About Louisiana Association of the Deaf

The oldest, largest, and premier nonprofit organization for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing community in Louisiana since 1908.

About Us

Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD) is the oldest, largest, and premier nonprofit organization for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing (DDBHH) citizens in the state of Louisiana. LAD was founded in 1908 by the alumni of the Louisiana School for the Deaf and is one of fifty (50) states affiliated with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). LAD advocates the promotion of the educational, economic, and social well-being of DDBHH individuals in Louisiana.

In addition, LAD, doing business as Deaf Focus, provides a variety of services to the DDBHH community, including:

Interpreting Services
Educational Support/Tutoring
Expert Consulting
Law Enforcement & First Responders Training
Professional Development
Health and Wellness Services
Social and Recreational Activities
ASL Classes
Advocacy: Legislative, Education, Services, Employment, and Access

LAD is supported by its members and other stakeholders interested in achieving LAD's goals. Membership is open to any Louisiana citizen who is DDBHH; parents of children who are DDBHH; professionals who work with DDBHH youth and adults; including those who are not deaf, and other DDBHH individuals outside of Louisiana, interested in supporting our mission.

Our organization is Deaf-led with a team passionate about the Deaf-Centric approach in the provision of our services. We believe collaboration is essential to achieving our goals, and we strive to collaborate with various community partners, businesses, schools, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations. We aim to be a model example of a Deaf-Led organization. Together, we can elevate the journey of positive and meaningful progress in creating a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

The mission of the LAD is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf citizens of Louisiana.

Vision

The vision of the LAD is a society in which the language, culture, and heritage of deaf Louisianans are acknowledged and respected. As a result, deaf people will have the fullness of life, liberty, and equality.

Service

Every deaf person should have equal access to any service provided to tax-paying citizens. We advocate to raise the bar in services, public or private, and awareness within society.

Education

We believe in Free and Appropriate Public Education with emphasis on early access for establishing a language foundation, and promotion of lifelong learning for all adults.

Social

We believe in preserving our heritage, culture, and the status of our linguistic minority. We promote every opportunity where deaf people can engage and build relationships.

Welfare

We believe in nourishing every deaf person's well-being toward healthy self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-advocacy abilities so that every deaf person can lead a self-sufficient life.

Board of Directors

LAD Board of Directors for the 2023–2027 term.

The Board of Directors is elected by the general membership during the organization's biennial conference and governs the LAD. Board members are DDBHH and serve on a voluntary basis.