What We Are
The Kansas Association of the Deaf (KAD) is a statewide non-profit organization operating independently of government and other organizations. KAD serves not only to its membership, but to all Deaf Kansans. KAD is dedicated to advocate, act and ensure the quality of life, rights and language of all Deaf Kansans of all ages are valued, respected and protected through legislation, policies, and community/government services.
Our Mission
To protect, preserve, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of the Deaf and Deaf-Blind individuals in Kansas.
Our Purpose
To elevate Deaf people by securing moral, intellectual, and social justice of their linguistic, educational, and occupational opportunities and by promoting measures tending to celebrate and elevate their lived human experience and standing in society at large.
Our History
KAD was founded in 1909 at a cookout in Wichita, Kansas with 42 members because the founders were concerned about the eroding rights of the Deaf community. The organization was chartered by the State of Kansas in 1910. KAD has been affiliated with National Association of the Deaf (NAD) since 1911. More information about NAD can be found at www.nad.org.
Our Members
KAD is always accepting new members. Members keep KAD going strong! Please become member of KAD. Anyone, including non-Deaf and out of staters can become a member. As a Deaf KS resident member, you can vote at the Biennial General Business Meeting and be elected to serve on the Board of Directors for an opportunity to be of services to Deaf Kansans, plus gain, improve, and learn new leadership skills. All graduating Deaf seniors from a Kansas high school get two years of free membership.
Social Justice
To advocate, act, and ensure that the quality of life, rights, and language of Deaf, and Deaf-Blind Kansans are protected through legislation, policies, services impacting their bilingual education, holistic/healthy early Deaf identities, attitudinal/ environmental inclusivity, equality and equitable opportunities.
​
Are you experiencing injustice in Kansas?
Contact support@deafkansas.org