About The World Federation of the Deaf

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2012 NAD Conference, Louisville, KY, July 3-7 - DeaFestival Kentucky July 7

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The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) will have its 100th board meeting at the National Association of the Deaf's (NAD) 51st Biennial Conference, in Louisville, Kentucky.

The NAD wishes to extend its most warm welcome to the WFD and hopes they have a pleasant stay here in Louisville, Kentucky!

The WFD Board Members

Colin Allen
President, Australia

Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen
Vice President, South Africa

Kaisa Alanne
Board Member, Finland

Hasan Dikyuva
Board Member, Turkey

Hanne Berge Kvitvaer
Board Member, Norway

Ramesh Lal Shrestha
Board Member, Nepal

Joseph Murray
Board Member, USA

Dmitry Rebrov
Board Member, Russian Federation

Terry Riley
Board Member, United Kingdom

José Gaspar Ramos Sanabria
Board Member, Mexico

Nebjosa Vavra
Board Member, Bosnia/Herzegovnia

Yerker Andersson
Honorary President I

About The WFD

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established in 1951 during the first World Congress in Rome, Italy. The WFD today is an ever-expanding umbrella organization providing a wide range of support and advocacy services for 133 national associations of the deaf, representing approximately 70 million deaf people worldwide.

The mission of the WFD is to promote the human rights of deaf people and full, quality and equal access to all spheres of life, including self-determination, sign language, education, employment and community life.

The philosophy of the WFD is one of equality, human rights and respect for all people, regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual preference, age and all other human qualities.

The WFD provides a platform for global cooperation and information exchange among its members and partners. As an international non-governmental organization, the WFD has special consultative status in the United Nations (UN) system, where it is represented at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the UN Educational, Scientic and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The WFD has participatory status with the Council of Europe (CoE), cooperates closely with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and has representation on the Panel of Experts responsible for implementation of the UN Standard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities together with the Special Rapporteur on Disability, and is a member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA).

As an international federation and through national associations, the WFD focuses on improving global human rights for deaf persons, increased recognition of national sign languages, improved education for deaf people, and improved access to information technology and services. World Congresses of the WFD, held every four years, are designed to bring together delegates from member national associations, youth organizations and participants who seek to take part in global exchange of information and furtherance of the WFD mission and goals.

Learn More About the WFD During The Conference

WFD Board Meeting: Tuesday, July 3 - Thursday, July 5 - Hyatt Regency Louisville: Oaks-Derby Room (observers are welcome during open sessions)

WFD President Colin Allen: Tuesday, July 3 - Opening Ceremony Keynote Presentation: “Nothing About Us, Without Us!”

Wednesday, July 4 - Workshop: “What is the World Federation of the Deaf?”

Thursday, July 5 - Workshop (Delegates Only): “United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD)”

WFD Vice President Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen: Thursday, July 5 - Workshop: “United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD)”

WFD Board Member Joseph Murray and et al: Friday, July 6 - Workshop: “The Role of Deaf Americans in the Global Deaf Community”

WFD Youth Camp USA Representatives Ryan DiGiovanni, LaToya Plummer and Megan Malzkuhn: Friday, July 6 - Workshop: “WFD Youth Camp: Nothing About Us, Without Us”;

Jennifer Harbaugh, Leala Holcomb, Justin Jackerson, Melissa Malzkuhn, Rima Cornish, & J. Rupert Dubler: Friday, July 6 - Workshop: “Deaf Youth Advocacy in America and on the International Level”

Support the WFD

Make a contribution to WFD ($20.00+ USD; receive commemorative WFD lapel pin).

Bid at Live Auction for breakfast with WFD President Colin Allen and WFD Vice President Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen.

Purchase signed copy of World Federation of the Deaf: A History by author Jack R. Gannon at the NAD exhibit.

Become a WFD Individual Member ($70.00 USD; forms available at the WFD exhibit).