National & Local Deaf Groups

NAD

National association of the deaf. Created 1880 in Silver Springs, MD. Non-profit organization. National level. Have LGBT for the deaf. TXAD is similar to this.

NDEP

National Deaf Education Project. Communication & language driven education. Co-sponserded with “Hands & voices”. Founded in 1998. Representatives from Gallaudet.

NBDA

National Black Deaf Advocates. For black deaf & hard of hearing Americans. Founded 1982. Equality in education, employment & social services. Most similar to TXAD, promotes civil rights. Holds deaf pagents, scholarships, etc.

NTD

National Theater of the Deaf. 1st performance in 1967. Toured in 33 countries over 7 continents, & all 50 states. Benefits telecommunication devices, bicultural education. Connects hearing & deaf culture.

RID

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. To become nationally certified you go here. Similar to BEI. National level. Headquarters in Alexandria, Va. Paid members get scholarships, awards & subscriptions to publications.

DARS

Department of assistive & Rehabilitative services. State government agency. Specializes in early childhood intervention, disability, rehab. Transferred to TWC & HHSC in September 2016.

DHHS

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services. A division of DARS. Located in Austin, TX, but they have a Houston office. Financial help for hearing aids, interpreters, & training, specialized telecommunication technology.

BEI

Board for Evaluation of Interpreters. Division of DHHS portion of DARS. People who want to be certified interpreters in Texas go here. To be certified interpreter: Must be 18, High school diploma, no criminal conviction. Areas like court & medical certifications are available.

HDN

Houston Deaf Network. Groups & website that offers opportunities & activities in & around the Houston area. They highlight gatherings for deaf people. Like 5th Friday socials, deaf coffee chats, signing santa, etc.

TXAD

Texas association for the Deaf. Created in 1880. Created TSD as an independent school in 1981. Mission: prevent, promote civil rights of deaf & hard hearing. Can be deaf or hearing to join. Headquarters in Austion, Texas.