The Wisconsin Association of the Deaf (WAD) is a premier non-profit organization advocating for the civil, human, and linguistic rights of Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals in Wisconsin. Founded in May 1876, WAD is one of the oldest state Deaf organizations in the United States, originating as an alumni society with 49 charter members. Over its 150-year legacy, WAD has been pivotal in advancing educational, vocational, and accessible opportunities in the state. WAD is 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and affiliated with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
The WAD executive board for the 2025–2027 term includes:
- President: Anna Dorst
- Vice President: Jenny Buechner
- Secretary: Andrea Hoeft-Schneider
- Treasurer: Casimir Mueller
- Members at Large: Jonathan Petermon, Jim Powell (Membership Secretary), Jacqueline Reed
Jenny Buechner also served as NAD President (2022–2024), representing Wisconsin at the national level.
WAD was founded in May 1876, merely 24 years after Wisconsin achieved statehood in 1848. It originated as an alumni society with 49 charter members and has since evolved into a comprehensive advocacy organization. Over its 150-year history, WAD has been instrumental in:
- Establishing homes for aged Deaf residents
- Supporting the Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD) in Delavan, founded in 1852 by Governor Leonard J. Farwell
- Fighting against legislative efforts to close state schools for the Deaf
- Advocating for ASL recognition and interpreter access
- The Wisconsin School for the Deaf, the first state school for the Deaf in the Midwest, has been a key partner and beneficiary of WAD advocacy
WAD celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2026, marking over a century and a half of Deaf advocacy in Wisconsin.
- Legislative Advocacy: WAD actively lobbies the Wisconsin state legislature on issues affecting the Deaf community, including interpreter access, emergency communication, and education rights. The 2025–2026 legislative session concluded with WAD monitoring outcomes and preparing for 2027–2028.
- Biennial Conference: WAD holds biennial conferences featuring workshops, business meetings, and community gatherings. The 56th Biennial Conference was held in partnership with WisRID.
- Wisconsin Deaf Campers: WAD supports the Wisconsin Deaf Campers event, celebrating its 60th event in September 2026 at Evergreen Camp Sites and Resort in Wild Rose, WI (September 4–7, 2026).
- Round Table Conference: WAD coordinates the WAD Round Table Conference, bringing together regional Deaf associations across the state.
- NAD Conference Participation: WAD delegates attend the biennial NAD Conference, including the 58th Biennial NAD Conference in San Francisco, CA (June 30 – July 5, 2026).
- WAD Board Meetings: Regular quarterly meetings held across the state (e.g., July 11, 2026 in the Green Bay area)
- 18th Annual Deaf Gathering: Hosted in Darien, WI by Southern Lakes, Madison, and Greater Milwaukee associations (August 15, 2026)
- Deaf History Month: WAD actively observes and promotes Deaf History Month each February
- Wisconsin Deaf Campers 60th: September 4–7, 2026 at Evergreen Camp Sites and Resort, Wild Rose, WI
- Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD) — Delavan, WI, established 1852
- Outreach Services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind — DPI-sponsored program (2,500+ Facebook followers)
- ADA Great Lakes — Preservation and protection of Deaf civil rights in Wisconsin
- Southern Lakes Association of the Deaf — Regional WI association (sladwi.org)
- Greater Milwaukee Association of the Deaf — Regional WI association
- Madison Association of the Deaf — Regional WI association
- WisRID ( Wisconsin Rehabilitation Institute for the Deaf) — Service partner
For membership, events, or advocacy inquiries: