National Association of the Deaf’s 58th Biennial Conference
Virtual Meeting 2020
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) had its 58th Biennial Conference during October 1st – 4th and 24th. For the first time in NAD’s history the meetings were held virtually instead of at the conference. 130 delegates from four regions participated.
The Council of Representatives (COR) is made up of state association delegates and affiliate representatives. The COR had five sessions that began on October 1st. All elections took place during the virtual meeting.
The COR made 26 proposals for “potential priorities” which the COR voted on top five priorities for the NAD Board to focus on for the next two years: 2020-2022.
The NAD members, who were not delegates, had the opportunity to voice their concerns and share their ideas during the Forum. The NAD members were very insightful, helping the delegates acquire a better understanding of what needs to be focused on.
Top 5 Priorities:
Achieving Equity in Deaf Education
Campaign to Spotlight the Adverse Impacts of Language Deprivation
Dismantling Racism in the Deaf Community
Eliminating Barriers to Quality Care for Deaf Seniors
Foster Care Bill of Rights
By-laws:
Several changes were made to the by-laws. Three resolutions were discussed and passed.
1. Affiliates Representation on Board (details will be posted online at nad.org).
2. Continuation of Senior Citizen Task Force. The NAD Senior Citizen Task Force will continue as long as necessary. Due to high population of Deaf seniors, there is a need of a centralized task force to address continuing issues. Recent issues involved health care, accessibility, COVID-19 Pandemic, and emergency alerts.
3. National Deaf History Month Resolution. Starting in 1997, the Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action was set up by Alice Hagemeyer. In 2012, NAD recognized March 13th - April 15 as National Deaf History Month. In 2016, the Governor of Maryland recognized the National Deaf History Month soon after Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library was passed as a law. March 13, 1988 is significant as Gallaudet University appointed its first Deaf President, Dr. I. King Jordan. April 15, 1817 is also significant as the first school for the deaf in America was founded in Hartford, Connecticut.
Board Elections:
1. President – Melissa Draganac-Hawk (re-elected)
2. Vice President – Amy Gomme
3. Secretary – Jenny Buechner (re-elected)
4. Treasurer – Michelle Cline (re-elected)
5. Region 1 Representatives – Jacob Leffler and Milmaglyn Morales
6. Region 2 Representatives – Kevin Ryan and Linsay Darnell, Jr
7. Region 3 Representatives – Steve Hamerdinger and Lisa Rose
8. Region 4 Representative – James Christianson, Jr
9. Ex Officio Member – Howard Rosenblum
We, Linda Nelson and Meredith De Naples representing NC Association of the Deaf, felt that the NAD did an awesome job organizing and managing the virtual meetings. It went amazingly smooth. What was most helpful was that the NAD provided two separate trainings on how to participate online, getting comfortable with ZOOM in prior. We were extremely impressed with our NAD President Draganac-Hawk who remained calm and patient. She was fantastic as she stayed on the agenda. We want to thank the NAD staff and volunteers for their skills and time in educating all of us, helping to run virtual meetings. It was a great success!
Author:
Linda Nelson, Central Regional Representative
NC Association of the Deaf
