goals: Continue efforts to educate, increase WSAD visibility, improve access in local communities and government
- WSAD Annual Meetings: Regular board and general membership meetings held throughout the year
- NAD Biennial Conference: WSAD delegates attend the national NAD Conference
- WSAD Legislative Updates: Ongoing advocacy work on Washington State legislation affecting the Deaf community
- Washington School for the Deaf (WSD) — State school for the Deaf in Washington
- Washington State Hands & Voices — Parent organization for families with Deaf and hard of hearing children (Laura Obara Gramer, Board President)
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD) — National advocacy organization
- Washington State Legislature — WSAD advocates directly with state lawmakers