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Associations of the Deaf
World Federation of the Deaf
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international non-governmental organisation representing approximately 70 million Deaf people worldwide. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of these 70 million live in developing countries, where authorities are rarely familiar with their needs or desires. Recognised by the United Nations (UN) as their spokes-organisation, WFD works closely with the UN and its various agencies in promoting the human rights of Deaf people in accordance with the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other general acts and recommendations of the UN and its specialised agencies. When necessary, WFD uses special, legal or administrative measures to ensure that Deaf people in every country have the right to preserve their own sign languages, organisations, and cultural and other activities. Most important among WFD priorities are Deaf people in developing countries; the right to sign language; and equal opportunity in all spheres of life, including access to education and information.
Australian Association of the Deaf
The Australian Association of the Deaf Inc. is the national peak organisation for Deaf people in Australia. It represents the views of Deaf people who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language). It is a true consumer organisation - only Deaf people have the right to vote on AAD business and to be elected to the Board.
The Royal Association for Deaf people
The Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) promotes the welfare and interests of Deaf people (by which we mean deaf people whose first or preferred language is sign language).
Founded in 1841, RAD is the oldest organisation in England for Deaf adults. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen.
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
One of the oldest and most respected organizations serving the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people and their families is the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Ever since its beginning in 1890, AG Bell has promoted oral education for deaf and hard of hearing children. It does this by providing information, training, and through research. AG Bell also provides a speech and hearing checklist to aid parents.
Two of AG Bell's longest lived publications, are the Volta Review and Volta Voices. Plus, their catalogue carries themed monographs of the Volta Review.
Bell provides financial aid and scholarships to parents, children, and college students.
The association has three sections: an Oral Hearing Impaired Section for adults and youth; a Parent Section (which gives the first year free to new parents), and the International Organization for the Education of the Hearing Impaired.
Finally, Bell has chapters in most states, Canada, and internationally. A few of the chapters have their own web sites.
Canadian Association of the Deaf
Founded in 1940 by the three regional associations of the Deaf, the CAD is the national consumer organization of Canada’s 300,000 Deaf citizens.
The CAD provides consultation and information on Deaf needs and interests to the public, business, media, educators, governments and others. We conduct research and collect data regarding Deaf issues; issue reports on these studies; and provide expertise on them; develop and implement pilot programs. We offer assistance to Deaf organizations and service agencies across the country, and also provide a major library and resource centre on deafness at our office in Ottawa, Ontario.