National Association of the Deaf

Submitted by NAD Conference on Wed, 07/04/2012 - 02:38 Blog:

• NAD Conference

The kick-off to the Conference Week saw more than 1,250 NAD Conference attendees enjoy steaming-hot weather at the Louisville Slugger Field! Emcee Warren "WaWa" Snipes enchanted the audience with his personality, introducing Jeremy Quiroga as “Dummy” Hoy who gave a brief performance about the history of Hoy’s career in major league baseball. Quiroga encouraged people to sign a petition for Dummy Hoy's induction into the baseball Hall of Fame in 2014 and instilled a sense of pride in each one of us- particularly because we were all at a baseball field, and could get a real sense of Hoy’s experience!

Colin Allen, president of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), was the esteemed keynote speaker, sharing his thoughts on the WFD's collaboration with the NAD, and how both organizations strive to protect the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf people. Allen thanked the members of NAD for making it possible for the WFD board to have their 100th meeting in Louisville. 

Sean Forbes of www.deafandloud.com set the tone for the week with his fabulous song, "Nothing About Us, Without Us!" created exclusively for the NAD conference. Forbes had the audience sign along the words and clap their hands, creating an exchange of positive energy to begin the week!

The NAD presented three awards to honored members, including the History Preservation Award going to Jack and Rosalyn Gannon, the Media Advocacy award going to Linda Bove, and the Frederick C. Schreiber Distinguished Service Award, going to Dr. Larry Fleischer posthumously. 

After the opening ceremonies concluded, attendees enjoyed the catered buffet where they had time to settle in and chat with new and old friends -- then the game between the Louisville Bats and Indianapolis Indians began! 

Sharon White, president of the Kentucky Association of the Deaf (KAD), has been heavily involved in the preparation for welcoming you all to Louisville. "We have about 100 volunteers working to help us coordinate everything effectively. They have been a huge help," Sharon said. "I'm really looking forward to the KAD Benefit Steamboat Cruise tomorrow night, and then I'll be free to enjoy the rest of the week!" she added.  

Come and visit us today at the Exhibit Hall- and be sure to stop by the KAD booth too!