- Connecting and empowering the deaf community in Louisiana since 1908. + The oldest, largest, and premier nonprofit organization for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing community in Louisiana since 1908.
- To promote social, educational, and recreational opportunities for deaf individuals and their families while fostering a sense of community and belonging. -
-- We strive to create an inclusive environment where deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can connect, share experiences, and access resources. -
-- To be a leading organization that bridges the gap between the deaf and hearing communities, promoting awareness, understanding, and equal opportunities. -
-- We envision a world where deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have full access to communication, education, and community participation. -
++ 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:
++ 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. +
- The Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD) was established in 1908 by a group of deaf community members who recognized the need for a dedicated organization to serve the growing deaf population in Louisiana. -
-- Starting with just a handful of members, LAD quickly grew into a vibrant community hub, hosting regular social events, educational workshops, and advocacy initiatives. -
-- Throughout the decades, LAD has continued to evolve and expand its services while staying true to its core mission of fostering community and providing support for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Louisiana and surrounding areas. -
++ The mission of the LAD is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf citizens of Louisiana. +
++ 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. +
+{v.desc}
+- LAD is governed by an elected board representing the deaf community across Louisiana. - The 2019–2021 board: +
+ 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. +
+{member.role}
+{member.role}
+ {member.email}- We welcome and embrace individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. -
-- We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring full access to communication and resources. -
-- We foster meaningful connections and a sense of belonging for all members. -
-- Join us in our mission to support and empower the deaf community in Louisiana. + Join us in our mission to support and empower the Deaf community in Louisiana.
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm
+ Louisiana Association of the Deaf
+ 3112 Valley Creek Drive, Suite E
+ Baton Rouge, LA 70808
+
{line}
- ))} -Deaf Focus provides professional, certified sign language interpreters throughout Louisiana. - Contact us at least 10 business days in advance. + Submit requests at least 30 days in advance for best availability.
Fax: (225) 308-4025 · Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm
+ Since 2019, LAD has disbursed over $100,000 directly supporting our community — services, project funding, sponsorships, scholarships, and more. +
- Community Events: Funds community gatherings, social events, and cultural celebrations that bring our deaf community together. + Community Events: Funds community gatherings, social events, and cultural celebrations that bring our Deaf community together.
- Educational Workshops: Supports ASL classes, interpreter training, and educational workshops for members and the broader community. + Educational Programs: Supports ASL classes, tutoring, and educational workshops for members and the broader community.
- Advocacy: Enables our work advocating for accessibility and deaf rights in local businesses, schools, and government. + Advocacy: Enables our work advancing Deaf rights through legislation, policy, and public awareness.
- Youth Programs: Funds activities and mentorship opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth in our community. + Youth & Emergency: Supports Deaf youth programs, toy drives, book drives, and emergency disaster relief.
You may designate your contribution to a specific fund:
+{fund}
- Financial information and annual reports are available upon request. + Undesignated contributions support general operations. Financial information and annual reports are available upon request.
- We welcome partnerships with businesses and organizations that share our commitment to the deaf community. + We welcome partnerships with businesses and organizations that share our commitment to the Deaf community. Corporate sponsors receive recognition in our events, publications, and website.
@@ -211,7 +184,11 @@ export default function DonatePage() {- Yes, checks can be made payable to "Louisiana Association of the Deaf" and mailed to our office address. Please contact us for the current mailing address. + Yes. Make checks or money orders payable to Louisiana Association of the Deaf and mail to: +
+
+ 3112 Valley Creek Drive, Suite E
+ Baton Rouge, LA 70808
{formatDate(event.date)}{event.time ? ` · ${event.time}` : ''}
{event.location}
-{event.description}
+- Join our statewide community and connect with Deaf individuals and allies across Louisiana. + Join our statewide community and connect with Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals and allies across Louisiana.
Annual membership
++ LAD membership is open to Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals, their families, professionals, and allies. +
+Who: {t.who}
+Rights: {t.rights}
Annual membership
-One-time payment
-- Please contact us - for current membership rates and any available discounts. -
+ ))}- Contact us through the website or attend one of our events to get a membership application form. - You can also download the form and submit it via email. + Download and fill out the membership application form. Contact us or attend one of our events to get a copy.
- Submit your membership dues via check, cash, or online payment. Dues can be paid annually or as a one-time payment for lifetime membership. +
+ Submit your dues using one of the following methods:
+Venmo
+@LAD1908 — please include “Membership” in the note
+Mail a Check or Money Order
+
+ Payable to Louisiana Association of the Deaf
+ 3112 Valley Creek Drive, Suite E
+ Baton Rouge, LA 70808
+
- All applications are reviewed and approved by the LAD board. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks. -
-- Once approved, you'll receive your official LAD membership confirmation and welcome packet with information about upcoming events and activities. + Once your membership is processed, you'll receive confirmation and gain access to member resources, upcoming events, and the LAD community.
- "Joining LAD was one of the best decisions I've made. It's helped me connect with the Deaf community across Louisiana and make lifelong friends." --
- "As a parent of a deaf child, LAD has been an invaluable resource for our family. The events and workshops have helped us all learn and grow together." --
- "I love being part of such a vibrant and supportive community. The social events and activities have really enriched my life." --
{description}
-+ From our monthly ASL Meet & Greet at Torchy's Tacos to our biennial statewide conference — there's always something happening in the Louisiana Deaf community. +
+ + View All Events +- The Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD) is a non-profit statewide organization dedicated to serving the deaf and hard-of-hearing community across Louisiana. + The 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 Louisiana. Founded in 1908 by alumni of the Louisiana School for the Deaf, LAD is one of fifty state affiliates of the National Association of the Deaf.
- Our mission is to advocate for the rights, education, and well-being of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals throughout Louisiana while fostering a strong sense of community. + Our mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of Deaf citizens of Louisiana — while fostering community, culture, and equal access for all DDBHH individuals.
- Founded in 1908, LAD has over a century of advocacy and community service, working to advance opportunities and equal access for the deaf community. + LAD also operates Deaf Focus, a Deaf-led services organization providing interpreting, ASL classes, advocacy, and community resources statewide.
Learn More About Us @@ -159,7 +79,7 @@ export default function Home() {- Benefit from LAD's statewide advocacy work advancing the rights of deaf Louisianans. + Benefit from LAD's statewide advocacy work advancing the rights of Deaf Louisianans.
- Become a member today and connect with the deaf community across Louisiana. + Become a member today and connect with the Deaf community across Louisiana.
- Connect with a supportive network of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. + Connect with a supportive network of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
- Connect with a supportive network of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. + Connect with a supportive network of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
{update.body}
+ )) )}- Showing recent highlights. Full update archive available to members.{' '} - - Join LAD - {' '} - for complete access. -
-