Welcome to the LAD website

The Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD) is the oldest and largest consumer organization of Deaf and hard of hearing people in the state of Louisiana.  LAD was founded in 1908 by alumni of the Louisiana School for the Deaf.

An executive board is elected by the general membership during the organization's biennial conference and governs the LAD.  The executive board, whose members are deaf and hard of hearing, consists of officers and elected representatives who serve on a voluntary basis.

As a non-profit, tax-exempt consumer organization, the LAD is supported by its members and others interested in furthering the LAD goals.  Membership is open to any Louisiana citizen who is deaf or hard of hearing; parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing; professionals who work with deaf and hard of hearing youth and adults; and other individuals interested in supporting LAD goals. 

Louisiana, through the LAD, is one of about 40 states affiliated with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).  The NAD advocates for the educational, economic, and social wellbeing of deaf and hard of hearing people on a national and international level.  LAD is Louisiana's official delegate to the NAD biennial conferences.