The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has released a comprehensive organizational update detailing several critical developments, including a landmark legal settlement, progress on educational reform, and finalized logistics for its upcoming 58th biennial conference in San Francisco. Under the leadership of Interim CEO Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, the organization is currently balancing major litigation efforts with a robust schedule of youth empowerment programs and administrative transitions. These updates underscore the NAD’s dual commitment to systemic advocacy and the cultivation of future leadership within the Deaf community.
Landmark Legal Victory: Combatting Discriminatory Policing
A significant highlight of the current NAD reporting period is the successful resolution of a high-profile civil rights lawsuit. The case involved a Deaf mother and her two 11-year-old daughters who were subjected to an traumatic encounter with law enforcement. According to legal documentation, the incident occurred when police officers, wearing face masks that obscured their lips, refused to provide effective communication access. In a further violation of civil rights standards, the officers attempted to compel the young children to serve as ad-hoc interpreters for their mother. The confrontation ultimately escalated, resulting in the arrest of the mother.
The NAD’s legal department, led by Director of Legal Services Brittany Shrader, Esq., pursued the case with the objective of establishing a legal precedent regarding the reliance on minors for interpretation—a practice widely condemned by advocates and legal experts alike. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement of $1.2 million.
This settlement serves as more than just financial compensation; it represents a strategic effort to enforce compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar civil rights protections at the municipal level. By securing this settlement, the NAD aims to send a clear directive to police departments nationwide: the use of children as interpreters is an unacceptable practice that risks constitutional violations. Professional, qualified, and certified interpreters are the only legal standard for ensuring effective communication in high-stakes law enforcement interactions.
Educational Advocacy: The BEDE Initiative
Beyond legal advocacy, the NAD is intensifying its focus on systemic educational reform. Dr. Marla Hatrak, an educational policy consultant for the organization, is currently finalizing the "Blueprint on Excellence in Deaf Education" (BEDE). This initiative is designed to address chronic gaps in the national system of Deaf education, which have long been a subject of scrutiny by researchers and parents.
The BEDE project serves as a comprehensive framework intended to standardize and elevate the quality of instruction and support services provided to Deaf and hard-of-hearing students across the United States. Dr. Hatrak is scheduled to lead a featured workshop on the blueprint at the #NAD2026 conference. This presentation will serve as a platform for disseminating the findings of the BEDE initiative and soliciting feedback from stakeholders, including educators, administrators, and the families of Deaf children. The initiative is a cornerstone of the NAD’s long-term strategy to ensure that educational equity is not merely a policy goal but an actionable reality.
58th Biennial Conference: Logistical Milestones
As the organization prepares for its 58th biennial conference, scheduled for this summer in San Francisco, administrative preparations have reached a critical juncture. Assistant to the Interim CEO Nancy Bloch reports that the designated conference hotel is approaching 60% capacity, signaling strong attendance figures.
The biennial conference is the NAD’s most significant event, functioning as both a professional development summit and a vital business meeting for the organization. The event is slated to host a variety of forums, including business meetings where organizational priorities are determined by the Council of Representatives. With a registration deadline of May 20, 2026, the NAD is urging attendees to finalize travel and lodging arrangements promptly to accommodate the anticipated influx of participants. The conference remains the primary venue for networking, policy deliberation, and the celebration of Deaf culture and professional achievement.
Empowering the Next Generation: Youth Programs
The NAD has prioritized its Youth Programs as a fundamental pillar of its mission to foster future advocacy. Claudia Giordano, Director of Youth Programs, outlined three specific initiatives currently in development for the 2026 cycle:
- Youth Leadership Camp (YLC): This program will convene 64 campers in the Pacific Northwest. The curriculum focuses on outdoor experiential learning, leadership development, and teamwork. By engaging with national leaders and trainers, participants are provided with a blueprint for civic engagement and advocacy.
- Jr. NAD Pages Program: Targeted at students aged 13 to 17, this initiative integrates youth directly into the operational environment of the NAD conference. Participants serve as volunteers, gaining firsthand insight into the parliamentary procedures and strategic decision-making processes that drive the organization.
- College Bowl: A biennial competition that challenges teams from universities across the country. The event serves as an academic and community-based celebration of knowledge, quick thinking, and collaborative excellence.
These programs are intentionally designed to build a pipeline of leadership, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of civil rights advocacy and organizational governance.
Organizational Transition and Continuity
The administrative landscape of the NAD is also in a state of transition. Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, currently serving as Interim CEO, is overseeing the search for a permanent successor. This transition period is being managed with an emphasis on continuity, ensuring that ongoing advocacy projects—such as the organization’s litigation against the White House and the planning of the biennial conference—remain unaffected.
Dr. Scoggins confirmed that she will continue to support the transition until July 31, 2026. This period of stability is essential, as the organization faces a complex legal and political environment. The synergy between the current leadership and the regional organizations in California, which are collaborating to host the San Francisco conference, is described by staff as a vital component of the organization’s current operational success.
Contextualizing the Impact
The current activities of the NAD reflect a broader national shift in how the rights of Deaf individuals are perceived and protected. The $1.2 million settlement mentioned by the legal department is a critical data point in the ongoing dialogue regarding police reform and disability access. Legal experts often point to such settlements as deterrents that compel local governments to invest in staff training and language access services.
Furthermore, the focus on the BEDE initiative indicates a shift toward data-driven, systematic approaches to education. By providing a "blueprint" for excellence, the NAD is attempting to bridge the gap between abstract policy goals and classroom-level outcomes.
As the NAD approaches the 2026 conference, the combination of high-impact litigation, structured educational advocacy, and robust youth engagement programs suggests an organization that is both reactive to current crises and proactive in shaping future outcomes. The success of these initiatives will likely be measured by the organization’s ability to maintain public interest, secure funding for advocacy, and continue the professional development of its membership base.
The upcoming San Francisco gathering will serve as a barometer for the organization’s health and influence. With registration numbers tracking ahead of previous years, the NAD appears well-positioned to leverage the visibility of its conference to advance its legislative and educational agendas. As the organization transitions to new leadership, the success of the 2026 conference and the resolution of pending legal cases will be the primary benchmarks for the interim administration’s legacy.
