The Wyoming Association of the Deaf (WYAD) is an advocacy organization dedicated to empowering the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community across the state of Wyoming. WYAD promotes equal access to education, employment, and civic life while protecting the rights of Deaf individuals in Wyoming.
- Website: No dedicated public website currently maintained. The organization communicates primarily through social media, statewide advocacy groups, and community hubs.
- Contact: scheduling@wydeafis.org (via DeafIS)
- NAD Affiliate: Yes
WYAD's primary mission centers on:
- Civil Rights: Advocating for communication access, including access to American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and modern technology.
- Deaf Education: Supporting inclusive and accessible educational pathways for Deaf children across the state.
- Community Support: Providing a network to share resources and empower Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Wyoming.
WYAD is governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors consisting of officers including the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Board terms typically run for 2-year cycles, consistent with standard practices among state NAD affiliates.
Note: Current officer names are not published on a public website. The organization maintains contact primarily through regional advocates, statewide support groups, and DeafIS resources.
WYAD was established to serve as the localized legislative watchdog, cultural hub, and organized advocacy group for the Wyoming Deaf community. Formalized state-level advocacy in Wyoming traces back to the push for localized Deaf services, historical schools, and state disability councils.
The Wyoming School for the Deaf (founded 1963) in Casper has been a central institution for Deaf education in the state and a natural partner for WYAD's advocacy efforts.
¶ Events and Activities
- WYAD participates in statewide community events and advocacy forums.
- The organization is connected to broader regional networks and Deaf community celebrations.
- Deaf Intervention Services (DeafIS) — Primary advocacy resource in Wyoming — deafis.org — scheduling@wydeafis.org
- We the Deaf People — Wyoming Chapter — Facebook community group
- Wyoming Hands and Voices — Hosts community events and board roundtables for families of Deaf children
- Wyoming School for the Deaf — Casper, WY (founded 1963)
- Wyoming Relay — Free and confidential phone service (dial 711)
WYAD does not maintain a central public directory or dedicated website. To connect with the organization:
- Reach out through DeafIS at scheduling@wydeafis.org
- Connect via We the Deaf People — Wyoming Chapter on Facebook
- Use Wyoming Relay (711) for communication assistance