National Association of the Deaf

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf (NFSD) announced Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, in light of the attack on America and other unforeseeable disasters that they have established a "United We Stand Fund" for disaster relief purposes.

"The tragic and horrendous events of September 11, 2001 have caused incredible emotions for us all. It will be many days and perhaps weeks before we know if any members of the deaf and hard of hearing community were injured or killed, but many are asking both the NAD and the NFSD how they can help and what can they do to show their support," said Nancy J. Bloch, executive director of the National Association of the Deaf.

NFSD Grand President Al Van Nevel said, "We call upon the generosity of the American deaf and hard of hearing community in this time of great need and we strongly encourage NAD State Associations, affiliates, and NFSD Divisions to contribute to the "United We Stand Fund" as an example of our close-knit and unified community.

Individual members and supporters, organzations and corporations, as well as State Association affiliates and NFSD Divisions are invited to contribute. The NAD is classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The NFSD is classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(8) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Contributions to the fund may be made payable to either the NAD or NFSD with "United We Stand" on the memo line of the check. Please send contributions to either the NAD or the NFSD, addresses below. For more information, contact: NAD -- Anita Farb, nadinfo@nad.org; NFSD -- Ron Delvisco, thefrat@nfsd.com.

National Association of the Deaf
814 Thayer Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910-4500

National Fraternal Society of the Deaf
1118 South Sixth Street
Springfield, IL 62703

About NFSD
The National Fraternal Society of the Deaf is the only life insurance/social service organization in the world run exclusively by deaf and hard of hearing people for deaf and hard of hearing and their families. The NFSD was founded in 1901 by a group of young deaf adults at the Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint, MI. The immediate purpose was to provide low-cost insurance protection that was being denied to deaf people at that time. It was also to provide social opportunities. By 1907, the Society had grown to the point where incorporation was not only desired, but necessary. A petition for a charter was approved by the State of Illinois on December 2, 1907. It was as this time that the Society's insurance business was put on legal reserve basis with specified premiums and benefits. Today, the Society is licensed to do business in 36 states, with Divisions (lodges) in those states and it recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Additional information on the NFSD can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.nfsd.com.