The Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf, Inc. (MSAD) is a statewide, non-profit organization serving more than 500,000 Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Massachusetts.  We have two offices in Malden and Springfield.

Mission - To advocate for the rights of, and to serve the needs of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Massachusetts.

History - MSAD is founded in 1975, in response to a problem arose when Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals suffered many barriers in public places, activities, schools, and employment.  A core group of committed individuals decided to establish a formal organization as a cooperative chapter of the National Association of the Deaf and their original agenda was to gain support from the legislators for improving services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.  Over time, the MSAD has helped increasing Deaf and hard-of-hearing’s access to interpreters in many activities, gaining their presence in the political process, and expanding a variety of services that meet the demands of the Deaf community.

Program/Service - MSAD recognizes the needs of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and created and implemented the following services:

FAMILY SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM

MASSACHUSETTS EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

ADVOCACY - MSAD has been a champion of the rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Massachusetts.  In the past 30 years, MSAD is working closely with the state legislature to create or modify public policies that affect over 500,000 deaf and hard of hearing individuals.  The formation of a new state agency, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, is made possible by the efforts of MSAD. 

DEAF COMMUNITY NEWS - Since it is established in November 1985, the Deaf Community News (DCN) has been the voice of the Deaf community in Massachusetts.  DCN covers a variety of topics concerning the Deaf community such as updates, politics, history, personal stories, and etc.  MSAD distributes a quarterly issue to its members, prospective members, affiliated organizations, donors, and other key stakeholders. 

In addition to the services and advocacy, MSAD offers social events that enable Deaf and hearing people interact leisurely and cultural events that recognize the importance of Deaf culture.  Not only MSAD organize, but also do they sponsor local Deaf organizations to help them accomplish their important goals.  Deaf Awareness Week and Miss Deaf Massachusetts Pageant are one example of our efforts to promote Deaf culture and American Sign Language. 

Can people join MSAD as a member?

Because MSAD is a membership organization, anyone can join MSAD to become a member.  All members will receive four issues of Deaf Community News, voting privileges for elections, discounts for products/services and events, and other benefits.  Currently, we have over 300 active members and more to come!

Where can I find more information about MSAD?

The contact information can be found on the main page.