National Association of the Deaf Announces First Dues Increase in Ten Years

The Board of Directors of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) voted at its May 2003 meeting, to increase National membership dues effective October 1, 2003. This is the first dues increase in ten years. Facing a severe financial crisis while simultaneously defending deaf and hard of hearing rights that have come under vigorous attack, the NAD Board felt it had no other option than to increase individual membership dues to $40 ($25 for Seniors and Students).

NAD President Andy Lange said, "The NAD cannot continue to support itself with the current membership fees. Rather than reduce NAD efforts at a time when our rights are more threatened than ever, the NAD Board of Directors agreed that an increase in membership dues is necessary so deaf and hard of hearing Americans can achieve equal access and civil rights."

With our country in a difficult economic condition, charitable donations to the NAD have dropped 50% from the previous year and membership dues have remained unchanged for over a decade. Without a strong financial base, the NAD cannot advocate on behalf of 28 million deaf and hard of hearing people. The NAD Board considered many alternatives, but found that the $40 increase was the best option to help resolve the financial crisis and continue to do the ever-important work of the NAD.

"Until the NAD returns to financial stability, we must focus heavily on fundraising. Members and supporters can help by contributing to the efforts of the NAD to promote, protect, and preserve the civil rights and quality of life of all deaf and hard of hearing people," says NAD Executive Director Nancy Bloch.

National NAD membership supports representation on Capitol Hill; defense deaf and hard of hearing clients in discrimination cases; and helps the NAD participate in coalitions for a more powerful impact on legislation and rulemaking. Membership also supports the development of tomorrow’s leaders, those who will continue the fight for deaf and hard of hearing civil rights.

NAD members receive the glossy, full-color NADmag six times a year. The NADmag focuses on important topics in each issue such as education, captioning, employment, assistive technologies, and civil/legal rights. NAD members received a new membership benefit this year - access to the NAD Members Only Area (MOA) on the NAD website. In the MOA, NAD members can read entertaining stories from regular and guest NAD columnists, past NAD presidents, and archived magazines published by the NAD.

To join the NAD, visit http://www.nad.org/join [2]

To donate to the NAD, visit http://www.nad.org/donate [3]