There are many associations nationwide aimed at providing information, education, services, and social networking opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Some of these associations are state-specific, and others are nationwide or even international in scope. Additional resources are listed at Gallaudet University's Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center website. Gallaudet University is the only liberal arts university specifically for deaf and hard of hearing students.
National Association for the Deaf (NAD)
NAD (Nad.org) aims to promote and protect the civil rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals, as well as provide information for the general public. Their areas of focus include, but are not limited to, accessibility, employment, education, health care, mental health, rehabilitation, technology and transportation services.
ADARA
ADARA (Adara.org) formerly stood for American Deafness And Rehabilitation Association, but now bills itself as Professionals Networking for Excellence in Service Delivery with Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. ADARA publishes a journal directed at disseminating information about and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. They support research in the area of deafness, host conferences and educational events, and provide a venue for multiple local resources to come together.
American Association of the Deaf Blind (AADB)
AADB (Aadb.org) supports and promotes opportunities for deaf-blind individuals. AADB publishes a journal called "The Deaf-Blind American." In addition, they offer support and resources such as workshops, social networking events and a task force directed at increasing the number of deaf-blind interpreters.
Association for Late Deafened Adults (ALDA)
ALDA (Alda.org) promotes awareness, resources, education and services to individuals who become deaf in their adult years.
American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC)
ASDC (Deafchildren.org) is a not-for-profit organization connecting parents with other parents of deaf or hard of hearing children for local support and resources. ASDC promotes education about Deaf culture and a positive attitude about sign language.
International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD)
ICSD (Ciss.org), founded in Paris in 1924, is also known as the The Comite International des Sports des Sourdes (CISS). This organization sponsors international sports and competitions for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Their motto is "Per Ludos Aequalitias" ("Equal Through Sport").
Deaf Professional Happy Hour (DPHH)
DPHH is a locally organized happy hour for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Typically, a local bar or restaurant is selected for a specific day each month (for example, the first Friday of each month). For more information, search online for "deaf professional happy hour" or "DPHH" in your city.
Deafs.com
Deafs.com is a website that promotes dating and social networking for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
