American Association of the DeafBlind

American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) is a national consumer organization of, by, and for deaf-blind Americans and their supporters. “Deaf-blind” includes all types and degrees of dual vision and hearing loss. Our membership consists of deaf-blind people from diverse backgrounds, as well as family members, professionals, interpreters, and other interested supporters.

AADB is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are deaf-blind. AADB receives funding from grants, membership fees, and tax-deductible donations.

Our Mission:

To ensure that all deaf-blind persons achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity, and integration into the community.

Our Activities:

• Information Clearinghouse: provides Information, referral and technical assistance on topics related to deaf-blindness.
• A Support Service Provider Summit, whose purpose is to examine how SSP services can be increased and improved across the country.
• A Deaf-Blind Technology Summit, whose purpose is to see how technology can be more accessible and affordable for deaf-blind people.
• Deaf-Blind Count, a project to determine ways to obtain more exact statistics of people with dual vision and hearing loss around the country.
• National Task Force on Deaf-Blind Interpreting is a collaboration between AADB, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and the National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers. This collaboration will enhance the quality of interpreting services for deaf-blind people, and increase the number of interpreters qualified to work with them.
• AADB-L: AADB sponsors a listserv available to its members where people can discuss important issues in the deaf-blind community and offer feedback on AADB's programs and services.
• National Conferences: Hundreds of people come together for support and networking, and to learn about such issues as leadership and employment.
• AADB Today is an e-newsletter highlighting updates within AADB and the national deaf-blind community.
• Advocacy projects: AADB provides advocacy, trainings; workshops, and involvement with legislators, manufacturers, and other entities on behalf of deaf-blind people.

Contact Us:

For information on specific projects, membership, the upcoming conference, or to make a tax- deductible donation, please contact us.