Our Mission

Alabama Association of the Deaf (AAD) is Alabama’s leading civil rights organization of, by, and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alabamians.

Established in 1912 and incorporated in 1965, AAD was founded by Deaf leaders who advocated for equality and language access of the Alabama Deaf community, as well as discuss issues that potentially affect the community, and to have the community’s interest represented at a state level. These advocacy efforts continue today and influences those who are interested in protecting and advancing the community’s quality of life.

AAD has committed to address causes that impacts the community, including the Alabama interpreter licensure law, partnership with LEAD-K organization, push for establishment of accessible mental health services, and many more. As a volunteer organization, the AAD officers and its members carries out its statewide advocacy work through coalition efforts with state agencies, community programs, and other non-profit organizations.

AAD represents Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alabamians through its affiliation with National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the nation’s premier civil rights organization of, by, and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals nationwide.

AAD is operated by elected board members who are nominated, voted, and sworn in office during AAD’s Biennial Conference. AAD is made possible by its individual and organizational membership to ensure that the collective interests of Alabama Deaf and Hard of Hearing community are seen and represented among our state policy and decision makers.

AAD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported by the generosity of individual and organizational donors.