ASLTA to Achieve Independent Status

Effective January 1, 2004, the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) became a separately functioning and independent organization. Up to this date, ASLTA was a professional organization within the NAD.

In 1975 the NAD, through its Communicative Skills Program, founded the Sign Instructors Guidance Network (SIGN) which eventually became the ASLTA. Since that historic moment, the NAD has nurtured and encouraged the ASLTA to grow and develop. It is now time for the ASLTA to "fly on its own wings" while standing strong side-by-side with the NAD in support of the preservation of American Sign Language (ASL) and ensuring that teachers of ASL and Deaf Studies are highly qualified.

"We are very proud of the accomplishments of ASLTA and support its continued expansion as the nation’s premier organization for certification of ASL and Deaf Studies professionals," said NAD President Andrew J. Lange. "The NAD looks forward to a continued partnership with ASLTA on advocacy and related issues that are important to both organizations."

"The ASLTA Board is very excited about the new status of ASLTA, as a 501(c)(3) organization, and the eventual hire of an executive director" said ASLTA President Leslie C. Greer. "We greatly appreciate the NAD for its support of ASLTA since its inception in 1975 and we know we will continue to work together in the years ahead."

Dual ASLTA-NAD membership is encouraged; individuals should renew their membership separately with each organization. Active members of ASLTA will soon receive more information about the new ASLTA office, contact names for membership renewals, evaluation applications, and related specifics.