Why Should You Go To The NAD Conference This July?

Submitted by David.King [1] on Sun, 04/11/2010 - 03:46 Blog:

• NAD Conference [2]

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 [3] or Amendments to the NAD Bylaws [4]. 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.