National Association of the Deaf

Submitted by Kirsten.Poston on Fri, 05/07/2010 - 11:31 Blog:

• NAD Conference

Hello, my name is Kirsten Poston, I’m an appointed NAD Board member. I am excited to share information with you about the upcoming NAD 50th Biennial Conference which will be held July 6-10, 2010 in Philadelphia, PA. There will be many events and activities during the conference. I want to tell you about everything that will take place during the week!

There will be a variety of workshops which will cover areas of interest such as self advocacy, employment, professional development, and technology & telecommunications. For the first time in history, the NAD will offer commissions which are opportunities for group discussions to make recommendations for the NAD on specific topic areas.  The Commissions will include topics such as VRS, early intervention, civil rights, and exploring our identity.  It is important to participate in these important sessions, share information, and learn from each other.

Business meetings will take place on Tuesday, July 6 and Saturday July 10.  Delegates from our affiliates will focus on NAD priorities for the next two years. On Tuesday, July 6 there will be an Order of Georges and Georgettes breakfast. I will emcee that event! The speaker is Kelby Brick, former NAD Director of Law & Advocacy and a long-time and ardent supporter of our organization.

On Thursday night, July 8, at the College Bowl, there will be hot competition between Gallaudet, CSUN and NTID/RIT. The charismatic Paul Rutowski will be on hand to regale us as emcee. You cannot miss that event!

Miss Deaf America Ambassadorship Finals will take place on Friday, July 9 with the crowning of the 2010-2012 Miss, Deaf America. Our emcees will be Frank Dattolo and Evon Black, a dynamic and entertaining duo. 

On Friday, July 9, the Senior Citizens Lunch will be held with NAD Past President Gertie Galloway emceeing the event and Gallaudet Past President Robert Davila, as our keynote speaker.

The Youth Luncheon is on Saturday July 10. Lissette Molina will emcee, Jennifer Yost Ortiz, former Youth Programs Coordinator will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of YLC, and Alim Chandani will speak about his experience forming youth camps around the world.

On Saturday, July 10, we will have a closing banquet to cap off the hectic Conference week with a tribute to departing CEO Nancy J. Bloch, and the National Theater of the Deaf will perform. After the banquet there will be a live auction emceed by Julie Rems Samario and Ed Waterstreet where items such as extravagant vacations to exotic places such as Cabo San Lucas, artwork by famous deaf artists, and even tickets to “Dancing with the Stars” will be awarded to the highest bidder!

Check our website for more information on this at www.nad.org/philly. This will be a conference where we "Celebrate our Heritage, and Invest in our Future"  See you there!