National Association of the Deaf

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy:

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Senator Kennedy, who was unparalleled as a staunch defender of civil rights,” said Bobbie Beth Scoggins, President of the NAD. “The American deaf and hard of hearing community has lost a dear friend, who has tirelessly carried the torch of opportunity during all these years, always working diligently to advance our rights and privileges as American citizens.”

On July 26, 2004, at a ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts marking the 14th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Kelby Brick who was then director of the NAD Law and Advocacy Center had the distinct honor of presenting a special award to Senator Kennedy jointly with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), in recognition of “his tireless efforts on behalf of over 28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans.”  In a news release at that time, the NAD said that “Senator Kennedy has been at the forefront on issues important to us over the years; he has consistently demonstrated his leadership on civil rights issues dating back to his election to the United States Senate in 1962.” He was pivotal in the passage of key federal laws that opened doors of opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing Americans, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

“Senator Kennedy has tremendously enhanced the quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing Americans in a very real and lasting manner,” said Nancy J. Bloch, NAD Chief Executive Officer. “I shall never forget that twinkle that was always in his eyes, and we will greatly miss his extraordinary wisdom, leadership and passion.”

The NAD encourages the submission of comments at www.nad.org in response to this news posting.