Belgium Association for the Deaf
This is not the official website of Belgium Association for the Deaf. 
We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to bettering the Civic, Economic, Social, Academic and Recreational opportunities of members of the community we serve.
About
Belgium Association of the Deaf		 Our Programs at
RI Association Deaf		 Your Support Really Helps


The Belgium Association of the Deaf is a non-profit, incorporated organization under the laws of both the state of Rhode Island and section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Government statues.  The RIAD provides support and active advocacy for Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens of Rhode Island.  The RIAD is an affiliated member of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the oldest and largest consumer organization of disabled persons in the United State

  • Deaf Awareness Week Program

  • Biennial Conventions

  • John Spellman Center on Deafness (In Progress)

  • Leadership Awards to students at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf

  • John F. Spellman Community Service Award

  • Workshops

  • Golden Hand Award

  • Legislator Award:

    • Senator Thomas Izzo was the 1995 recipient

    • Rep. Bambilyn Cambio was the 1997 recipient

  • Friend of the Deaf Award:

    • Kate McCarthy-Barnett of the Providence Journal and Jennifer Wood, a Civil Rights Attorney were the 1995 recipients

With your membership involvement and support, the RIAD can continue its advocacy efforts on behalf of those it represents. Your support through your membership and monetary contributions will help the RIAD to continue to:

1. Preserve and expand deaf awareness, deaf culture and deaf heritage efforts


 2. Advocate for civil rights of its people, including employment and educational rights


 3. Develop future Deaf leaders through the establishment of a junior NAD (RIAD) program


 4. Work toward communication access, including technology, visual media and telecommunication accessibility


 5. Network with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and other state associations of the Deaf through attendance at the NAD Biennial Conventions and other conferences.


 6. Strengthen its local representation base and influence with regard to public policy, legislative and advocacy issues.


 7. Invest in opportunities for future growth and expansion of its services through the establishment of a center on deafness in Rhode Island, to help with the goals raised above.
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