National Association of the Deaf

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is pleased to announce that it will share advocacy efforts and 125th Anniversary news at various national conferences and trade shows, as part of a collaborative agreement with Northwest Airlines (NWA).

 “The NAD is delighted to collaborate with Northwest Airlines on this outreach effort,” stated Nancy J. Bloch, Chief Executive Officer.  “Northwest has demonstrated its commitment to improving the travel experience for deaf and hard of hearing passengers by inviting participation on their Customer Advisory Board.”

NAD representatives have served on Northwest’s Customer Advisory Board (CAB) since it was established in 1999. Northwest formed the Customer Advisory Board on Disabilities to obtain advice and recommendations from the disability community on how it can better serve and communicate with the growing travel segment of air travelers with disabilities. In 2000, the NAD presented its Accommodation Excellence Award to Northwest Airlines in recognition of exceptional accommodation efforts.

“Northwest Airlines is pleased to team with NAD to inform people about the products and services we have available for customers with disabilities,” said Ronald Pettit, manager of Northwest's disabilities programs (who also is hard of hearing).

NAD and NWA outreach exhibits and/or workshops are planned for DeafNation Expos in Minneapolis, MN (April 16) and Chicago, IL (October 8); the National Training Conference (Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government) in Washington, DC (May 9-11); Deaf Seniors of America Conference in San Francisco, CA (August 31-September 5); Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in San Antonio, TX (July 9-15) and National Black Deaf Advocates in Orlando, FL (July 30-August 7) this year.

During the 125th anniversary, the NAD will celebrate its rich advocacy heritage, introduce future plans, and bring in new individual and organizational member and donor prospects. The NAD will use this historic period of celebration to strengthen its advocacy impact and influence through targeted fundraising initiatives.