The North Dakota Association of the Deaf, Inc. (NDAD), a statewide political advocacy organization serving the deaf and hard of hearing citizens in the state of North Dakota, was established in June 1916 and incorporated in 1978 with the following preamble:

For mutual assistance and encouragement in securing moral, intellectual, and social improvement, advocating measures tending to better their condition and standing in society at large; and for the strength and usefulness which union gives, the deaf of North Dakota do organize themselves into an Association.

Historically, the Association has made several worthwhile contributions to the welfare to the deaf in the state. It has been outspoken against the deaf impostor peddling racket in which able-bodied persons prey upon the sympathy of the public, using deafness as the reason they are unable to work and support themselves. The majority of the deaf citizens are above such nefarious tactics and are proud of their ability to be self-supporting taxpaying citizens of this great nation.

The Association has always used the legislative process as a lobbying group to represent deaf citizens in the protection of their rights and to fight discrimination which may affect them; i.e. driving rights, use of interpreter law, human rights and civil rights. The Association also fights against discrimination in any aspect - employment, education, social, government services, and business. The Association provides information on deaf awareness, deafness, education of the deaf, and other aspects to the public and is affiliated with the National Association of the Deaf. It strongly supports the North Dakota School for the Deaf as the best atmosphere to educate its deaf children.

The Association celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1991. The 28th Biennial Convention was held in conjunction with North Dakota School for the Deaf’s Centennial Celebration in June 1990. The Association will celebrate its 100th anniversary in the year of 2016.

The Association wholeheartedly congratulates the North Dakota School for the Deaf on its continuing years of service to the deaf of North Dakota and wishes its continued success in the years to come.