About Us

Our Mission Statement

DCAD’s mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened individuals in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.
DCAD’s mission is consistent with that of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), which recognizes DCAD as its state affiliate in accordance with its governing bylaws.
DCAD supports and upholds the mission of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)—an international human rights organization that advocates for the full realization of Deaf people’s rights in partnership with the United Nations, national Deaf associations, and other relevant stakeholders.

Our Values

Inclusive Use of “Deaf.” DCAD uses the capitalized term “Deaf” inclusively and collectively to represent and embrace all people who identify as Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, and other members of our broader signing and Deaf communities. This inclusive use recognizes our shared human right to learn, use, and thrive in American Sign Language (ASL) and other sign languages.
Respect and Belonging. DCAD is committed to fostering unity within the diverse Deaf community without exclusion or marginalization. We value the perspectives of all members, donors, and stakeholders and promote open, collaborative dialogue. DCAD strives to maintain a respectful, accessible, and safe environment free from discrimination, harassment, or harm—whether physical, emotional, or linguistic.
Equity and Accessibility. DCAD welcomes the participation of all people without regard to hearing status, communication modality, use of technology, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, religion, creed, age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or family status, socioeconomic status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. DCAD further commits to providing accessible communication, electronic materials, and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the D.C. Human Rights Act.

Our Guiding Principles

Human Rights–Based Approach. In accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), DCAD shall ground all activities in a human rights–based approach. DCAD works toward the equal access, full participation, and inclusion of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened individuals in all aspects of society. DCAD also recognizes and seeks to address the nationwide crisis of language deprivation by advocating for early, bilingual exposure to American Sign Language (ASL) and written English as a basic human right for all Deaf and hard of hearing children.
Leadership of Deaf People. Upholding the principle articulated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)—“Nothing About Us Without Us”—DCAD affirms that Deaf-led leadership and representation are essential to the self-determination of the Deaf community. DCAD shall prioritize the empowerment, collaboration, and leadership development of Deaf people and organizations, while fostering constructive partnerships with allies and stakeholders that respect Deaf autonomy and cultural-linguistic identity.
Trust, Cooperation, and Partnership. DCAD shall cultivate mutual trust and collaboration among all partners and stakeholders, including the WFD, NAD, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), Deaf community organizations, the District of Columbia and federal governments, educational institutions, interpreting programs, and donors. DCAD further commits to building partnerships that advance equity, accessibility, and human rights for all members of the Deaf ecosystem.