NAD Conference
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Submitted by Neil McDevitt on Tue, 07/06/2010 - 22:14
Blog:
Working on another article for the NAD Conference blog in the lobby is an exercise in distraction. It seems every person walking through the lobby is a one-person high-school or college reunion for someone else in the lobby. The shrieks, the "OH - MY - GOD'S!", and the flying fingers trying to catch up on the excitement of the past years.
These all conspire to distract the writer from writing and take simple pleasure in people-watching. Watching the CEO-candidate Howard Rosenblum talking with colleagues and friends. Seeing old friends introduce entire groups to each other and then heading out to dinner together. The hotel desk has interpreters working on staff making check-in a breeze for conference-goers.
Possibly the funniest thing in this people-watching is seeing people who know each other but can't remember the names or how they know each other. Watching them go through a process of elimination, similar to an episode of "CSI" where they piece together the possible commonalities: "Gallaudet?" "New Jersey?" "Did we meet at the 1994 conference in Knoxville?" All this culminates in that one moment when they DO remember where they know each other from and exchange a hearty handshake and hug.
Every year, this scene repeats itself in various conferences all across the country but you'll only see the breadth of interactions here at the NAD conference. I'm sure the hotel staff is still trying to figure out why so many people are still standing in the lobby. In time, the staff will realize that the lobby is THE place for us to meet, socialize, and catch up with one another.
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The Philadelphia Marriott-Downtown Hotel is the central place to be for the NAD 50th Biennial Conference, and June 15, 2010 is the deadline to reserve your hotel room! Act now before it's too late! All conference events take place here, and we have negotiated a lower rate for conference attendees. View our vlog above by Jesse Thomas to find out what the gorgeous hotel has to offer! Don't forget to tell the hotel that you're attending the 50th Biennial NAD Conference to get the discounted rate for your room! More information on how to reserve your hotel room can be found here. See you in Philly!
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This framed photograph was taken in 1880, the site of the first NAD conference in Ohio. That was 130 years ago. The 50th Biennial NAD Conference will take place this July in Philadelphia, PA. One-hundred and thirty years is a long time. During the 1880 conference, the Statue of Liberty didn't even exist!
The 2010 NAD Conference has a lot to offer. The conference theme is "Celebrate Our Heritage, Invest in our Future!" Combo Registration includes Opening Ceremonies, College Bowl, and the Miss Deaf America Finals. The city of Philadelphia is a historic location and a fastastic destination. This an excellent location for the 50th Biennial NAD Conference, which will only happen once in your lifetime. Want to be a part of that history? Register today and join us!
Explore Philly: In ASL!
Appearing in the Explore Phlly: In ASL! video -
Charles McGowan - Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Alumni Association
Mitch Adler - Philadelphia Deaf Local
Carolyn Brick - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Senior Citizens of Delaware Valley
Dorthalia Owens - Philadelphia Chapter, National Black Deaf Advocates
Mark Marcellino - Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf
Carl Way - Philadelphia Chapter, National Black Deaf Advocates
Veronica Allion - Philadelphia Chapter, National Black Deaf Advocates
Neil McDevitt - Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.
Mayra Castro - Tri-State Latino Organization
Special thanks to Jesse Thomas, Samuel Hawk, Melissa Dragnac-Hawk, Emmie Brown, 7 Productions, and the Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre for their production support for Explore Philly: In ASL!
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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!
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Hi from Philadelphia! My name is Kristy Arney Griffin, I will be the Volunteer Coordinator for the 50th Biennial National Association of the Deaf Conference to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 6-10, 2010 at the Philadelphia Marriott-Downtown in the historic city of Philadelphia, PA!
The NAD is looking for volunteers to help with activities such as stuffing tote bags before the Conference, helping with the registration table, checking badges at the doors to NAD Conference events, providing support for out-of-town visitors at information services, assistance at specific events by helping their chairpersons and more. Please join our team of volunteers and help make the 2010 NAD Conference one to remember!
The NAD needs a committed group of volunteers who can give their time during the week of July 5th - 10th. Please bring your energy! People who submit their names will receive information about a system where the NAD will recognize and show our appreciation to volunteers for their time.
If you are interested in volunteering at the NAD Conference please send your interest and/or questions to me using the NAD contact us form. I look forward to working with you this summer!
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Hello, my name is David King and I am from Nigeria in Africa. I came to America on September 11, 2001. We arrived around 6 am in the morning with my now ex-wife. My cousin was supposed to pick us but she never showed up. There was no way for us to contact her even though a TTY was available, I did not know how to use it. We were so new, nervous and did not know what to do at that time. People looked at us as we communicated in sign language. Someone noticed us and approached us to see if we need any help.
We need these kind of people out there. Not many understand. Many of them are not aware about Deaf people and our language. Many of them are scared to approach a Deaf person. It is through the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) that we can enlighten them about Deaf people and our sign language. That person who approached was obviously exposed and comfortable enough about Deaf people to interact with us.
50th Biennial NAD Conference
This summer we will have the 50th Biennial NAD Conference from July 6-10th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I hope you go there to support NAD. I joined NAD with a three year-membership because I know that NAD stands for my rights as a Deaf person, protects my language and my right to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL).
Making NAD More Diverse
We keep asking where the diversity is in NAD. Many of people of diversity feel that NAD has not reached out to them. I feel the same way. However, I remember my mother told me that if things that do not seem right or things do not seem to change, and we fold our arms watch, change will not happen. My mother said what can we do is unfold our hands and roll up our sleeves and make change happen. Why don’t you go to the NAD conference to make the organization more diverse? We need to go there and make it happen. As for me, I am part of that diversity so I will show up at the NAD Conference. I want to see more people of diversity going to Philadelphia this summer.
You Can Change NAD!
NAD is a membership-based and membership-driven organization. That means you, as a member, operate the organization. If you feel something isn’t right and wish see something achieved then you can submit a motion to the NAD. Many people think that only state associations can make NAD motions. That is not true. You can do this as a NAD member. You can feel the pulse of other members about issues you feel are important to the deaf and hard of hearing community. You can submit a motion for Proposed NAD Priorities or Amendments to the NAD Bylaws. Both deadlines are on May 6, 2010, click on the links for directions on how to submit your proposals. NAD members will discuss your motion and if it is passed, change will happen because of you. You, as members, have the power.
Standing Up For Our Rights
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is closely monitoring and changing Video Relay Service (VRS). What does that mean to deaf and hard of hearing people who use the service? Who protects your rights? The NAD protects your rights as a ASL user who uses VRS services. They stand up for you. I want you to attend the 2010 NAD Conference to give them the support so they can continue to stand up for us.
Did you notice that some news outlets such as CNN or other news network showing live television or video on the Internet do not have closed captions on it? It is too bad that we are unable to access the news like everyone else. The NAD is tirelessly fighting for closed captions on all videos and TV, including the Internet.
We need to support NAD. I hope to see you in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this summer.
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Do you know what’s happening this summer, July 6th through 10th, 2010? Did you know that many Deaf people are coming together in Philly? That’s Philadelphia, PA, for the NAD 50th Biennial NAD Conference. For many years, this conference was a triennial one and it gradually became biennial, and now it is the 50th conference! This is a historic event for the people who come together here!
Philadelphia is known as the City of Brotherly Love. This is perfect for our community who will come together to meet and socialize to learn more about each other, and at the same time, share our experiences with each other.
In Philadelphia, the conference hotel is the Marriott Downtown. The hotel is champ! There are many different restaurants around the hotel, including a Farmer’s Market with a variety of delicious food to choose from.
There are also bars and local hot spots. For example, there’s the Liberty Bell, the Independence Hall and the home of Betsy Ross, the woman who, as the legend goes, sewed the first U.S. flag. There are many more places to see. You can search the Internet for more information!
I encourage you to come to Philadelphia for the NAD Conference. There are many events in store for you! Among the highlights are:
- Five tracks of workshop covering good topics. NAD will post the workshop schedule on its website soon. Take this opportunity to review the topics. Many presenters are Deaf, and they will share their knowledge and skills with you.
- There’s also a first-timers’ orientation for people who are coming to this conference for the first time! Information will be shared on different events and opportunities during this conference so you know what to expect.
- We will gather to cheer as we watch three colleges compete during the College Bowl. You can pick the college team to root for. You’ll be impressed with how smart our young deaf and hard of hearing people are.
- There’s also the Miss Deaf America pageant. Michelle Lapides from Maryland won the crown two years ago and she will pass the crown on to her successor. To find out who it is, come and watch!
- Another major event: NAD CEO Nancy Bloch will be leaving her position. There’s a CEO Search Committee looking for our next CEO. The new CEO candidates will give a presentation during this conference. You can listen and decide who you like the best.
- The NAD Conference Exhibit Hall is free and open to everyone at no cost
The 2010 NAD Conference has many other activities, such as delegates, people who represent our members who propose motions to support the mission of NAD. Really, there are many more – you’ll have to come and see for yourself. If you haven’t gone to a NAD conference before, you’ve been missing out. There’s also a free exhibit hall for people who want to come and see latest technology, new information, and different things for sale by other deaf and hard of hearing people. If you’re curious and want to know more about or if you’ve been hungry for opportunities to meet people who use ASL, you are most welcome to join us in Philadelphia this summer, July 6th through 10th.
Again, you can register at the NAD website, http://www.nad.org. Look for a box that says 50th Biennial Conference, and click on that. You will pull up more information there and find a link to register for this conference.
Go ahead and buy your tickets now! I hope to see you this summer in Philadelphia!
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