The monthly #NADHandwave recognition program is an opportunity for everyone to meet an individual who has contributed greatly to the betterment of the deaf community. The NAD recently learned about Brian Fruits and is thrilled to award him this month’s #NADHandwave!
He currently serves on the board for the USA Deaf Basketball Association as the Treasurer and the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf, also as their treasurer. In the past, he has served on the Board of the Wisconsin American Sign Language Teachers of America for some time.
In 2003, he founded a co-ed softball team that consisted of both deaf and hearing players to play in the Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR) league. To this day, he is still the coach! Brian played (and has coached) for various softball teams which led to several National Softball Association of the Deaf (NSAD) tournaments. Currently, he plays with the CSD Blue Sox.
Contributing to the deaf community is important, Brian says, so that it can thrive and be strong. He believes that youth is the key to the community, and without youth, there is no future in the deaf community.
Brian’s hobbies include hunting, gardening, softball, camping, ATV riding, and anything that involves spending time with his three boys and his wife, Mary. He is currently working on his masters in Public Administration, and will graduate in December 2014.
The NAD was established in 1880 by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. As a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more.
The NAD wishes to recognize exemplary people and appreciates Brian Fruits for all that he does. If you know someone the NAD should recognize for next month’s #NADHandwave, nominate today!