NAD Establishes Hurricane Relief Fund For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Survivors

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Board and staff grieves with the rest of the nation on the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

The NAD formed the NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund to directly aid deaf and hard of hearing Americans impacted by this tragic event. The fund will be used to assist organizations and schools who are providing resources to feed, clothe and shelter displaced deaf and hard of hearing survivors and their families and to enable communication access to needed programs and services.

"We are calling on all NAD members and supporters to donate generously to help deaf and hard of hearing Americans that have lost so much from this tragic event, and who continue to struggle to gain communication access" said Nancy J. Bloch, NAD Chief Executive Officer. "The NAD established the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund to support organizations and schools that provide direct services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals including their families," she added.

"Deaf and hard of hearing people impacted by the hurricane are suffering from the additional burden of not being able to access critical information to learn about where they can turn to for help and services. Donations to the NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund will also be used to provide access to programs," commented Bloch.

In order to make these efforts successful in the wake of the most devastating natural mainland disaster in the history of the United States, your tax deductible contribution is critical.

"We have made it easy for people to donate on-line to help speed up the giving process," continued Bloch. To make a donation to the NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, go to http://www.nad.org/katrinarelief [2]. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The NAD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

If you prefer to pay by check, please make your donation payable to NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and mail to: NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, 814 Thayer Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Deaf and hard of hearing survivors desperately need your help to begin to rebuild their lives and their communities. Please do your part today to assist the members of our community who have lost so much.