NAD Board Approves New Youth Service Award
March 2004

A News Release from the National Association of the Deaf
Release Date:  March 11, 2004
For Immediate Release

SILVER SPRING, MD -- The Board of Directors of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) recently approved a new award to recognize outstanding service by young deaf and hard of hearing Americans who have participated in or are currently involved in one or more NAD Youth Program Activities. The first Youth Service Award will be presented during the 47th Biennial NAD Conference in Kansas City, MO, July 6-10, 2004. Deadline for submission of nominees is March 31, 2004.

The Youth Service Award recognizes two individuals, one between the ages of 14-18, and one between the ages of a difference in the community and the world around them. All nominees must currently be participating in or have participated in one or more of the following: a) Collegiate NAD; b) Junior NAD; c) Miss Deaf America Pageant; d) NAD Youth Leadership.

The NAD is proud of its Youth Programs and the many talented young people who participate in them. "They are the promise of our future", said Andy Lange, NAD President. "The theme of the NAD 2004 Conference is 'Eye to the Future.' It is fitting that the NAD Board established the new Youth Service Award to be presented, for the first time, this summer."

The Youth Service Award is one of many recognition awards presented biennially at NAD Conferences. Rotated annually among the various regions of the country, Biennial NAD Conferences have traditionally brought together more than 2,500 deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, deaf blind and hearing consumers, parents, youth, professionals, educators, federal, organizational and corporate representatives for five days of professional development, training, networking, governance meetings, receptions and related evening events.

This year's theme, "Eye to the Future," emphasizes the importance of setting goals and expectations for generations to come. Workshops, forums, keynote presentations, an exhibit hall full of the newest gadgets, products, services and crafts, and a myriad of events fill the conference schedule. Conference youth activities include the NAD College Bowl, Miss Deaf America Pageant, meeting of the Collegiate NAD as well as fund raiser, and a Youth Benefit Luncheon.

Dan Brubaker NAD Board Member and Board Youth Liaison, exclaimed, "The NAD Board is enthusiastically 110% behind the youth award as it's long overdue! It's about time we start recognizing deaf leaders of the future!"

Contact:
Anita Farb
Associate Executive Director, Administration
National Association of the Deaf
Email: NAD INFO
Voice: 301-587-1788
TTY: 301-587-1789
FAX: 301-587-1791

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