A Brief History of the
Utah Association of the Deaf
Compiled & Written By Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
2012
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
2012
The Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) is one of the oldest continuous organizations working on behalf of deaf people in Utah. It traces its beginning to 1909. The UAD has served as a cohesive organization, one on which deaf people through decades have come to depend on to protect their civil rights and voice their rights.
Over the years, the scope of UAD eventually broadened to cover over the extent of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of advocacy:
To explore briefly into the UAD’s role in the Utah Deaf community,
Over the years, the scope of UAD eventually broadened to cover over the extent of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of advocacy:
To explore briefly into the UAD’s role in the Utah Deaf community,
1909 UAD Convention
Holds Conventions/Conferences
Founded in 1909, UAD carries on the tradition of hosting conventions (later labeled conferences) to invite members to have their voice heard and have fun (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Is an affiliate of the National Association of the Deaf
Since 1938, UAD members have elected delegates to participate in NAD conferences to protect deaf legal rights and privileges (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Founded in 1909, UAD carries on the tradition of hosting conventions (later labeled conferences) to invite members to have their voice heard and have fun (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Is an affiliate of the National Association of the Deaf
Since 1938, UAD members have elected delegates to participate in NAD conferences to protect deaf legal rights and privileges (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Publishes the UAD Bulletin
In 1954, a small paper, at first nameless but later named UAD Bulletin, was begun. The UAD Bulletin provides information on educational issues, social issues, activities and “what’s happening.” It is put together by volunteers and is presently distributed online and open to Utah deaf people, parents of the deaf, professionals working with the deaf and organizations serving deaf people (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
In 1954, a small paper, at first nameless but later named UAD Bulletin, was begun. The UAD Bulletin provides information on educational issues, social issues, activities and “what’s happening.” It is put together by volunteers and is presently distributed online and open to Utah deaf people, parents of the deaf, professionals working with the deaf and organizations serving deaf people (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Ned C. Wheeler
Major supporter of the Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf
Since September 1956, UAD has supported the Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf, named in honor of a long-time UAD leader who took the reins of the organization and helped it grow. It provides annual scholarships to deserving and qualified deaf and hard of hearing people so that they may continue their postsecondary education (R.G.S, The Utah Eagle, October 1956; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Since September 1956, UAD has supported the Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf, named in honor of a long-time UAD leader who took the reins of the organization and helped it grow. It provides annual scholarships to deserving and qualified deaf and hard of hearing people so that they may continue their postsecondary education (R.G.S, The Utah Eagle, October 1956; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Established the United Organizations of the Deaf
In July 1960, the UAD initiated the establishment of the United Organizations of the Deaf (UOD) in cooperation with 15 organizations to coordinate dates of events of the Utah Deaf community (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; Walker, 2006).
In July 1960, the UAD initiated the establishment of the United Organizations of the Deaf (UOD) in cooperation with 15 organizations to coordinate dates of events of the Utah Deaf community (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; Walker, 2006).
Joseph B. Burnett, instructor
Formed Adult Education & ASL Classes
In 1964, the UAD successfully inaugurated adult education classes for the deaf and eventually American Sign Language (ASL) classes UAD Bulletin, Winter, 1964, p.1; UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3).
Photo courtesy of the UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964.
In 1964, the UAD successfully inaugurated adult education classes for the deaf and eventually American Sign Language (ASL) classes UAD Bulletin, Winter, 1964, p.1; UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3).
Photo courtesy of the UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964.
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Created Rehabilitation Services in Sign Language
In 1965, the UAD leadership was directly responsible for getting the first state coordinator of services for the deaf in the United States and this person [Dr. Robert G. Sanderson] was deaf! With UAD’s involvement, Division of Rehabilitation Services made possible for deaf people to receive services in their language (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Photo courtesy of UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965.
In 1965, the UAD leadership was directly responsible for getting the first state coordinator of services for the deaf in the United States and this person [Dr. Robert G. Sanderson] was deaf! With UAD’s involvement, Division of Rehabilitation Services made possible for deaf people to receive services in their language (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Photo courtesy of UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965.
1968 NAD Convention
Hosted National Association of the Deaf Conventions
The UAD first hosted the National Association of the Deaf Convention in 1968 in Las Vegas, then in 1986 in Salt Lake City (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
Sponsored Leadership Training
The UAD, working with the National Association of the Deaf, helped secure a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to sponsor a highly successful leadership training workshop for deaf people throughout the nation in 1969, impacting tremendously on the national deaf community (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
The UAD first hosted the National Association of the Deaf Convention in 1968 in Las Vegas, then in 1986 in Salt Lake City (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
Sponsored Leadership Training
The UAD, working with the National Association of the Deaf, helped secure a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to sponsor a highly successful leadership training workshop for deaf people throughout the nation in 1969, impacting tremendously on the national deaf community (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Captions. UAD Bulletin, June 1972
Advocated for Closed Captioning
In 1970s, the UAD made successful efforts to get local news programs close captioned (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1).
In 1970s, the UAD made successful efforts to get local news programs close captioned (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1).
Supported Interpreting Services
The UAD officers secured and administered United Way funding in the 1970s and established the first interpreter service for the deaf in Utah to serve the deaf and hard of hearing community (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
In 1983, the UAD assisted the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in developing its program for certification of qualified interpreters (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3). In cooperation with this organization, the UAD developed the first training program for interpreters, and the first testing and certification systems in Utah (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
The UAD advocated and achieved passage of the first interpreter bill called “Interpreters for the Hearing-Impaired” at the 1983 Utah State Legislature. This law gave recognition to the use of qualified interpreters in the legal system, such as in courtroom, and in doctor’s office/hospital visits. This law also protects the confidentiality of all interpreted communications (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3; UAD Bulletin, January 2003, p. 3).
In 1994, the UAD was instrumental in getting the Utah Interpreter Service bill (Senate Bill 41) through the Utah State Legislature. It mandated that interpreters be certified. The UAD successfully got the Interpreter Training Bill passed at the 1994 Utah State Legislature. It became a formal part of the curriculum at SLCC (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
The UAD officers secured and administered United Way funding in the 1970s and established the first interpreter service for the deaf in Utah to serve the deaf and hard of hearing community (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
In 1983, the UAD assisted the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in developing its program for certification of qualified interpreters (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3). In cooperation with this organization, the UAD developed the first training program for interpreters, and the first testing and certification systems in Utah (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
The UAD advocated and achieved passage of the first interpreter bill called “Interpreters for the Hearing-Impaired” at the 1983 Utah State Legislature. This law gave recognition to the use of qualified interpreters in the legal system, such as in courtroom, and in doctor’s office/hospital visits. This law also protects the confidentiality of all interpreted communications (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3; UAD Bulletin, January 2003, p. 3).
In 1994, the UAD was instrumental in getting the Utah Interpreter Service bill (Senate Bill 41) through the Utah State Legislature. It mandated that interpreters be certified. The UAD successfully got the Interpreter Training Bill passed at the 1994 Utah State Legislature. It became a formal part of the curriculum at SLCC (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
UAD Bulletin, June 1975
Sponsors UAD Friendship Day at Lagoon
The annual UAD Friendship Day at Lagoon became a tradition for the month of July, always the fourth Saturday. Gladys Wenger had this going long before this event was turned over to the UAD in 1975 (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
The annual UAD Friendship Day at Lagoon became a tradition for the month of July, always the fourth Saturday. Gladys Wenger had this going long before this event was turned over to the UAD in 1975 (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
W. David Mortensen. UAD Bulletin, June 1972.
Distributed TTYs and Teleprinters to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People
The UAD got the ball rolling and pushed through the development of the Utah TTY communication system. The UAD persuaded Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to help repair the old model TTY machines by hiring an expert (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3). They successfully secured and administered state and federal grants for TTY maintenance. In 1975, Norman Williams was hired, and this program was under UAD auspices. That led to the present state-supported service TTY repair program for the deaf at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
The UAD purchased and sold machines in cooperation with other organizations. Later, the UAD secured franchises for the sale of the new telecommunication devices (TDDs) for the deaf as the old model heavy mechanical TTYs were phased out (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
The UAD distributed TTYs to qualifying deaf and hard of hearing people. The UAD made sure they would not go without it (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, 1 & 3).
The UAD secured a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to effectively train deaf people with multiple disabilities to use the TTY/telephone system so they would have a way of calling for help in time of need. It was successfully completed (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
The UAD got the ball rolling and pushed through the development of the Utah TTY communication system. The UAD persuaded Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to help repair the old model TTY machines by hiring an expert (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3). They successfully secured and administered state and federal grants for TTY maintenance. In 1975, Norman Williams was hired, and this program was under UAD auspices. That led to the present state-supported service TTY repair program for the deaf at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
The UAD purchased and sold machines in cooperation with other organizations. Later, the UAD secured franchises for the sale of the new telecommunication devices (TDDs) for the deaf as the old model heavy mechanical TTYs were phased out (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
The UAD distributed TTYs to qualifying deaf and hard of hearing people. The UAD made sure they would not go without it (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, 1 & 3).
The UAD secured a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to effectively train deaf people with multiple disabilities to use the TTY/telephone system so they would have a way of calling for help in time of need. It was successfully completed (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Established the Deaf Education Program at Utah State University
In the 1970s, UAD pushed the state of Utah to implement a total communication curriculum in the teacher preparation program (oral emphasis) within the Special Education Department at the University of Utah with little success. With UAD’s constant pursuit, a new Deaf Education program, with an emphasis on total communication (later renamed to ASL/English Bilingual), was formed at the Utah State University in 1985. This program is still up and running.
In the 1970s, UAD pushed the state of Utah to implement a total communication curriculum in the teacher preparation program (oral emphasis) within the Special Education Department at the University of Utah with little success. With UAD’s constant pursuit, a new Deaf Education program, with an emphasis on total communication (later renamed to ASL/English Bilingual), was formed at the Utah State University in 1985. This program is still up and running.
Publishes the Utah TTY Directory
Since 1978, the UAD has developed, printed and distributed a TTY Directory for Utah to list deaf people, interpreters, businesses, government agencies, advertisers, and more. Robert Bonnell started it and printed one for about 5 years before turning it over to the UAD. Other state associations copied the idea of printing a state TTY directory. A new edition is printed every two years, and a copy of the directory is distributed to everyone who asks for it (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3). It is now named Utah Telecom Book.
Since 1978, the UAD has developed, printed and distributed a TTY Directory for Utah to list deaf people, interpreters, businesses, government agencies, advertisers, and more. Robert Bonnell started it and printed one for about 5 years before turning it over to the UAD. Other state associations copied the idea of printing a state TTY directory. A new edition is printed every two years, and a copy of the directory is distributed to everyone who asks for it (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3). It is now named Utah Telecom Book.
Sponsored the Miss Deaf Utah Pageant
The UAD has sponsored the Utah pageant from the time the Miss Deaf America pageant was established by the National Association of the Deaf. In 1979, the first Miss Deaf Utah pageant took off, with Kristi Mortensen reigning as the queen (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3). Talented young ladies have participated, learned, and enjoyed the wonderful experience every other year (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
The UAD has sponsored the Utah pageant from the time the Miss Deaf America pageant was established by the National Association of the Deaf. In 1979, the first Miss Deaf Utah pageant took off, with Kristi Mortensen reigning as the queen (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3). Talented young ladies have participated, learned, and enjoyed the wonderful experience every other year (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
Advocated the establishment of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The UAD was a prime mover in getting a community center for the deaf. The UAD initiated a campaign for, and successfully secured, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, through the Utah State Office of Education and Utah legislators (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1). It was first located in Bountiful in June 1983 and later relocated to a new building in Taylorsville, in 1992. In 2003, the UCCD was renamed as Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
The UAD was a prime mover in getting a community center for the deaf. The UAD initiated a campaign for, and successfully secured, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, through the Utah State Office of Education and Utah legislators (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1). It was first located in Bountiful in June 1983 and later relocated to a new building in Taylorsville, in 1992. In 2003, the UCCD was renamed as Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
Operates the UAD Bookstore
In 1983, the UAD bookstore was established and to this day carries the latest deaf devices and technology, sign language books, educational deaf books that are not found in commercial bookstores. It is staffed by regular part-time volunteers. The bookstore also serves as the official office of UAD (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
In 1983, the UAD bookstore was established and to this day carries the latest deaf devices and technology, sign language books, educational deaf books that are not found in commercial bookstores. It is staffed by regular part-time volunteers. The bookstore also serves as the official office of UAD (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
Operated the Utah Relay System
In 1987, the UAD went to the Utah State Legislature and lobbied for funding through the Public Service Commission to establish the relay service. The UAD in competition with the telephone companies won a proposal to develop and operate a telephone relay system and distribute TTYs for the deaf. On January 4, 1988, Utah Relay Service became the first association-run relay service business in the country (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
The UAD contracted with the Public Service Commission to administer the Utah Relay Services and distributed TTYs. Deaf callers were able to make phone calls on their own (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1; UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3).
The Utah Relay Service successfully closed out hundreds of thousands of calls for deaf people. In addition, it conducted outreach activities, educated deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired people as to the services available (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
The UAD continued to operate the system despite efforts of larger national communication companies to take it away from the local deaf people (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
In 1987, the UAD went to the Utah State Legislature and lobbied for funding through the Public Service Commission to establish the relay service. The UAD in competition with the telephone companies won a proposal to develop and operate a telephone relay system and distribute TTYs for the deaf. On January 4, 1988, Utah Relay Service became the first association-run relay service business in the country (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
The UAD contracted with the Public Service Commission to administer the Utah Relay Services and distributed TTYs. Deaf callers were able to make phone calls on their own (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1; UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3).
The Utah Relay Service successfully closed out hundreds of thousands of calls for deaf people. In addition, it conducted outreach activities, educated deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired people as to the services available (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
The UAD continued to operate the system despite efforts of larger national communication companies to take it away from the local deaf people (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
Advocated the Americans With Disabilities Acts in 1990
The UAD advocated and supported the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3).
The UAD advocated and supported the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3).
Preserved History of the Utah School for the Deaf
In 1990, the UAD compiled Kenneth C. Burdett’s old films of the Utah School for the Deaf children and adults, and transferred them to video.
In 1990, the UAD compiled Kenneth C. Burdett’s old films of the Utah School for the Deaf children and adults, and transferred them to video.
Logo courtesy of Salt Lake Community College
Supported American Sign Language
In 1994, the UAD successfully lobbied the Utah State Legislature to pass recognition of American Sign Language as a foreign language and for schools to give credit to ASL to meet language requirements The Interpreter Training Program was set up at Salt Lake Community College (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1; UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3).
The UAD supported legislation to require schools, colleges, and universities to give credit to American Sign Language toward language requirements (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
In 1994, the UAD successfully lobbied the Utah State Legislature to pass recognition of American Sign Language as a foreign language and for schools to give credit to ASL to meet language requirements The Interpreter Training Program was set up at Salt Lake Community College (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1; UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 3).
The UAD supported legislation to require schools, colleges, and universities to give credit to American Sign Language toward language requirements (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Supported Housing Projects
In response to expressed needs of the Deaf community during 1996, the UAD Board of Directors talked with county agencies in the hope that a housing project for deaf senior citizens and low-income deaf people could be developed. This shows UAD’s interest in the Deaf community’s needs (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
Supported Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights
In 1996, the UAD established a task force specifically to work on the passage of “A Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights.” They believed deaf children have rights (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 1; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Supported Deaf Mentor Program
In 1996, the UAD supported the Deaf Mentor Program. They encouraged the Utah School for the Deaf in its effort to get adequate funding for this successful program (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
Hosted a Regional Bilingual/Bicultural Conference
In 1997, the UAD hosted a regional Bilingual/Bicultural Conference where parents of deaf children, deaf adults, teachers and administrators attended (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
In response to expressed needs of the Deaf community during 1996, the UAD Board of Directors talked with county agencies in the hope that a housing project for deaf senior citizens and low-income deaf people could be developed. This shows UAD’s interest in the Deaf community’s needs (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
Supported Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights
In 1996, the UAD established a task force specifically to work on the passage of “A Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights.” They believed deaf children have rights (UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 1; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Supported Deaf Mentor Program
In 1996, the UAD supported the Deaf Mentor Program. They encouraged the Utah School for the Deaf in its effort to get adequate funding for this successful program (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
Hosted a Regional Bilingual/Bicultural Conference
In 1997, the UAD hosted a regional Bilingual/Bicultural Conference where parents of deaf children, deaf adults, teachers and administrators attended (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Jean Massieu School. USDB Website.
Major Supporter of the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf
The UAD has been a major supporter of the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf. The Bi-Bi Committee, mandated by the 1997 UAD Conference, turned its project into reality when a charter school for the deaf was established and it opened its doors to the first group of 21 students in August of 1999 (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
Monitored Deaf Education in Utah
The UAD monitors Deaf education in Utah, believing in the success of the students, parents and the Utah School for the Deaf in improving education (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1). They believe in working with, not against, parents and the Utah School for the Deaf in an effort to improve education. There will always be conflicts, differing ideas and opinions, but open dialogue is the best way to go (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Advocated Early Intervention
UAD has fought for early intervention for years. They made sure that parents of deaf children get fair and unbiased information from Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Parent Infant Program (USDB PIP) services.
The UAD has been a major supporter of the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf. The Bi-Bi Committee, mandated by the 1997 UAD Conference, turned its project into reality when a charter school for the deaf was established and it opened its doors to the first group of 21 students in August of 1999 (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1; UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p, 2-3).
Monitored Deaf Education in Utah
The UAD monitors Deaf education in Utah, believing in the success of the students, parents and the Utah School for the Deaf in improving education (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, February 1995, p. 1). They believe in working with, not against, parents and the Utah School for the Deaf in an effort to improve education. There will always be conflicts, differing ideas and opinions, but open dialogue is the best way to go (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Advocated Early Intervention
UAD has fought for early intervention for years. They made sure that parents of deaf children get fair and unbiased information from Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Parent Infant Program (USDB PIP) services.
1964 Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf
Supported Athletics
The UAD is not a sports organization, but heartily supports sports and encourages other organizations to provide sports activities for youth as well as adults. Sports get mentioned in the UAD Bulletin. The UAD sponsored the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf Regional Softball Tournament in 1998 (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
The UAD is not a sports organization, but heartily supports sports and encourages other organizations to provide sports activities for youth as well as adults. Sports get mentioned in the UAD Bulletin. The UAD sponsored the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf Regional Softball Tournament in 1998 (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3; Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 3).
Sponsors UAD Announce
UAD Announce, which disseminates announcements of events, job opportunities, obituaries, and the like through YahooGroups, was begun June 2001. The announcements are sent out once a day by a moderator. Two backup moderators are on tap in case the moderator is out of town or otherwise unable to send out announcements.
Sponsored Amateur Nights
The UAD sponsored annual Amateur Nights to give local actors opportunity to show their stuff (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Held Town Meetings
The UAD officers and board members listen to members and others and try to make the UAD the best organization for everyone (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Sponsored Deaf Connection
The UAD sponsored the Deaf Connection, where the parents of deaf children, their children, deaf adults and others get together for interaction, games, and a wonderful time (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
UAD Announce, which disseminates announcements of events, job opportunities, obituaries, and the like through YahooGroups, was begun June 2001. The announcements are sent out once a day by a moderator. Two backup moderators are on tap in case the moderator is out of town or otherwise unable to send out announcements.
Sponsored Amateur Nights
The UAD sponsored annual Amateur Nights to give local actors opportunity to show their stuff (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Held Town Meetings
The UAD officers and board members listen to members and others and try to make the UAD the best organization for everyone (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, September 1996, p. 1-3).
Sponsored Deaf Connection
The UAD sponsored the Deaf Connection, where the parents of deaf children, their children, deaf adults and others get together for interaction, games, and a wonderful time (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1999, p. 1 & 3).
Initiated captioned movies in Utah’s theatres
In 2001, UAD initiated captioned movies in Utah’s theatres through partnership with other organizations: Self--‐Help for Hard of Hearing People, Association Of Late--‐Deafened Adults, Alexander Graham Bell Association of Utah, Cued Language Network Of America, known as “Popcorn Coalition.” This organization eventually changed to “Utah Communication Access Network, Utah-CAN” to promote captions for movies, theatres and transit.
All in all, Utah Association of the Deaf is a vital, progressive organization concerned with the rights and welfare of the deaf citizens in Utah (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
In 2001, UAD initiated captioned movies in Utah’s theatres through partnership with other organizations: Self--‐Help for Hard of Hearing People, Association Of Late--‐Deafened Adults, Alexander Graham Bell Association of Utah, Cued Language Network Of America, known as “Popcorn Coalition.” This organization eventually changed to “Utah Communication Access Network, Utah-CAN” to promote captions for movies, theatres and transit.
All in all, Utah Association of the Deaf is a vital, progressive organization concerned with the rights and welfare of the deaf citizens in Utah (UAD Bulletin, October 1999, p. 1 & 3).
The UAD Concised History
Videotaped by Ellen O'Hara, 2013
Bibliography
20 Years Ago…UAD Bulletin, Vol. 26.8 (January 2003): 3
Adult Education Classes Click: Program to be Expanded. The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 5 (Winter 1964): p. 1.
Mortensen, David. President’s Message. UAD Bulletin, vol. 18.9 (February 1995): 1.
Sanderson, Robert G. Arthur Wenger Scholarship Fund. The Utah Eagle, vol. 68, no. 1, October 1956.
Sanderson, Robert G. The UAD Is Many Things. UAD Bulletin, vol. 20.4 (September 1996): 1-3.
Sanderson, Robert G. UAD Lists Accomplishments. UAD Bulletin, vol. 22.8 (January 1999): 1-2.
The History of UAD. UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.5 (October 1999): 1 & 3.
Utah Association for the Deaf. UAD Bulletin, vol. 19.1 (June 1965): 3.
Walker, Rodney. My life Story, 2006.
20 Years Ago…UAD Bulletin, Vol. 26.8 (January 2003): 3
Adult Education Classes Click: Program to be Expanded. The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 5 (Winter 1964): p. 1.
Mortensen, David. President’s Message. UAD Bulletin, vol. 18.9 (February 1995): 1.
Sanderson, Robert G. Arthur Wenger Scholarship Fund. The Utah Eagle, vol. 68, no. 1, October 1956.
Sanderson, Robert G. The UAD Is Many Things. UAD Bulletin, vol. 20.4 (September 1996): 1-3.
Sanderson, Robert G. UAD Lists Accomplishments. UAD Bulletin, vol. 22.8 (January 1999): 1-2.
The History of UAD. UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.5 (October 1999): 1 & 3.
Utah Association for the Deaf. UAD Bulletin, vol. 19.1 (June 1965): 3.
Walker, Rodney. My life Story, 2006.