Utah Association of the Deaf

History of the
Utah Association of the Deaf

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney

Published in 2015
Updated in 2021

UAD Conventions/Conferences and Its Officers

Every two years, the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) conferences and officers will be updated. We'd like to express our gratitude to our officers for their dedication to the UAD board.

This website will now feature anyone who contributes a piece of news regarding the UAD Conference.

Last but not least, I'd want to thank the Utah Association of the Deaf for their tireless advocacy efforts on behalf of the Utah Deaf community! The history of UAD highlights the historical challenges of safeguarding and defending the rights and privileges of the local Deaf community. It is my sincere hope that learning about the UAD's history would help future Deaf generations connect with the UAD and the services it provides. Furthermore, it is my firm belief that the reader will respect and appreciate the association's contributions to the Utah Deaf community. A salute to UAD once more!

Jodi Becker Kinner

Acknowledgement

This manuscript would not have been possible without the wonderful support of Valerie G. Kinney, who provided vital consultation and guidance throughout the process of putting it together. She offered her time to proofread and edit the work as a favor to the author. Valerie is credited with staying on top of the most recent news and events at UAD, including conferences and officer elections, among other pursuits.

Valerie G. Kinney

Thank you to Gerogia Henricks Walker, a 1930 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, for collecting, preserving, and compiling the scrapbook of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1931 through 1973.

Gerogia Henricks Walker

Gerogia Henricks Walker's UAD Scrapbook

Eleanor McCowan was gracious enough to ask me to assist her with the Utah Deaf History project in celebration of the Utah Association of the Deaf's 100th anniversary. If it hadn't been for her request, none of this would have happened. This endeavor would not have been possible without the support and patience of my husband Duane Kinner as well as my children Joshua and Danielle, who have been with me from the beginning. It would not have been able to complete the Utah Association of the Deaf's history manuscript without the assistance of these people. Thank you once more!

Jodi Becker Kinner

The Establishment of the
National Association of the Deaf

Since the founding of the first deaf school in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817, known as the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb (later renamed American School for the Deaf), other state deaf associations have established (Gannon, 1981).

The National Association of the Deaf was founded in August 1880, when deaf representatives from throughout the country assembled in Cincinnati, Ohio for its First National Convention (Gannon, 1981; Van Cleve & Crouch, 1989). For a little over 60 years, the Cincinnati attendees had been students in an American Deaf school system. These Deaf guests occupied a variety of professions at the convention, including teachers, school founders, principals, businessmen, and leaders. They were determined to improve the quality of life for Deaf people by opposing laws that would restrict their rights, deciding to discourage imposters and Deaf peddlers, raising public awareness of deafness, pushing for better vocational training in schools, providing better educational methods, and finally, fighting employment discrimination (Gannon, 1981).

One of the conference attendees was Henry C. White, a principal and teacher of the Utah School for the Deaf (Gannon, 1981).

Henry C. White (Center) at the First National Convention. Gannon, 1981

The Establishment of the
Utah Association of the Deaf

The First Triennial Convention
June 10-12, 1909
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

Elizabeth DeLong. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

The Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) was founded by Frank M. Driggs, Elsie Christiansen, Melville Matheis, Elizabeth DeLong, and Paul Mark. The Utah School for the Deaf (USD) graduates in Ogden got down to business in June 1909, elected officers (UAD Bulletin, October 1999).

Since the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) was founded in 1880, more state chapter associations grew in popularity across the country, Elizabeth DeLong, known as "Libbie," a USD alumnus and Deaf faculty member, proposed the founding of the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) for social and welfare purposes among USD alumni, which was approved by USDB Superintendent Frank M. Driggs (Evans, 1999).

Under the direction of Superintendent Driggs, the state of Utah formed the first Utah Association of the Deaf on June 10, 1909, and the association emerged out from the first alumni reunion (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 1; Evans, 1999).

According to the summer 1963 issue of the UAD Bulletin, "Frank M. Driggs will always have a special niche in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have studied under his hand." He shaped citizens and scholars, friends and graduates, in a stern but fair manner. He was known for his beautiful grasp of sign language, and as president pro team of the first assembly, he was instrumental in the formation of the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1909. (p.1).

The 1909 UAD Convention

Frank M. Driggs. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

Superintendent Driggs presided over the first triennial convention, which began at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, 1909, at the USD in Ogden. A total of 49 Utah graduates and former students attended, with 49 of them serving as delegates (1909 First Convention Minutes; The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 1).

Superintendent Driggs began the convention with a prayer, which was followed by a welcome message. As quoted from the 1909 minutes recorded by Melville J. Matheis, secretary, with the addition of identification of the key people listed below, the following key people had the opportunity to speak to the audience.

“Rev. P. A. Simpkin of Salt Lake and a member of the Board of Trustees of the School addressed the audience upon the advancement of the deaf and did his best to co-operate with every deaf in the audience and received a hearty ovation.

Miss Elizabeth DeLong read the letters of the absent and many regretted not being able to be in attendance.

Mr. Max W. Woodbury addressed the audience, “What Other Associations Have Done for Their Respective States?”

“America,” the beloved hymn of the people of America, was recited by the Misses E. DeLong, I. Griggs, C. Egginton, and M. Woolslayer and Mrs. M. Larson.”

Supt. F. M. Driggs congratulated the 49 delegates for being earnest workers and taking a good deal of interest in the convention and turned over the key to the gates of welcome to the audience.

Supt. F. M. Driggs was given authority by the delegates to select a committee on by-laws and rules for the next session of the convention scheduled for June 11th at 10:30 am. Messers. M. J. Matheis and Paul Mark and Miss E. DeLong were selected to act.”

In the evening, a reception and ball were held in honor of the delegates, and the program was well-organized and conducted to the enjoyment of all who attended.

Utah Association of the Deaf Officer Election

The convention met again the next day, on June 11th, at 10:30 a.m. There were 53 delegates present. The UAD was formed as follows, according to the 1909 minutes, which were also written by Melville J. Matheis, secretary:

“Superintendent Driggs was chosen President (protem) and Miss E. Christensen secretary (protem) until the Association elected its recognized officers.

The committee on by-laws presented its rules and by-laws to Superintendent Driggs who in turn read them to the delegates.

The bylaws were passed by acclamation and so were the rules as soon as Superintendent Driggs asked, if any delegate found any dissatisfaction concerning the by-laws and rules.

Superintendent Driggs announced the election of the officers of the association next on the program.

The nominations of Messers. Paul Mark, M. J. Matheis and Miss E. DeLong were announced for the office of president. Miss E. DeLong was proclaimed as elected president of the Association with a majority of 39 votes over Messers P. Mark and M. J. Matheis combined.

39 votes were cast for Miss E. DeLong
2 votes were cast for Mr. P. Mark
2 votes were cast for M. J. Matheis

The newly elected president Miss E. DeLong was escorted to the chair and president (protem) Supt. F. M. Driggs, in turn, handed over the chair and rules.

President DeLong at once announced for the nominations of first vice president. Messers J. Beck, P. Mark and Miss I. Griggs were nominated. Upon first ballot Mr. J. Beck received 18 votes, Mr. P. Mark 9, Miss I. Griggs 10.

Elizabeth DeLong, UAD's 1st Female President @ FamilySearch

The president called the attention of the convention that a ½ vote or more was necessary before a candidate could be declared elected.  Mr. J. Beck failed to get the ½ vote required and the president then ordered a second ballot.  In the meantime, Mr. P. Mark succeeded in having his name scratched from the nomination list, thus leaving Mr. J. Beck and Miss I. Griggs as the candidates for the office.  Mr. J. Beck finally won out carrying the second ballot with 29 votes to Miss I. Griggs’ 16.  The president then declared Mr. J. Beck elected first vice president of the association.

The nominations of Miss I. Griggs, Mrs. P. Mark, Messers E. Jacobs and E. Moore for second vice-president were announced by the president.  Upon the first ballot, the standing of the votes was – Miss I. Griggs 16, Mr. E. Jacobson 12, Mrs. P. Mark 7, Mr. E. Moore 6.

President DeLong again announced that either of the 4 candidates failed to receive a ½ vote or more and ordered a second ballot.  Mrs. P. Mark’s request to be scratched was granted, leaving 3 candidates.  Miss Ivy Griggs received 39 votes, Mr. Elgin Jacobson received 10 votes, Mr. Earl Moore received 4 votes.  The president declared Miss Ivy Griggs elected second vice president of the association.

Mr. M. J. Matheis was elected secretary of the association by acclamation.

A motion was moved to elect Mr. P. Mark, treasurer, by acclamation, but it was defeated.  The nomination of Mr. E. Jacobson and Mr. P. Mark were recognized by the president.  Mr. P. Mark carried 39 and Mr. E. Jacobson 4 votes.  The president declared Mr. P. Mark elected treasurer of the association.

The unfinished program of the morning session was adjourned at 12 noon until 7 pm in the evening by order of the president.

The 1909 Utah Association of the Deaf Officers @ J. Willard Marriott Library

Everyone present at the convention gathered into a group a few minutes after 1 o’clock in front of the school on the lawn among the beautiful trees and flowers of assorted specimens and the “Kodak man” was there to take a couple of good snaps of the crowd, then all in a hurry jumped upon the carriages and with the words, “Gid-dap” from the drivers, they all were off to the beautiful Ogden Canyon and up as far to the Idlewild Inn and back within 3 ½ hours. During the trip, Supt. F. M. Driggs delightfully explained the natures of the canyon and described and illustrated the “cartoons” of the mountains all along the trip. Everybody was in a jolly mood when the headquarters were reached and said the trip was grand.

UAD Convention attendees are off to the Ogden Canyon @ J. Willard Marriott Library

President DeLong called the convention to order at 7:25 pm in the evening and announced the unfinished program from the morning session.

Mr. J. Beck explained, “How the Deaf Can Best Earn a Living.”

Mrs. M. Larson recited “Eating Fruits.”

Mr. E. Moore explained, “How a Union May Help a Deaf Man.”

Debate, “Resolved that (the) wisdom has more influence upon people than money.”

Affirmative: Paul Mark and Mary Woolslayer; negative, M. J. Matheis and Ivy Griggs.

The audience was given the privilege of rendering a verdict and rendered it in favor of the affirmative – 26 to 14.

Miss E. DeLong recited, “As You Like It.”

Mr. A. Madsen recited, “Charge of the Light Brigade.”

The UAD’s Original 1909 Minutes

Motions were moved, seconded and passed to send words of thanks to Rev. P. A. Simpkin, Mr. M. Woodbury, Mrs. M. Wright and the musicians for rendering their services at the convention.

Mr. Max Woodbury spoke briefly upon the future of the Utah Association of the Deaf.

Mr. P. Mark congratulated the Association upon the excellent efforts of the delegates to make the convention a success.

President E. DeLong, upon the behalf of the Ass’n, extended her best thanks to Supt. F. M. Driggs for his untiring efforts in lending the convention his “glad hand.”

Supt. F. M. Driggs responded and spoke the closing address.

Upon the motion of Supt. F. M. Driggs, the Association adjourned at 10:10 pm until further notice.

Saturday June 12th was spent at Salt Air and all had the time of their lives and in the evening, left for their respective homes, promising to meet again in 1912.”

Melville J. Matheis
Secretary

The 1909 UAD Convention

Second Triennial Convention
June 5-8, 1912
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

The Utah School for the Deaf hosted the second triennial convention from June 5-8, 1912. The officers and members of the Utah Association of the Deaf gathered once more, and for the first time in its history, there was a grand reunion (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4). Deaf people began to come to the convention in the afternoon of June 5th, and the crowd grew in the evening. A total of eighty-one names were enlisted, according to the registration. The audience was brimming with energy and cheerful people mixing with old and new friends. They stayed until the crack of dawn (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4)

The 1912 UAD Convention

Likewise, in 1909, the following prominent people were given the opportunity to speak to the audience, as quoted from the Summer 1963 issue of the UAD Bulletin, with the key people named below identified.

“..... on the platform the Board of Trustees of Utah School for the Deaf were seated with Superintendent Frank M. Driggs and President Elizabeth DeLong of Utah Association of the Deaf. The following members of the board, President Maud Babcock, S. Clark and P. Simpkin were present.

President DeLong announced that Governor William Spry would be unable to arrive in time for the morning session as his automobile had broken down, and that he would try to reach Ogden in time for the afternoon session.

President M. Babcock was introduced and gave a touching address

Peter Simpkin was next introduced and gave a fine and long address which was interrupted time and again by applause.

Miss L. Egginson recited that national hymn “America” gracefully.

Secretary M.J. Matheis reported upon the letter of the National Association of the Deaf concerning the World Congress of the Deaf at Colorado Springs and asking Congress for $5,000.00. He wrote Senators Smoot and Sutherland to vote for appropriation and was assured by both senators that they would do all they could to favor the bill. That was the last report he ever heard concerning the matter” (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4).

In the evening, there was a spectacular ball and reception, with lemon punch as the beverage of choice. Everyone had a great time until the clock struck midnight (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4).

On Saturday, the association's attendees spent the entire day at the Wandamere Resort in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Commercial Club of the Deaf hosted a banquet for the association from 8:30 p.m. until midnight at the Waldorf Cafeteria. Superintendent Frank M. Driggs of the Utah School for the Deaf, President DeLong of the Utah Association of the Deaf, and President M.J. Matheis of the Utah Commercial Club of the Deaf were among those who spoke (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4).

The participants were dispersed the next day, Sunday. Some of them stayed in Salt Lake and went sightseeing. Some hurriedly packed their "grips" and dashed back to their homes in time to put on overalls and milk the cow, feed the pig, and feed the chickens. Others took it easy and left Salt Lake when they had had enough of it (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4).

Third Triennial Convention
June 9-12, 1915
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

The third triennial convention of the Utah Association of the Deaf was held at the Utah School for the Deaf from June 9 to 12, 1915, with Superintendent Frank M. Driggs giving the welcome address. The Utah Association of the Deaf's First Vice-President, Paul Mark, answered on the group's behalf. Pauline, his daughter, assisted in the interpretation of his response for others who could not understand sign language.

Maud May Babcock, a member of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind's Board of Trustees, delivered a speech about her visits to deaf schools in France and Germany.

The UAD had receipts of $70.83 and expenditures of $7.10 from June 7, 1912 to June 11, 1915, according to the treasurer's report.

Otto P. Farley proposed that a committee be formed to meet with and entertain members of the National Association of the Deaf who will be passing through Ogden on their way to California on July 16th.

Paul Mark, UAD President. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

Maud May Babcock @ National Communication Association

On Friday evening, there was entertainment in the gym, with the following program:

Song, America……………………All
Pantomime……………………….Jack Waterhouse
Dialogue…………………………..Mary Woolslayer, Willie Cole
Suffrage Talk……………………..E. DeLong
Dialogue…………………………..K. Olsen, Otto Farley
Classic Dancing…………………..Mary Woolslayer
Home Sweet Home……………....All (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4).

1918 Convention Postponed - World War I

The fourth Convention, scheduled for 1918, was postponed until the end of World War I. Due to World War I, the terms were extended until 1920 (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4).

Fourth Triennial Convention
June 3-5, 1920
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

The fourth triennial convention, to be held at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden on June 3 -5, 1920, was being actively planned under the direction of President Paul Mark. It was planned to combine a reunion of former Utah School for the Deaf students with a convention. The Utah School for the Deaf and Blind's Board of Trustees agreed to provide visitors with board and lodging for $1.00 per day (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4-5).

Superintendent Frank M. Driggs of the Utah School for the Deaf gave a lengthy talk on the "History and Growth of the Utah School for the Deaf since 1884," which he presented in his usual engaging manner. He recounted the history of the first school for the deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, as well as Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet's tireless efforts to secure the funds necessary to establish the school, the challenges he faced, and how his efforts were finally rewarded with success. Superintendent Driggs also discussed the significance of the first deaf school, which opened in a small way in Utah in 1884 under the direction of Dr. William White [Correction: William Wood, hearing father of a Deaf daughter, Eliza]. The very first student was Eliza Wood. It was 36 years ago when this happened. Driggs entertained the audience, bridging the gap between the founders' struggles – a poorly equipped school with few students – and its current standing – this school, led by one of the most capable superintendents and with superior educational advantages, would soon lead all other schools for the deaf.

Utah School for the Deaf at the University of Deseret in 1886. American School for the Deaf, 1817-1893

On Friday evening, the following entertainment was provided:

Song –“Star Spangled Banner,” Mrs. Jacob Beck
Pantomime impersonations – “As They See Each Other,” Violet Taylor as a boy and Kenneth Murphy as a girl
Pantomime – “Looking for a Husband,” Mrs. Theresa R. Mark
Mocking Orchestra – Arthur Wenger
Patriotic Song – “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” Mary Woolslayer
Cake Walk – Carl Hertell
Recitation – Miss Gladys Burnham

Arthur Wenger, UAD President. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

Miss Lamb performed "The Fan Dance," which was absolutely lovely. She did an excellent job portraying a sassy maid.

Under the direction of Arthur W. Wenger, he led the Mocking Orchestra. It was one-of-a-kind and entertaining. When he made his debut with his ensemble of professional musicians, his music was ten times louder than thunder.

Superintendent Driggs addressed the stage and gave UAD some practical advise on how to save money on clothing and other small items in the face of rising living costs (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 4-5).

The 1920 UAD Convention

Fifth Triennial Convention
June 11-13, 1923
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

On June 11-13, 1923, the Utah School for the Deaf hosted an industrial session as part of the fifth triennial convention.

The topic of "Professional Services," as presented by John H. Clark, USD class of 1897 and civil engineer, drew a lot of interest from the audience. Clark described the several challenges that a civil engineer faces in his presentation (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5). He was a cousin of Elizabeth DeLong.

John H. Clark @ FamilySearch

The 1923 UAD Convention

Sixth Triennial Convention
June 3-5, 1926
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

On June 2–5, 1926, the Utah Association of the Deaf held its sixth triennial convention, which included an instructional session at the Utah School for the Deaf. Nephi, Larson, Paul Mark, Alfred C. Keeley, Gilman Stebbins, Milo Cutler, Carlos Seegmiller, Gladys Jones, Rufus Elben, and Catherine Crawford were participants of a panel discussion (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5).

Alfred C. Keeley, UAD President. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

Seventh Triennial Convention
May 29-31, 1929
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

The Utah Association of the Deaf held its seventh triennial convention from May 29 to May 31, 1929, at the Utah School for the Deaf. The Collegians, a play performed by high school students in the school gymnasium, was a hit with the audience.

President Alfred C. Keeley posed a question to the members of the association regarding what to do with non-members who attend the convention on a regular basis but refuse to join due to the cost of membership fees (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5).

Joshua E. Wright, UAD President. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

The 1929 UAD Convention

Eighth Triennial Convention
September 2-6, 1931
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

The Utah Association of the Deaf held its ninth triennial convention from September 2 to 6, 1931, at the Utah School for the Deaf. Gus P. Beckman, general secretary of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, gave the opening address, entitled,"The Depression" (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5).

E. Ross Thurston, UAD President. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

The 1931 UAD Convention

Ninth Triennial Convention
May 31-June 2, 1934
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

Mr. Howard Driggs, professor of the University of New York and president of the Oregon Pioneer Trails, spoke about the first Pony Express during the Utah Association of the Deaf's ninth triennial convention, held at the Utah School for the Deaf on May 31–June 2, 1934.

Gladys Burnham, George Laramie, Gilman Stebbins, and Kate Keeley starred in the drama "Accidents Will Happen" (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5).

The 1934 UAD Convention

Tenth Triennial Convention
August 21-23, 1936
Newhouse Hotel, Salt Lake City

The Utah Association of the Deaf held its tenth triennial convention outside of the Utah School for the Deaf for the first time in its history. It was the most well-attended convention ever (Cole, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1936). The turnout was the greatest in the UAD's history, as proven by the fact that 166 people registered (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5). There were also 36 tourists from other states in attendance (Cole, The Ogden Standard Examiner, August 27, 1944).

During the convention, then-president E. Ross Thurston bemoaned the popular perception that Deaf people are incapable of driving cars or competing for public posts with hearing people. "We must fight to advance," he proclaimed. We must fight laws that are unjust to our community and advocate for more recognition for deaf people in Utah” (The Ogden-Standard Examiner, 1936).

Ogden Standard-Examiner, 1936

E. Ross Thurston of Murray was succeeded by George L. Laramie of Salt Lake City, Utah, as president. The Chamber of Commerce's convention approved a number of amendments to its constitution and bylaws (Telegram, August 22, 1936).

The question of whether the UAD should join the National Association of the Deaf was brought up. There was no action taken on this subject; it was decided to postpone it until the next convention (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5).

More than 200 members of the association from across the state gathered in the theatre on Saturday night for a pantomime performance (The Salt Lake Tribune, August 23, 1936).

George L. Laramie, UAD President. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

Leaders of ‘Eloquent Hands’ Convention. They supervise at 1936 UAD Convention...seated Fern Player, Eula Pusey and E. Ross Thurston. Standing, George L. Laramie, newly elected president, and Joseph Taylor Telegram, August 22, 1936

A picnic marked the conclusion of the annual meeting on Sunday. "A warning that the noisy world is endangering the hearing of all persons was "sounded," according to E. Russ Thurston, who was present at the picnic. Scientists concurred that modern man may lose his hearing at some point in the future, and that those who hear should learn the sign language of those who do not" (Telegram, August 22, 1936). USDB Superintendents Frank M. Driggs and USD Principal Max W. Woodbury were unable to attend the conference due to scheduling conflicts, according to the UAD (Cole, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, 1936).

Newly elected officers of the Utah Association of the Deaf. Back row L-R: George Laramie, president, John Glassett, first president; Ferdinand T. Billeter, treasurer. Front Row L-R: Lillian Coles, second vice president, and Georgia Hendricks, secretary Salt Lake Tribune, August 23, 1936

Eleventh Biennial Convention
September 2-4, 1938
Newhouse Hotel, Salt Lake City

President George L. Laramie stated in an interview with the Salt Lake Tribune that the 1938 convention in Salt Lake City had the biggest attendance of any of the association's ten annual gatherings. "We want to beat that record this year," he remarked (State association for the deaf launches annual meet today – Salt Lake Tribune, 1938). Georgia Hendricks, secretary, expressed her hope that the convention will be of interest to Texans, noting that some of them visited the tenth biannual convention two years ago, and that they were looking forward to seeing them again (Hendricks, Modern Silents, 1938).

However, 100 members of the Utah Association of the Deaf convened at the Newhouse Hotel in Salt Lake City for their eleventh biennial convention (Utah Security Chief Speaks at Deaf Meet – Salt Lake Tribune, September 3, 1938). The convention's goal was to eliminate discrimination against Deaf job seekers (Salt Lake Telegram, September 2, 1938).

President Laramie, a successful and efficient linotype at a local printing shop, called for an end to employment discrimination against Deaf people. "We aren't as incapacitated as people think," he remarked. "We must reduce the injustice and discrimination that prevents us from working and living as ordinary people," he added. "Many deaf persons grow discouraged by the constant refusal of employment," he said. We urge them to join us and regain their confidence." Finally, he emphasized that "we do not pity and we do not seek charity" (Salt Lake Telegram, September 2, 1938).

Communicating through hands. L-R: LaRue Averett, Lorenz Downsy, and Anna Downsy. The Salt Lake Tribuen, September 2, 1938

When such laws barring Deaf people from driving cars were approved in a number of states, UAD officials stated their intention to issue a warning to the state legislature against enactment of regulations that they fear will limit the activities of the state's Deaf population (Salt Lake Tribune, September 4, 1938). They were concerned about future legislation that might make it illegal for Deaf people to drive cars (Salt Lake Telegram, September 3, 1938). As president of the UAD, Mr. Laramie pushed hard to avoid future legislation prohibiting Deaf people from driving cars (The Salt Lake Tribune, September 4, 1938).

Only two Deaf people had been involved in car accidents in Utah in the past ten years, according to President Laramie. “Why should we be robbed of the joy of driving when there is not a need of it?," he asked. In Utah at the time, there were 300 Deaf people, 65 of whom drove cars and 28 of them were Salt Lakers. The state of Utah, it appears, did not pass the law to prohibit them from driving (Salt Lake Telegram, September 3, 1938).

Telegram, September 3, 1938

At the convention on Friday morning, President Laramie offered a few words of greeting and explained that because Salt Lake Metropolis was a wide-open city, he couldn't give the delegates the key to the city (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5). That morning, Floyd Brower, president of the Idaho Association of the Deaf, spoke. The "Star-Strangled Banner" was sung by Dora B. Laramie, and the invocation was given by Elgin Jacobson (Salt Lake Tribune, 1938).

The first two days were filled with educational and business sessions (Hendricks, 1938). Throughout the convention, Pauline Humphries, daughter of Paul Mark, chair of the board of trustees, worked as an interpreter (Salt Lake Tribune, September 3, 1938).

Pauline Humphries serves as an interpreter throughout the 1938 UAD Convention. Salt Lake Tribune, September 3, 1938

The legislation prohibiting Deaf people from working and requiring companies to pay compensation insurance was a topic that received more attention (Salt Lake Telegram, September 3, 1938). Deaf individuals were employed in canneries and sugar mills at the time, but mines and other businesses refused to hire them because their accident insurance companies refused to cover them (Salt Lake Telegram, September 3, 1938).

Frank B. Muir, deputy collector and local leader of the federal Social Security Division, was a featured speaker on the first day (Salt Lake Tribune, 1938). Joseph B. Burnett, a recent graduate of Gallaudet College, directed a play on the opening night (Salt Lake Tribune, 1938).

The 1938 UAD Convention

The next day, the business session was held, during which William B. Hayward, Utah manager of the Social Security Board, presented on his three-year investigation into the Social Security Administration in the United States. "It's too early to assess all of the outcomes of this American neighborliness adventure," he said. It is not, however, too early to assess our progress. The road back at the third-year milepost shows well over 30,000,000 men and women now building up insurance against want in old age; 25,500,000 workers who have earned some credit toward insurance against temporary unemployment; about 2,350,000 of the needy receiving assistance in their own homes, and health and welfare services reaching out to all parts of the country" (Utah Security Chief Speaks at Deaf Meet – Salt Lake Tribune, September 3, 1938). President Laramie told William Hayward that he believed roughly twenty-five UAD members had social security numbers, with the others working on farms or running their own businesses (Utah Security Chief Speaks at Deaf Meet – Salt Lake Tribune, September 3, 1938).

D. Hart Wenger, UAD President. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

During the session, D. Hart Wenger, a young brother of Utah's famous twin team, Ray and Arthur, explained how the controversy over Deaf workers on the Works Progress Administration (WPA) began, and why he was opposed to establishing a labor bureau for the deaf in Utah because there appeared to be so few in need (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5). D. E. Nelson, the Works Progress Administration's Utah Safety Consultant, was aware that his agency had been accused of discriminating against their employment on WPA projects. He assured them that the WPA program did not mean to discriminate against Deaf people (The Salt Lake Tribune, September 3, 1938). Superintendent Frank M. Driggs requested that they lobby the legislature to appoint a member of the state labor commission to work with deaf employment issues and establish a state cooperative fund under the UAD to offer housing for Deaf elderly who are homeless (The Salt Lake Tribune, September 3, 1938).

Arthur & Ray Wenger, the Utah’s famous twin team

During the educational session, UAD highlighted concerns regarding Deaf students making slow academic progress and often receiving low academic scores. They acknowledged that certain states require a Deaf minor aged 3 to 18 who is enrolled in a public school to be placed in a suitable institution. UAD was aware that lip-reading teaching was available in public schools for Deaf and hard of hearing students. They were facing challenges in the school system and were attempting to solve it (The Salt Lake Tribune, September 2, 1938).

President Laramie brought up the possibility of the Utah Association of the Deaf joining the National Association of the Deaf. Mr. D. Hart Wenger, state representative of the National Association of the Deaf, discussed the advantages of membership. A vigorous discussion proceeded, with the majority of those present in favor of affiliation (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

D. Hart Wenger and Gladys (Burnham) Wenger

George L. Laramie was succeeded by D. Hart Wenger, who was elected president (The Salt Lake Tribune, September 4, 1938).

Gladys Burnham was in charge of the meal and dance on Saturday evening, with Max W. Woodbury serving as toastmaster. Les Hunt, a magician from San Francisco, California, performed a pantomime, Afton Burdett sang a song, Shirley May Brown danced, and Joseph Burnett performed a hilarious song (Salt Lake Telegram, September 3, 1938).

Twelfth Biennial Convention
August 30 - September 1, 1940
Newhouse Hotel, Salt Lake City

More than 150 members and their visitors attended the twelfth biennial convention, which was held at the Newhouse Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. The focus of the conference was on professions and road safety, with Friday night's stage entertainment at the 18th LDS Ward taking center stage (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

Throughout half a dozen speakers representing deaf institutions, traffic organizations, and business groups addressed the convention over the course of the three-day event. O.F. McShane of the State Industrial Commission spoke at the conference about worker's compensation, Social Security legislation, and employer-employee relations. Homesteading laws were discussed by A.D. Molohon of the United States Grazing Service (The Salt Lake Tribune, 1940).

More than a hundred members voiced concern that the legislature will enact legislation preventing Deaf people from driving automobiles. Other state legislatures have already approved legislation prohibiting Deaf people from driving. During the rest of the meeting, Foster Kunz, a traffic safety engineer for the Utah State Road Commission, advised his audience that Deaf pedestrians should wear light clothing, especially at night. The most dangerous traffic times, according to Hebert B. Simpson, executive secretary of the Governor's Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee, were between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. every day, as well as late Saturday night and early Sunday morning (Deaf warned to heed cars, August 31, 1940). The State Highway Patrol's Sergeant Rulon Bennion presented a discussion as well (Deseret News, August 29, 1940).

In conjunction with the event, Hogle Investment Company, 132 South Main Street, had exhibits displaying various ventures in which state Deaf people have achieved (Deseret News, August 29, 1940). D. Hart Wenger, president of the Utah Association of the Deaf remarked that “The deaf are able to become skilled, efficient workers when their training is properly understood and will be an increasing part of association activity” (Utah’s deaf open meet in Salt Lake Today, August 30, 1940). He also added, “Under favorable conditions and except for loss of hearing, the deaf lead normal lives, but to produce favorable conditions, experience has shown that it is not enough that the state provides education facilities for the deaf – it is generally necessary that the public be educated also regarding them, because the deaf frequently go through school only to find themselves obliged to search for an employer who is willing to be convinced as to their ability and to give them a trial. The situation is constantly improving” (Deseret News, August 29, 1940).

During the business session, Elmer W. Farrar, an instructor at the Iowa School for the Deaf, spoke about the necessity of choosing occupational trends in order to keep up with modern needs and to try to meet the requirements for concentration, patience, and steady development of manual skill (School head lauds deaf on education, August 31, 1940).

The Utah School for the Deaf, according to Superintendent Frank M. Driggs, has the largest percentage of college or university educated Deaf students of any state school for the deaf in the US or the globe. Since its foundation in 1884, the school had educated 800 students. Many graduates found work as teachers, chemists, designers, salespeople, linotype operators, printers, surveyors, and carpenters, among other occupations (Salt Lake Tribune, August 31, 1940).

D. Hart Wenger offered a brief history of UAD's founding in 1909 by Utah School for the Deaf alumni. He applauded the work that had continued where the school had left off in terms of building relations between the school's members and the community (Salt Lake Tribune, 1940). He cited the association's capacity to "stand on its own two feet" as evidence of its success as a separate organization during the last six years. The organization has been around for 31 years. He added, “The purpose of our organization is to accomplish by organized effort what
it would be difficult to accomplish by isolated individual effort, especially in regard to public relations” (The Salt Lake Tribune, August 31, 1940).

D. Hart Wenger and Frank M. Driggs at the 1940 UAD Convention. The Deseret News, August 30, 1940

After the afternoon business meeting, the members gathered for an evening meal on Saturday, when civil engineer John H. Clark of Panguitch, Utah, spoke on "Adventures in Contentment" and how Deaf people can enjoy life. The events on Saturday drew people from California, Arizona, Idaho, Tennessee, Wyoming, Montana, Kansas, and South Dakota (The Salt Lake Tribune, Sept. 1, 1940).

The 1940 UAD Convention

The Utah Association of the Deaf elected Joseph B. Burnett of Ogden as its president. D. Hart Wenger of Salt Lake City was his predecessor (The Salt Lake Tribune, Sept 1, 1940).

Joseph B. Burnett, UAD President

Superintendent Frank M. Driggs retired from Utah School for the Deaf a year later, on his 70th birthday, in March 1941. He was born on November 20, 1870, in Pleasant Grove, Utah, to a Utah family. He graduated from Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., after attending Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. He has spent 49 years working at Utah School for the Deaf (Head of Utah School for Blind Retires).

1942 Convention Postponed - World War II

A convention was scheduled for 1942, but it was postponed due to World War II (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

Instead of holding a convention, the Utah Association of the Deaf hosted a Victory Party on May 9, 1942 at the Utah Power & Light Auditorium in Ogden, Utah. The Victory Party was formed to raise funds for the war against the Axis. Every Deaf person in the United States was requested to give a $1 to the victory fund in addition to buying defense stamps and bonds (The Ogden Standard Examiner, May 11, 1942).

The gathering was attended by about 120 UAD Deaf men and women. California, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, and Utah were among the states represented in the event. High school students and USD teachers were also in attendance, and one of the students performed a program for the members (The Ogden Standard Examiner, May 11, 1942).

Many Deaf parents at the time had sons in the military. It was their way of demonstrating their patriotism to Uncle Sam by giving rather than simply waving flags. They thought they had already been given so much; they loved their homeland (The Ogden Standard Examiner, May 11, 1942).

As a result of their contribution, a total of $158.00 was raised. Former superintendent Frank M. Driggs and USD head teacher Max Woodbury, as well as members of the school's board of trustees and the Chamber of Commerce, had all been instrumental in the growth of their organization. This sum was given to the National Association of the Deaf. All of the groups from various states contributed in a similar way (Cole, The Ogden Standard Examiner, August 27, 1944).

Thirteenth Biennial Convention
September 2-3, 1944
Ben Lomond Hotel, Ogden

The Utah Association of the Deaf held its thirteenth biennial convention at the Ben Lomond Hotel. A total of 131 people attended the event. This event cost more than UAD event ever held. The per-participant cost was $2.25. (Summer 1963, p. 13 in The UAD Bulletin).

Ned C. Wheeler, UAD President

The purpose of the gathering was primarily to conduct business. Because there was no convention in 1942, new officers had to be elected. Joseph B. Burnett was succeeded by Ned C. Wheeler of Ogden as president. Mr. Wheeler's goal was to improve Deaf people's living situations and the employer-employee relationship (Ogden Standard Examiner, 1944). A large number of Deaf persons were engaged at various government war plants during the time (Cole, The Ogden Standard Examiner, August 27, 1944).

Ogden Standard-Examiner, 1944

George L. Laramie gave a reading of the Deaf people's post-war work condition (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13). The main focus of the book was the postwar employment of Deaf people in Utah (The Salt Lake Tribune, September 4, 1944). Utah School for the Deaf Superintendent Boyd E. Nelson spoke on "Deaf Employment" (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13). He urged Deaf people to take advantage of their long and splendid productivity record established during the war to keep their jobs after the war. He said the data came from a US Civil Service survey, which found that Deaf persons have a low incidence of absenteeism, a high rate of productivity, and a constant tendency to stay with the same company (Ogden Times, September 8, 1944).

“No finer citizens can be found than the deaf of Utah," Superintendent Boyd Nelson declared. You must make a good name for yourself first, then stick to good habits, in order to satisfy an employer. It will help you immensely to associate with and have knowledge of people in order to hold a position” (The Ogden Standard Examiner, September 4, 1944).

"One of the most common traits in the deaf is improper use of the English language," Superintendent Boyd Nelson added, "therefore it behooves the deaf of Utah to have good command of this subject in order to keep a position." Many deaf, unable to understand a boss, are compelled to converse by mean of writing. Discipline yourself to be willing workers and you will not lack employment” (The Ogden Standard Examiner, September 4, 1944).

Boyd Nelson, USDB Superintendent

Different perspectives on this topic were presented by Charles Buck, D. Hart Wenger, Kenneth C. Burdett, and Carlos Seegmiller (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

On the UAD standing committee, Joseph B. Burnett and Kenneth C. Burdett of Ogden were assigned to continue the study of postwar job options for the deaf in Utah and submit recommendations to the UAD (The Ogden Standard Examiner, September 4, 1944; Ogden Times, September 8, 1944).

The banquet and dance were hosted at the Ben Lomond Hotel on Saturday evening (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963). Joseph B. Burnett was the toastmaster during the banquet. The following program was enjoyed by the audience:

“Star Spangled Banner,” Irene Liddel and Mary Antonietti
“Employment of the Deaf,” Boyd E. Nelson, Utah School for the Deaf
“The First UAD Convention,” Paul Mark
Pantomime, “Preparing for a Date,” Robert Welsh (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963)

Fourteenth Biennial Convention
August 30-September 1, 1946
Newhouse Hotel, Salt Lake City

President Ned C. Wheeler, civil engineer, gave a report on activities related to establishing an Inter-State High School for the Deaf at the fourteenth biennial convention (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

Higher educational facilities and more specialized vocational training for deaf were highlighted in the Intermountain region, according to the Utah Association of the Deaf. UAD stated that "current vocational courses in schools for the deaf have fallen far behind" and requested that deaf students be given the opportunity to receive an education on par with that of hearing high schools. UAD was a firm believer in vocational training for Deaf people in order for them to compete in today's "highly specialized industry" (Deaf Seek Higher Education, Better Vocational Training, 1946).

The Utah Association of the Deaf declared that a central high school for Deaf people of Utah and five other states would be the best option for future deaf education. The following resolutions were proposed by UAD for the 14th Biennial Convention:

#1. WHEREAS, it has been proposed that an Inter-State High School for the Deaf be set up for the purpose of higher education and more specialized vocational training; and

WHEREAS, the Utah Association of the Deaf feels it is important that the deaf students be given the opportunity of acquiring an education on level with that of the hearing high-schools and to acquire vocational training which will enable them to compete in the highly specialized industry of today; and

WHEREAS, industrial progress has left present vocational courses in schools for the deaf behind; and

WHEREAS, be it resolved that we, the members of the Utah Association of the Deaf, in convention assembled this thirty-first day of August, 1946, that the future education of the deaf could best be provided for by,

A central High School for the Deaf people of Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada and Colorado,
That the state schools for the deaf now exist, retain the elementary grades of these schools,
That said proposed school be located in an industrial city of 50,000 or more populated; near a college or junior college of accredited standing near a medical center of good reputation; centrally located at a school with traditionally good standards.

The Utah Association of the Deaf Proposes Resolution Handout: Aug 30 – Sept. 1, 1946

#2. WHEREAS, the deaf children now in the Utah School for the Deaf will be the adult deaf of the future, and

WHEREAS, it appears the position of principal of the Utah School for the Deaf will soon be vacant, and

WHEREAS, there appears to be no duly qualified person in field with the State of Utah,

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the interest of the deaf students, as well as the adult deaf, requires a person of outstanding background in the field of education of the deaf, fluent in the use of the sign language, for this position, and

THEREFORE, be it resolved that we, the members of the Utah Association of the Deaf, in convention assembled this thirty-first day of August, 1946, support Superintendent Boyd E. Nelson in any move he may make to secure a well qualified person for this position and in his other efforts to improve the school we extend our full-hearted cooperation and support.

#3. Be it resolved that we feel the State of Utah should make a permanent practice of having at least one member of the School for the Deaf Advisory Committee chosen from the deaf population of Utah.

The Resolutions Committee

Ned C. Wheeler, Chairman
Joseph B. Burnett
George L. Laramie
Eugene Plumby
John W. Glassett
Earl L. Rogerson
(The Utah Association of the Deaf Proposed Resolutions Handout, Aug 30 – Sept 1, 1946).

The UAD convention unanimously approved the proposed resolutions. President Wheeler requested that the UAD purchase a plaque to honor the Utah School for the Deaf's outstanding academic achievement. The winner's name will be engraved on a plaque, and he will be presented with a key or emblem in recognition of his accomplishment (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

E. Ross Thurston succeeded Ned C. Wheeler as president of the UAD. He pushed for Deaf people to take vocational courses (Deaf Seek Higher Education, Better Vocational Training, 1946).

E. Ross Thurston advocates vocational courses for Deaf Publication. Unknown

Fifteenth Biennial Convention
September 3-5, 1948
Newhouse Hotel, Salt Lake City

Members of the Utah Association of the Deaf convened in Newhouse Hotel on September 3-5 for the fifteenth biennial convention, which brought together people from all across the state (Salt Lake Tribune, 1948). Concerns about Deaf peddlers, the deplorable conditions at the Utah School for the Deaf, and the association with the National Association of the Deaf were all discussed during the business sessions.

Under the leadership of E. Ross Thurston, the concerns of Deaf peddlers engaging as "beggar-peddlers" or "sympathy peddlers" were raised at the convention. According to UAD, this issue could jeopardize Deaf people's career opportunities (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

President Thurston voiced concern that Deaf peddlers who relied on public sympathy rather than their own ability to earn a living were branded as harmful (Association of Deaf Rap 'Sympathy Peddlers,' September 8, 1948).

"Even some hearing beggars are impersonating Deaf people to get sympathy because they know they can receive easier 'handouts," President Thurston said (Association of Deaf Rap 'Sympathy Peddlers,' September 8, 1948).

The issue of the condition of the Utah School for the Deaf was brought up during the convention and debated for quite some time. Superintendent Boyd E. Nelson of the USD was pressed to respond to some of the issues posed by the audience. He was open to answering questions. This sparked a round-table discussion, but the outcome was unsatisfactory (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

E. Ross Thurston, president (left) of Utah Assocation of the Deaf, Gladys Hind, trustee (center) and Dora B. Laramie, treasurer (right) look over program plans of the UAD Convention, which open in the Newhouse Hotel. September 3, 1948 Publication Unknown

During the discussion, E. Ross Thurston claimed that conditions at the USD were "deplorable," that the school had "unqualified teachers" who were paid a low salary, and that the children were neglected in the educational program. Superintendent Nelson and Elizabeth Fruewald, president of the USD teachers' association, were rebuked (Ogden Standard Examiner, September 4, 1948). Superintendent Nelson refuted the claim that the USD's conditions were appalling. "We have one of the best-qualified and best-paid teaching staff in school for the deaf in America," he defended the school. “The record of our teachers' qualifications and pay is open for public review by any and all interested parties,” he continued. Mr. Thurston did not conduct such an inspection" (Deaf School Head Denies Charge of 'Deplorable Conditions,' 1948).

"The Utah institution ranks on top in relation to other such schools throughout the nation," Elizabeth Fruewald remarked in response to Ross' claims. "We have one of the most qualified and best paid teaching staff in deaf schools in America," she added (Ogden Standard Examiner, September 4, 1948). She urged anyone to come into their classes and observe how the children are taught for themselves. Furthermore, she said that they had nothing to hide. "The school is open, as it always has been, to inspection by any party interested in the truth as it exists," Superintendent Nelson continued (The Ogden Standard Examiner, September 4, 1948).

It was proposed during the business meeting that UAD drop its affiliation with the National Association of the Deaf. The affiliation was shown to be a sort of insurance for their protection in times of distress and challenges with Deaf people's wellbeing, according to the discussion. The motion was defeated (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13). They voted to keep the organization's affiliation.

Newspaper articles concerning the Deaf peddlers

Kenneth C. Burdett chaired the annual "get-acquainted" dance, which began Friday night. A banquet and a floorshow were held on Saturday evening. Georgia Walker oversaw the banquet, while George L. Laramie oversaw the floorshow (The Salt Tribune, 1948).

Rodney W. Walker of Salt Lake City was elected president in the 1948 convention, succeeding E. Ross Thurston. During his first year as president, he had numerous issues with Deaf peddlers peddling the "Manual Alphabet" cards, which included a message on the back of the cards with "sad" phrases. The peddlers sold the cards by passing them to customers and then returning to collect money from them. They would then vanish (Walker, 2006).

Rodney W. Walker, UAD President. The Utah Eagle, April 1955

According to President Walker, the "activities of the compassion peddlers" cause "difﬁculty for the honest and respected deaf people of Utah," and the "stuff they sell is sold for more than it is worth" (Salt Lake Telegram, March 31, 1949).

As a result, on April 5, 1949, UAD President Walker issued a warning in the Salt Lake Telegram article "Give Them a Helping Hand, Not a Handout" against "out-of-state" deaf peddlers and imposters" who had been active recently in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and other Utah towns (Salt Lake Telegram, April 5, 1949). He argued that the money should be used to maintain the Utah School for the Deaf and Gallaudet College running so that Deaf people can be educated and become respectable citizens of Utah and the United States. Many Deaf people have lived up to the public's expectations, with good jobs, families, and homes (Bulletin, April 1, 1949; Deaf Peddlers and Imposters, 1949).

Rodney W. Walker (left), Salt Lake City, and John Glassett, (right), Murray, exchange congratulations after being elected officers of the Utah Association of the Deaf. Walker is reelected president and Glassett is elected vice president Publication Unknown

UAD discovered that the majority of them worked as a group for a "sergeant" or "king" and were paid a small percentage of the money they raised from people. The "peddlers" groups were all across the United States at the time. Peddlers went in groups from city to city and state to state (Walker, 2006). Each peddler gave the bigger portion to the "sergeant." The sum was substantial. A beggar made $4,600 in 16 weeks, according to Walker. Another street peddler made $75 every day. In three hours of effort, another earned $40 (Deseret News, April 5, 1949).

Peddlers showed up in Salt Lake City and other towns in Utah. Some peddlers could hear and pretended to be deaf in order to gain sympathy and easy money. Deaf Utahns were outraged by the circumstance. President Walker and the Deaf Peddlers Association agreed that the Deaf peddlers were physically capable of working and earning their own money without the aid of others (Walker, 2006).

UAD launched a campaign against professional panhandlers in April 1949, under President Walker's leadership. The Utah Division of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, in collaboration with the UAD, sponsored a public awareness campaign to combat the activities of professional Deaf peddlers. "Do Not Give Money to Deaf Peddlers and Imposters," a piece written by Rodney W. Walker, president of UAD, John Palmer, president of the NFSD's Salt Lake Division No. 56, and Robert Welsh, president of the NFSD's Ogden Division No. 127 (Rodney, Palmer & Welsch, The Bulletin, April 15, 1949).

President Walker prepared an article about deaf peddlers and mailed a copy to every newspaper publisher in the state of Utah. Some newspapers respond to his request to publish his articles. Despite the publications, a few peddlers in the Salt Lake City area continued to beg for money. They avoided making contact with any Deaf people since they were aware that UAD was against their practice of soliciting easy money when they were capable of working (Walker 2006).

Sixteenth Triennial Convention
May 25-26, 1951
Newhouse Hotel, Salt Lake City

On May 25-26, 1951, the Utah Association of the Deaf held its sixteenth triennial conference at the Geneva Steel Plant in Provo, Utah. The next morning, almost 150 members gathered at the Newhouse Hotel for registration. They boarded buses for the afternoon group tour (Geneva Steel Tour Features Deaf Meet, 1951; Utah Deaf Society Opens Conclave, 1951).

Byron B. Burnes of Berkeley California, president of the National Association of the Deaf, was a keynote speaker at the banquet (Geneva Steel Tour Features Deaf Meet, 1951).

Justina W. Keeley, UAD secretary, spoke on the theme, “Know Your UAD” and highlighted the history of the Utah Association of the Deaf (Geneva Steel Tour Features Deaf Meet, 1951).

Rodney W. Walker was re-elected as UAD president (Utah Deaf Return Leader to Office, May 26, 1951).

During the convention's business session, the Utah Association of the Deaf was approved to join the National Association of the Deaf Century Club. The Century Club was to receive $100 from the fundraising parties (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

Justina W. Keeley Golden Anniversary: Salt Lake City Division No. 56. October 15, 1966

In 1951, Howard P. Leatham, director of the Driver’s License Division, Utah Public Safety Department, was reported in the Salt Lake Tribune on July 15 that most deaf drivers were better than average drivers because they compensated for their hearing loss by being more cautious than usual. He also stated that deaf people are legally allowed to drive in Utah (Salt Lake Tribune, July 15, 1951). (The Salt Lake Tribune, July 15, 1951). UAD Secretary Eugene W. Petersen denounced the slur against Utah Deaf drivers in an otherwise outstanding commentary on Utah Driver License Law in The Tribune of July 15. He stated the Ford Times just published an article headlined “The Safest Drivers in the World.” Defensive driving, not distracted by radios or conversations while driving were all reasons why they were better drivers. They were proud of their record and knew they had to maintain it to keep their license. “The deaf as a group is to be commended on their driving record. Hearing people smug in their personal assurance of superiority could learn much from them,” he added (Peterson, The Public Forum).

Did You Know? 

What Deaf People Want

The Deaf do not desire governmental aid.

They seek only these things:

Education to the point of self-support
Guidance in how to “do for themselves” from qualified instructors.
Opportunity to demonstrate that they can hold jobs on merit, not pity
The privilege of paying their way and providing for their loved ones
The privilege of sharing responsibilities for the cost of federal, state, municipal and county governments with all other Americans.

The Deaf can hold employment without a doubt. Aptitude tests have demonstrated that Deaf workers outperform non-deaf workers in numerous cases. For example, industries have inescapable noise levels; others require manual dexterity, which the Deaf seem to have in abundance. – NAD publishing (The Utah Eagle, October 1951, p. 8).

Seventeenth Triennial Convention
May 28-30, 1954
Murray B. Allen Center for the Blind, Salt Lake City

The seventeenth triennial convention was held May 28-30, 1954 at the Murray B. Allen Center for the Blind. A banquet was hosted Saturday night at the Newhouse Hotel and a picnic was held Sunday (Salt Lake Tribune, May 19, 1954).

President Walker highlighted at the conference that the Utah Association of the Deaf never wanted special treatment, only equal social and vocational opportunities and recognition of their capabilities (Society of Deaf Waits Parley, 1951).

In his welcome address, Eugene Petersen compared the UAD to a volunteer fire department (The UAD Bulletin, 1954, p. 2-3).

Unknown newspaper

Kenneth C. Burdett responded, thanking the National Association of the Deaf for helping overcome a ban on Deaf teachers (The UAD Bulletin, 1954, p. 2-3). He asked UAD to help the National Association of the Deaf reject a move to prevent Deaf teachers from teaching in state schools for the deaf. He stressed the necessity of a resolution applauding the achievements of Deaf teachers at Utah School for the Deaf and opposing efforts by oralists to require normal hearing to teach the deaf (The UAD Bulletin, 1954, p. 1).

Kenneth C. Burdett

Mrs. R.L. Nixon, Miss Mary Eyring, and Mr. Briggs were welcomed at the convention (The UAD Bulletin, 1954, p. 2-3). The UAD acknowledged that the absence of many younger Deaf people at the convention reflected a dislike for the UAD. The UAD officers want to know why, so they asked everyone who didn't register during the convention to email or visit them with their reasons and suggestions (The UAD Bulletin, 1954, p, 1).

President Walker announced that the UAD Award had been given to Peter Green and Donna Mae Dekker since the last convention. No award has been granted since 1954, as no qualified candidates had not previously won (The UAD Bulletin, 1954, p. 2-3).

Dr. E. Allen Bateman

President Walker commented on the UAD letter to Dr. E. Ellen Bateman, Superintendent of the State Board of Education, regarding the Utah School for the Deaf superintendent selection and his positive response (The UAD Bulletin, 1954, p. 2-3).

Rodney W. Walker was succeeded by Joseph B. Burnett (Engineer Named President at Utah Deaf Meet, 1954). The UAD officers wanted to get every Deaf adult in Utah involved. They noticed some people disliked the UAD because they felt it did nothing for them. They asked anyone who didn't register during the convention to write or visit them with their reasons. They questioned the registration fee and the program itself. The officers requested the Utah Deaf community to look into the UAD's history and other states' experiences to be convinced that while the officers were not on duty every day, they were ready to safeguard and defend the Deaf people's rights and privileges when necessary. The UAD officers reminded the Utah Deaf community that it had previously blocked legislation that would have prohibited Deaf people from driving and had recently thwarted a similar effort. UAD had also improved circumstances at the Utah School for the Deaf. Moreover, they recently gave its support to the National Association of the Deaf in its successful fight to safeguard the Deaf teachers from ill-informed and unfair attempts by some individuals to persuade the US Office of Education to require that all teachers of the deaf have normal hearing. Officers emphasized that this was not free. Paying a lawyer to represent the UAD before the Utah State Legislature is one example. Stationery, postage, printing, and duplication costs money. Officers encouraged members to invest in the UAD as the best protection for their current favorable status (The UAD Bulletin, 1954, p. 1 & 4).

John W. Glassett

John W. Glassett proposed that UAD publish a small paper three times a year to keep interest in the UAD. It was passed and the “UAD Bulletin” launched in 1954 (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963). Anyone, member or not, can read the UAD Bulletin online at UAD.org. It has articles regarding Deaf people's lives, such as obituaries, births, weddings, and much more.

Bryon B. Burnes, President of the National Association of the Deaf, spoke at the business session (Salt Lake Tribune, May 19, 1954). Miss Rene Epding, Byron B. Burnes' personal secretary, stated that NAD was founded to safeguard all Deaf people against unjust, unfair, and misdirected national legislation or executive actions. Thus, NAD sought direct support from state and local deaf groups as well as individual members (The UAD Bulletin, 1954, p. 1).

The Silent Worker Magazine. In courtesy of Gallaudet University

In response to Rene Epding's appeal, a few UAD members lined up to subscribe to “The Silent Worker,” a popular deaf magazine at the time, and joined the NAD. Only the Deaf people wrote, edited, and published The Silent Worker. It was the Deaf community's voice to educate the public on their challenges and successes (The UAD Bulletin, 1954). In the 1920s, Harry Sanger Smith, aka Bob White, taught printing and linotyping at the Utah School for the Deaf (The Silent Worker, April 1925, p. 359).

Harry Sanger Smith. The Silent Worker, April 1925

President Rodney W. Walker proposed the following resolution:

Whereas, the Utah Association of the Deaf recognizes the value of oral training for those deaf children who are capable of mastering oral skills, and

Whereas, it is a known fact that not all deaf children can progress satisfactorily in an educational system where oral methods alone are employed, and

Whereas, deaf teachers of the deaf by their example and their interest and enthusiasm, as well as by their ability to teach, have been invaluable force of good in the education of the deaf, and

Whereas, the services of deaf teachers are indispensable to the proper progress of many of the children,

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Utah Association of the Deaf condemns and deplores efforts of certain minority factions in the field of the education of the deaf to install rigid oral methods as the sole means of educating the deaf, and

Be it further resolved that the Utah Association of the Deaf will vigorously oppose any and all efforts to eliminate deaf teachers and replace them with teachers capable only of using the inadequate single-approach oral method of instruction.

The resolution was passed unanimously. It echoed the National Association of the Deaf and many other state organizations.

Being deaf was not regarded as a "personal tragedy" by the Deaf community in Utah. Their deafness was seen positively by them and they saw it as a blessing. So, the Utah Association of the Deaf published "Count Your Blessings!" as a way to remind us of the many blessings we have received in our lives.

Count Your Blessings! 

So you are deaf? Well, are you working and earning a living? Are you healthy? Are you married and raising a family? Have you a good roof over your head, and a warm fire in the stove? Do you have an automobile, a television receiver, a washing machine?

There are thousands – even millions – of people who, even with normal hearing, do not have our blessings, if we may call them that.

Yes, we are deaf - but deafness has its compensations. We cannot hear bad music, nor the sudden, irritating blast of an auto horn; we cannot hear the endless television and radio commercials, the roar of jet planes, nor the barking of dogs and screeching of cats in the middle of the night.

As many employers are finding out, the deaf make better workers than the hearing in certain jobs where noise is a nerve shaking experience.

So, Goodbye, 1954. We have not done so badly after all (UAD Bulletin, January 1955, p. 1).

On August 2, 1954, a special sub-committee led by Representative Oscar W. McConkie, Jr. submitted a thirteen-page report to the Utah State Board of Education with the recommendations (Deseret News and Telegram, August 2, 1954). It was suggested that the University of Utah build and expand a day school for hard of hearing children and boost the state's Deaf educational program. It also suggested that the University provide suitable deaf teacher training facilities. The report stated that despite the long-standing debate over whether oralism or sign language should be used to teach the deaf, it was suggested that oralism be used. The sign language approach should be introduced for youngsters who do not progress quickly enough with the oral method. A state director of special education was appointed to coordinate all special education programs in the state, all agencies dealing with special education, and to improve the current education program by emphasizing oralist teaching, hearing aid use, and additional vocation education (Deseret News and Telegram, August 2, 1954).

Eighteenth Triennial Convention
May 24-25, 1957
Utah Power and Light Company, Salt Lake City

The Utah Association of the Deaf hosted its 18th triennial convention on May 24-25, 1957 at the Utah Power and Light Company in Salt Lake City (Utah Deaf Association Opens Annual Convention in Ogden, 1957).

Ned C. Wheeler was chosen as chairman for the conference and gave the welcome address (Ogden Standard Examiner, May 29, 1957; The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

The UAD's highlight of the convention was a symbol of deaf cooperation from Utah. The UAD could get things done that people could not. The UAD was now modern keeping up with times. The UAD protected Deaf children's rights and privileges (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

UAD approved and established the Arthur W. Wenger Scholarship Fund. It was the only award at the time that was funded solely by the Utah School for the Deaf's students themselves (The UAD Bulletin, April 1958, p. 3).

John Glassett advised members to choose directors carefully and not to complain later (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

On June 9, 1957, Robert W. Tegeder, 34, a Detroit educator, was named principal of Utah School for the Deaf (The Ogden Standard Examiner, June, 9, 1957).

Former USD Superintendent Frank Milton Driggs died on February 12, 1959, at the age of 88 (Former Deaf School Head Dies in 1959).

Robert W. Tegeder, USDB Superintendent

Nineteenth Triennial Convention
May 20-21, 1960
Prudential Federal Savings and Loan Plaza, Salt Lake City

The 19th triennial convention was held May 20-21, 1960 at the Prudential Federal Savings and Loan Association Auditorium (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

Dr. David Peikoff, president of the Canadian Association of the Deaf and vice president of the National Association of the Deaf, spoke. He emphasized the need for more cooperation between state deaf associations and the NAD. He gave an inspiring speech and kept his audience entertained with many stories and jokes (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13).

Dr. David Peikoff The Salt Lake Tribune, May 6, 1959

Robert G. Sanderson, freshly elected UAD president, opposed a proposal to petition for a $600 federal income tax exemption due to deafness. He said they are not second-class citizens. He also stated that the Utah deaf are proud of their capacity to compete economically with normal hearing people and do not want government assistance that would give them an unfair advantage or reduce them to welfare recipients. He insisted on doing their part and paying the same taxes as everyone else (The Ogden Standard Examiner, June 2, 1960; The Salt Lake Tribune, May 29, 1960).

According to Robert W. Tegeder, freshly appointed superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, not one Deaf person is unemployed in Utah. The 163 Deaf students would be great candidates for the relief rolls if it was not for the Utah School for the Deaf. The Utah Deaf community was proud of their self-sufficiency. Superintendent Tegeder said Deaf people could find work if they were properly trained (Ogden Standard Examiner, April 7, 1960).

Robert G. Sanderson joined the National Association of the Deaf executive board and he was the Utah's only representative at the national convention in Dallas, Texas. His wife, Mary, accompanied him to the convention between July 3–9. (The Sun Chronicle, August 18, 1960).

Robert G. Sanderson, UAD President

The Problems Facing the Deaf Population

In early 1961, UAD questioned inviting parents to join the association. UAD believed the association would benefit the whole community, not only the Deaf people and their families. The invitation was meant to emphasize the importance of establishing common ground and expanding on the following three developments:

The hearing aids were starting to improve. Deaf people with better hearing aids will have the opportunity to interact with hearing people.
The percentage of those who became deaf later started to decrease while the percentage of those who were born deaf started to increase. In Utah by 1961, half the adventitiously deaf students at Utah School for the Deaf acquired a good language foundation prior to losing their hearing. The congenitally deaf, on the other hand, were increasing and their language development was affected.
The proportion of deaf people with multiple disabilities was increasing.

As can be observed, the Deaf population was confronting more issues. UAD was empowered by Deaf leaders' experiences to combat ignorance, misrepresentation, and oversimplification.

Previously, the Utah Deaf community relied on hard of hearing people who learned their language before using hearing aids, and those who lost their hearing subsequently had mastered good oral communication. UAD predicted fewer such people and more Deaf people with multiple disabilities in the future (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1961, p. 2).

If willing, UAD officers can help parents better comprehend and appreciate deafness and the obstacles their children will encounter as adults (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1961, p. 2). In similar circumstances, UAD resolved to set aside disagreements over communication methods and focus on the importance of communication. No matter how educated Deaf people are, the issues they face today will persist tomorrow. Deaf persons can continue to be self-sufficient, well-adjusted members of society, rather than being perceived as needing rehabilitation, according to UAD (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1961, p. 2).

The Sun Chronicle, August 18, 1960

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, founded in 1890, was a long-time member of UAD. It was then that UAD learned that the organization's members included Deaf teachers, speech-language pathologists, parents of Deaf children, hard of hearing adults, hearing aid dealers and manufacturers. The list did not include any Deaf adults (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1961, p. 2-3).

Although Deaf adults were the product of Alexander Graham Bell Association, they agreed with its goals of improving speech and lip-reading education. But some questioned its methodology and emphasis on oralism. Their views were various. They were concerned about AGB's obsessive devotion to oralism. They opposed the idea of oral schools for the deaf focusing on speech and lip-reading first, then math, geography, and science, affecting intellectual potentials when the oral approach became inadequate or when a child's oral competence was lacking.

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf warned that exposure to sign language may diminish motivation to learn oral speech, whereas Deaf adults reported that pure oral approach often reduced motivation to learn. Deaf adults agreed that oral speech and general education must be acquired together. They believed language, not speaking, was the key. Lack of proper language foundation leads to poor communication and academic delays (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1961, p. 2-3).

Alexander Graham Bell @ Wikipedia

Utah Governor George D. Clyde proposed cutting Utah School for the Deaf's operating budget in 1961. The funding loss might hurt USD's efforts to prepare students for a career that promises to become more competitive as technological advances place a premium on skilled workers, unless Utah accepts its responsibilities. Past graduates had shown that every dollar invested in deaf education will be repaid in taxes. UAD warned that the false economy could worsen future problems (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1961, p.1).

In the summer of 1962, UAD President Robert G. Sanderson appointed W. Richard Brubaker as chairman of the UAD Traffic Safety Committee. Brubaker planned, organized, and executed an aggressive campaign to make Deaf drivers in Utah the safest in the world. “Our overall record may be good, but if one Deaf person is involved in or injured in a traffic accident, it reflects on us as drivers,” said Richard Brubaker. He worked with the Utah Safety Council and the Salt Lake City and Ogden police departments. His goal was to maintain Deaf drivers' accident rate at zero. A zero-accident rate, he reasoned, may persuade insurance companies to insure Deaf people, something they refused to do at the time. (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962, p. 6).

W. Richard Brubkaer The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963

While president of UAD, Robert Sanderson wrote an article titled “Community Service for the Deaf.” He emphasized the value of community service by saying:

“The deaf ordinarily seldom have the opportunity to participate in community service of the type that we associate with the Jaycees, the Rotarians, the Kiwanis, and various other organizations such as the Community Chest, United Fund. Yet we owe our community some service, for it is only service that we give freely and voluntarily that counts on that last great scorecard.

I have personally tried community service with the Jaycees, and, even with fair speech, (and lousy lipreading) it was not easy. To be very frank, even though I participated in some projects, even to getting out and digging post holes for street signs in my town, the great fellowship with others that is a part of the service is something that I missed. The communication barrier is simply too great. But I valued the experience, and I learned much.

For the deaf, the greatest opportunity for community service is right within their own organizations: The UAD, the UACD, the Frat, the NAD and the U-O. Here, among our own kind, we plan and carry out ambitious projects; we fight and haggle, eventually compromise, and still remain friends while we work on behalf of the deaf. For some there is criticism, for others, praise. Yet the greatest reward of all goes to he who can, with clear conscience and calm heart, say, “I have done my part, and have done my best.”

The President’s Service Award was given to those members who completed an assigned task, which was, in the president’s opinion, helpful to the UAD. Other awards will follow from time to time, when earned.

The members of the board, many of whom worked very hard on our projects, receive no award. The reason? You members expect your elected officers to work and to do their best. They realized that in accepting their positions. But the rank and file who pitch in and help when asked – they are the salt of the earth and deserve recognition for their efforts. He who would serve quickly finds that it is a rough road. There are those who honestly differ with the leadership, and earn respect with their opposition; and there are those who criticize for the sake of criticism, or to hear themselves talk. All through the conflicts of personalities and idea, whoever, we must and do remain friends.” – R.G.S. (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, Spring 1961, p. 6).

Robert Sanderson, in this instance, obviously walked the walk. During his lifetime, he was a member of the Utah Association of the Deaf as well as the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, Ogden Division No. 127, among other organizations. He belonged to a number of groups and organizations, including the Ogden Elks Lodge #179, the Ogden Engineers Club, and the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964, p. 1 & 5). Sanderson rose through the ranks to become the president of the National Association of the Deaf and a member of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees in his latter years. It was the beginning of his enormous advocacy effect on the Utah Deaf Community, which has continued to this day.

Ogden Standard-Examiner, April 7, 1960

Junior National Association of the Deaf Launched

In the summer of 1962, the Utah School for the Deaf launched a Junior National Association of the Deaf to prepare young Deaf leaders (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962, p. 1).

Twentieth Biennial Convention
Name changed from “of” to “for”
June 28-29, 1963
Hotel Utah, Salt Lake City

On January 12, 1963, a special general meeting was called by President Robert G. Sanderson, where Deaf leaders debated the difference between “of” and “for." The term “of” was seen as isolating Deaf individuals. Some people assumed of deaf groups as exclusive social clubs for Deaf people. The word “for” invited hearing persons to join the association. It was a suggestion, a consideration for others, something they may endorse (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963, p. 2).

It was voted to change the association's name to the Utah Association FOR The Deaf in order to accept those with normal hearing as active members with the right to vote and hold office with the exception that members of the exec must be deaf (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 13). Hearing people like Gene Stewart and Beth Ann Stewart Campbell joined UAD. Utah is the first to break tradition by changing the name from “of” to “for.” The State of Utah approved the name change from “of” to “for” on February 26, 1964.

Beth Ann Stewart, UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

Gene Stewart, UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

The Utah Association for the Deaf, like the National Association of the Deaf and other associations, voted to welcome hearing individuals as active members, but Utah was the first to break tradition by changing the name from “of” to “for”. UAD felt the move was long overdue. “To achieve effective social action the deaf will...have to drop the deadly idea that the deaf person lives in his own world,” said James H. Galloway, superintendent of the Rochester School for the Deaf. For the deaf person does not, never has and never will live in a world of his own” (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963, p. 2).

Robert G. Sanderson. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

The members also voted to have conventions every two years instead of three (UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963, p. 6). G. Leon Curtis organized the 20th triennial meeting in June 1963 at the Empire Room Hotel in Salt Lake City. Gladys Wenger, Kenneth L. Kinner, and Richard Brubaker assisted him plan the event (UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963, p. 7).

Registration began at 5 p.m. on June 28, 1963 in that hotel. The Lafayette Ballroom hosted the dinner and dancing (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963, p. 7).

Tickets for the banquet and dance were $4 each and could be reserved through any convention committee member. During intermission, John Rock and his Royal Family of Magic entertained. The new board selected executive officers and created operating procedures (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 15).

G. Leon Curtis. UAD President The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964

Among the speakers at the gathering were:

Deafness Research Foundation Temporal Bone Bank spoke by otologist Dr. David A. Dolowitz of the University of Utah School of Medicine. UAD helped promote the Temporal Bone Bank Program as well as being ready to aid those who wish to donate their temporal bones to medical research that may help others hear (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963, p. 4).

Former US Junior Chamber president E. LaMar Buckner of Buckner Insurance Counselors of Ogden talked about insurance for the deaf. He specialized in life, accident, fire, and motor insurance. The focus was on Deaf drivers who had issues with insurance coverage (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963, p. 4).

Gladys Burnham Wenger. The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963

Robert Sanderson, former UAD president, remarked in the Fall 1963 issue of the UAD Bulletin that UAD still had numerous unresolved challenges both nationally and locally. He outlined the issues and asked the incoming board to take decisive action after much debate.

Among the issues identified by Robert Sanderson in the UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963:

Social Services:
We are working toward the solution of some of our most vexing problems in the area of social work. The deaf have been excluded from services available to the hearing because of the communication barrier. Progress has been made, and we hope shortly to make some significant announcements.

Rehabilitation:
Nearly all of the deaf are acquainted with the efforts of the State of Utah to handle this problem; yet one of the most basic needs has been neglected: That of having in the state service someone who is trained in the psychology of deafness as well as in the art of communication with the deaf in the sign language. We must work continually to make the State see this and meet it.

Peddling:
Peddlers are a continuing problem. Our efforts should be not aimed merely at suppression, but at assisting them with those problems that led them into the peddling racket. This is a complex matter, and its solution awaits attack on many fronts.
Discrimination against the deaf in employment:
There are still many employers who will not hire the deaf. They must be educated into understanding that the deaf are an asset to any business, not a liability; but that they are human, too.

Insurance:
We must continue our efforts to persuade large insurance companies to change their blanket industrial policies which discriminate against deaf people. Personnel managers will not hire deaf people when it means the liability insurance premiums will be increased to the point that what a deaf person produces will not pay the difference.
We must also continue ... to accept the deaf as normal risks.

Education:
Better education of the deaf is the only answer to the displacement of the deaf by
automation. The slowness of oral methods of training is a double handicap nowadays,
when deaf people must overcome both a time disadvantage in the beginning of their
education, and the need to absorb vastly more knowledge and technology in order to compete effectively in today’s competitive labor market.

Industrial Surveys
There is a need for a survey of all industries in the Intermountain area to determine which ones will accept the qualified deaf person, and which ones are forbidden by insurance regulations from hiring the deaf people. Such a survey might have the effect of opening up hitherto unknown sources of employment.

Adult Education
Whether or not there is a demand for adult education classes, and whether the deaf adults will cooperate, is something that must be determined. We have another, and somewhat of a family problem. Many of our young deaf people show no interest at all in UAD. I believe that it is up to each one of the older folks to meet and challenge their young friends to do their share, and carry part of the load. You must stress that today’s youth will be tomorrow’s leaders (we hope), so they had better start learning the ropes right now. They can learn how by attending with their ears pinned back several times. And if they are not quitters or gutless wonders, maybe they can show the stuff it takes to become leaders (p. 5).

Kenneth L. Kinner. The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963

Robert Sanderson heard much criticism of UAD operations, but the critics were hesitant to speak up in a meeting and be seen, where open and honest debate may swiftly establish who is right and wrong (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963, p. 5).

Sanderson advised the youth to learn about community service and full support of their organizations. He declared bluntly that the youth had formed a poor life philosophy. He said they got a free education in school. Their meals and lodging were provided by Utah School for the Deaf. They often got a free college education. When they got out into the real world, they reportedly thought they could get a free job and money through Vocational Rehabilitation. Dr. Sanderson theorized they got everything for free because they didn't pay their UAD membership dues, rather than being in a "membership" organization (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963, 5).

Sanderson declared at the convention that “to avoid painful decisions is to stagnate.” He pushed the youth to prepare themselves since no one else can help us unless we give up our independence (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963, p. 5).

Robert G. Sanderson Becomes the 17th President
of the National Association of the Deaf

On behalf of Robert G. Sanderson, former UAD president, Arthur W. Wenger, Utah delegate to the 1964 National Association of the Deaf convention, addressed and nominated him (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964, p. 1).

Robert G. Sanderson was gutsy for challenging Bryon B. Burnes' 18-year presidency of the NAD, an icon in the eyes of many Deaf people. During the debate, he detailed the national organization's difficulties and proposed solutions. Sanderson commented, “I have learned that no one stands alone.” With such words, he appealed for support from state associations and individuals, and answered questions from the audience. As a result, he won the election and became NAD's 17th president (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964, p.1).

Robert G. Sanderson is running for president at the 1964 National Association of the Deaf Convention

Deaf Utahns jumped for joy when Sanderson was elected president. On July 30, 1964, the Ramada Inn hosted a celebratory dinner. He recalled being elected president, an honor he appreciated (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964, p. 1.).

Upon Sanderson's election as president on January 1, 1965, the NAD moved its headquarters from Berkeley, California to Washington, DC. From 1964 to 1968, he lived and worked in Utah, where he served as NAD president and advocated for the deaf on both a state and national level (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964, p. 1).

Robert Sanderson probably prevailed because NAD delegates approved his NAD headquarters relocation. During the NAD conference July 1-7, 1962, President Bryon B. Burnes claimed that relocating the NAD to Washington, D.C. might result in losing their identity as a separate organization of and for the deaf. He also announced his goal of having a full-time NAD office. Dr. Sanderson obviously disagreed with President Burnes. While Dr. Sanderson chaired the Ways and Means Committee, a possible conflict over moving the NAD to Washington, D.C. threatened to stall the convention. The Ways and Means Committee succeeded in establishing a NAD branch office in Washington, D.C., staffed by a deaf liaison officer (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962, p. 1).

The National Association of the Deaf still has its headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.

A dinner in the Ramada Inn on July 30, 1964 congratulated the new NAD President, Robert G. Sanderson, and his wife Mary (center). Kay and G. Leon Curtis on left. Arthur, Edith, and Ned Wheeler (right). The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964

The UAD Successfully Inaugurates Adult Education Classes for the Deaf

1964 was a quiet year for the UAD and its community, but it was a year of growth. The UAD launched adult deaf education classes. SLC Adult Evening School, Community Services Council of Salt Lake Area and Utah Association for the Deaf collaborated on this program (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964, p.1).

Joseph B. Burnett, UAD chairman, conducted the first class in Family Legal Issues. His class at Salt Lake City's West High School drew approximately 40 students. He was the first deaf adult instructor (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964, p. 1).

It also sponsored deaf-friendly programs such as subtitled movies and culinary classes. UAD also continued to work with the United Organizations to coordinate the social calendar (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964, p. 1).

The response to the adult education program was overwhelmingly positive, according to educational leaders. The pilot classes in English for Deaf adults were added on Thursday evenings by Deaf instructors Edith Wheeler and Pat Stone. The speech conversation program given by Patricia Francis at the University of Utah Speech and Hearing Department for Deaf people with functional but decreasing oral speech was also added. A permanent program to satisfy their accessibility needs was planned to be developed (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964, p. 1).

Joseph B. Burnett, instructor, pause at start of lesson in family legal problems. Attendance has average nearly 40, with many making the 80-mile round trip from Ogden each week to participant. The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964

With funding from the Utah State Legislature in 1965, UAD established up a counseling and referral office under the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, which eventually became the Sanderson Community Center of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964, p. 2).

Over time, UAD's nature changed from laid-back to campaigning for issues and then providing services. Many Deaf people reportedly failed to pay their UAD dues. UAD became a “service” organization rather than a “membership” organization, serving all Deaf people in Utah to the best of their ability (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964, p. 2).

Twenty-First Biennial Convention
June 18-20, 1965
Ben Lomond Hotel, Ogden

The 21st Biennial Convention was held June 18-20, 1965 at the Ben Lomond Hotel in Ogden. The convention featured notable visitors and the first UAD Award ceremony. Larry W. Blake received the award for his efforts as chairman of the Community Services Council study committee on Deaf adults, which led to a state appropriation for services for the “forgotten people” (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 1 & 5). This research eventually led to the Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

A quiet Friday night business session was followed by the best comedy presentation in years. Celia May Laramie and Renee Hallett posed as a girl cancelling a date. Celia May also performed “The Farmer and the Rooster,” a witty pantomime. Roy Cochran and Rodney Walker performed a crazy barber chair act, and the farce “Mail Order Bride” had everyone in laughter. Kenneth Kinner, Leon Curtis, Joseph Burnett, Lavern Burnett, Jack Peterson, and Cleo Peterson were principals (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 1 & 5).

Larry W. Blake, left, accepts the first UAD Award from President G. Leon Curtis at the 21th Biennial Convention of the Utah Association of the Deaf. Dixie Lee Nasfell is an interpreter for the ceremony. The award, a beautifully engraved silver tray, is presented to Blake in appreciation for his efforts in behalf of the deaf people in Utah. The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965

A quiet Friday night business session was followed by the best comedy presentation in years. Celia May Laramie and Renee Hallett posed as a girl cancelling a date. Celia May also performed “The Farmer and the Rooster,” a witty pantomime. Roy Cochran and Rodney Walker performed a crazy barber chair act, and the farce “Mail Order Bride” had everyone in laughter. Kenneth Kinner, Leon Curtis, Joseph Burnett, Lavern Burnett, Jack Peterson, and Cleo Peterson were principals (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 1 & 5).

Jack Peterson, Joseph Burnett, Lavern Burnett, Kenneth Kinner (front), Leon Curtis, Gleo Peterson play as principals

Celia May Laramie performs “The Farmer and the Rooster"

Saturday's business meetings were routine, as members expressed general satisfaction with the UAD's progress. The only heat was generated was a strong condemnation of Deaf peddlers (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 1 & 5).

A discussion on the Leadership Training Program in the Area of the Deaf at San Fernando Valley State College was given at the Saturday luncheon by Dr. Ray L. Jones (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 1 & 5).

Larry W. Blake and Robert K. Ward were honored during the banquet on Saturday night. Mr. Ward of the Utah Community Services Council discussed poverty, its causes, and effects (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 1 & 5).

Colorado Association of the Deaf member Robert J. Welsh, USD graduate, a teacher at the International Typographical Union Training Center in Colorado Springs presented a brief discussion on automation and its consequences for the deaf (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 1 & 5).

Robert K. Ward of the Community Services Council discusses the problem of poverty. Dixie Lee Nasfell, interpreter

G. Leon Curtis reflected on his two-year presidency of UAD and highlighted six important projects sponsored by UAD from 1963 to 1965:

First, the cooking school – the ladies learned a few more tricks for Christmas. Vida White won first prize in the cooking contest.

Second, with the help of the Utah Fish and Game Commission, they had a fishing derby at the Weber County Memorial Park on the South Fork of Ogden River.

Gathering at the Weber County Memorial Park

Third, UAD was able to learn more about politics. A political seminar was set up and speakers from both parties pointed out their views.

Fourth, UAD set up adult education classes for the deaf. Joseph Burnett was the first instructor; then nine weeks later, it was continued with two classes in English with Edith Wheeler and Pat Stone as instructors. It was successful.

Fifth, UAD managed to get the State Legislature to put some money in the Department of Public Instruction for the benefit of the Deaf adults. With the cooperation of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, a counselor who will know how to use sign language will assist the deaf adults who have some kinds of problems such as marriage, financial, personal, work or job problems and so forth [Robert G. Sanderson was hired for this position on November 16, 1965].

Sixth, the UAD Bulletin was going strong as ever. G. Leon Curtis said, “The Bulletin is our best weapon. As the saying goes: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” UAD faced two problems. One was automation, as some Deaf workers will be laid off. They had no chance to progress because of no skills. Some will work on low incomes. Due to these problems, peddling has increased and was getting worse. The second problem was to get a home for the aged deaf. The biggest problem was money.

The 1965 UAD Convention

Curtis said the other problem was oral and shared his view that it was a pain in the neck. He
said, “All we can do for the present is wait. Time will tell. But I can assure you that we are all on our toes watching for things that are not favorable and we will fight for the things that we believe are right." He also said, “With our new counselor, many problems can and will be solved. There will be a program to help the deaf meet automation. There will be more educational programs for the deaf. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can and will support sending select deaf adults to a school in Michigan where they have a special program under the direction of the Michigan Association for Better Hearing. And through the work of the National Association for the Deaf there will be more possibilities for the Deaf” (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 2 & 6).

Finally, Curtis reminded the Utah Deaf community of UAD's work and highlighted that UAD must continue to solve any obstacles. As the state's Deaf representative, he said the UAD is created to address deaf challenges. He implored the community to keep supporting UAD in any way possible. It was the same with the NAD. He requested them to back NAD as well (Curtis, The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965, p. 6).

Robert J. Welsh. The Utah Eagle, April 1955

New elected UAD President Eugene W. Petersen understood that many Deaf people had valid reasons not to join. To clear the air, UAD highlighted 20 frequently made statements and explained the association's perspective. The UAD wanted to highlight that it is a non-profit organization that helps all Deaf people in Utah (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965, p. 2 & 3). The article “20 Reasons for Not Belonging to the Utah Association for the Deaf” by Eugene W. Petersen is attached (Winter 1965 UAD Bulletin, p. 2 & 3).

More information about the National Association of the Deaf and Utah Association for the Deaf's challenges to obtain support from the Deaf community in Utah can be found in the "Straight Answers To Pointed Questions." The impact of new services for Deaf adults on both the National Association of the Deaf and the Utah Association for the Deaf was discussed by Robert G. Sanderson, president of the National Association of the Deaf and Utah State Coordinator of Service for Deaf Adults, and Eugene W. Petersen, president of the Utah Association for the Deaf and editor of the UAD Bulletin. The questions were posed by Petersen, and Sanderson responded (The UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1967, p. 2 & 7).

Eugene W. Petersen, UAD President

Twenty-Second Biennial Convention
June 23-25, 1967
Ramada Inn, Salt Lake City

Richard Brubaker chaired the twenty-second biannual convention held June 23-25, 1967 at the Ramada Inn in Salt Lake City, Utah (The UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1967, p. 1).

The convention gave a new setting for old friends to reconnect, argue, and relax while receiving reports, making plans for the next two years, and enjoying truly outstanding entertainment (The UAD Bulletin, Spring- Summer 1967, p. 1).

The 1967 UAD Convention

Arizona's Victor H. Galloway spoke at the banquet. He was new to Utah, but well-known nationally. After graduating from Gallaudet College, he became a successful engineer. He was involved with several organizations. In 1965, he quit his job to attend San Fernando Valley State College's Leadership Training Program for the Deaf. He could have gotten numerous high-paying engineering jobs, but he believed campaigning for other Deaf people would be more fulfilling (The UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1967, p. 1).

UAD showed the thrilling film “Silent World, Muffled World.” The Deaf Research Foundation produced the film. It had captions with Deaf characters, including Robert G. Sanderson, and a rare look inside a living human ear as a surgeon operated using a microscope (The UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1967, p. 1).

Saturday's agenda included electing a new board of directors to represent the association's interests for the next two years (The UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1967, p. 1).

After the banquet, a dance was organized where everyone could “feel” the music. Ronald Perkins' popular parents finished the gathering on a happy note (UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1967, p.1).

Victor H. Galloway. The UAD Bulletin, Spring- Summer, 1967

Peddler Warning Blankets State of Utah

UAD despised Deaf peddlers and imposters out of mistaken pity. They were still peddling worthless trinkets and alphabet cards in Utah. To defend the Utah Deaf community's reputation, UAD intervened. Over 1,000 warning letters about Deaf peddlers and imposters were mailed to every restaurant, drive-in café, tavern, bowling alley, drive-in theater and department store, drug store, chamber of commerce, newspaper and police department in
For over a year, the Deaf community in Utah. The posters were made by USD students. UAD paid for the postage (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967, p. 2).

UAD President Eugene W. Petersen's "22nd Convention of the UAD" article has further information regarding the association's services to the Utah Deaf Community (The UAD Bulletin, vol. 5, no. 1, Winter 1967, p. 4).

The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967

The 1968 National Association of the Deaf Convention

The Utah Association for the Deaf made the bid and won the 1968 NAD convention. UAD sponsored the event, which was directed by the NAD. In the past, the NAD had limited the number of states that could attend by dividing the proceeds 50/50 between the state organizations that sponsored the event. Apart from that, the NAD Board desired more control over the convention, and Las Vegas had the best convention facilities. The UAD relinquished responsibility of the convention to the NAD under this arrangement (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966, p. 1; The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967, p. 2).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965

The 29th National Association of the Deaf convention was held in Las Vegas from June 17-22, 1968, and was a huge success. Robert G. Sanderson, president and chairman of the convention meetings, and Ned C. Wheeler, chairman of the weeklong convention, were credited with this success (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1968, p. 4).

During the convention, Robert Sanderson became the first NAD president emeritus to serve on the Board of Directors. He was granted full board rights and privileges. The former NAD presidents should be retained on the board to use their knowledge and experience (UAD Bulletin, Fall 1968, p. 8).

Frederick C. Schreiber presenting gravel to new NAD president, Robert G. Sanderson, 1968. Photo courtesy of Jerome D. Schein

Twenty-Third Biennial Convention
June 27-28, 1969
Ramada Inn, Salt Lake City

Robert G. Sanderson chaired the convention. Robert L. Bonnell of Salt Lake City and George L. Laramie of Bountiful were the chairman's assistants (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1969, p. 1).

President G. Leon Curtis began the ceremonies. The workshop talks started Friday night at the convention to give participants an opportunity to express themselves. Those who did not want to participate in the workshop discussion were shown a captioned film (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1969, p. 1).

The association hosted a popular workshop with roundtable respectively, served as assistants to the chairman (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1969, p. 1).

The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1969

George L. Laramie

Robert L. Bonnell

Dennis Platt & ____

Kennth Kinner is picking up his convention registration

UAD President G, Leon Curtis giving a talk

A popular session with roundtable discussions lead by Robert Sanderson was held for the first time at a UAD convention ever. The roundtable was designed to facilitate communication among diverse groups and to collect their views (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1969, p. 1).

In the workshops, members could express their views on many topics. A crowd gathered to make their voices heard. The roundtable workshop was created to bring out feelings and ideas about UAD and its programs for the deaf; adult education; the Utah School for the Deaf: sign language versus oralism; rehabilitation; welfare; financial needs; employment office; peddling; auto insurance; and many other issues facing today's Utah Deaf community (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969, p. 9).

L-R: Rodney Walker, _____, _____

L-R: Kenneth Kinner, Keith Stewart, _______

L-R: Donna Mae, ___, ___

L-R: ___, Johnny Murray, Marlo Honey

L-R: Jack White & _______

L-R: _____, ______, Rodney Walker, Valarie Kinney Platt

The Friday evening workshop resolutions spurred many lively discussions during the Saturday meeting (Platt, The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969, p. 2).

The roundtable session was successful in releasing the “voice of the deaf." This successful experiment may lead to more workshops set up by local or state associations, according to new UAD president Dennis Platt. UAD hoped to do more workshops like this in the future (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969, p. 9).

UAD Convention attendees at dinner. L-R: Rodney Walker, Georgia Walker, Jack Peterson, Carole Garvos, Ned Wheeler, Edith Wheeler, Karen Williams, Norman Williams, ___, ____, _____, _____, _____

The 1969 UAD Convention

President G. Leon Curtis stated that UAD has been quite busy for the past two years and was fortunate to have such a great board of directors. The board included Ned Wheeler, Robert G. Sanderson, Joseph B. Burnett, and George L. Laramie. He mentioned they did their best to serve all Deaf people in Utah. In addition to Robert G. Sanderson, a Deaf counselor in vocational rehabilitation, and Ned C. Wheeler, a member of the Governor's Advisory Board on Deaf Education, Curtis was delighted to say two of his friends served on the state level (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1969, p. 2).

By 1969, more insurance companies were willing to insure Deaf drivers (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969, p. 7).

The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969

Twenty-Fourth Biennial Convention
June 25-26, 1971
Tri-Arc Lodge, Salt Lake City

Jerry Westberg and W. David Mortensen co-chaired the twenty-fourth biannual convention on June 25-26, 1971 at Tri-Arc Lodge in Salt Lake City.

Site of the 1971 UAD Convention, Tri-Arc Travelodge, 161 West 600 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. UAD Bulletin, Spring 1971

As the convention approached, UAD president Dennis Platt invited members to reflect on UAD's future path. He clarified that UAD supports the deaf through annual social events, the UAD Bulletin, and the Scholarship Fund. He challenged the members to go beyond their achievements and identify where they might help more. On “How UAD Can Be of More Service,” President Platt encouraged them to speak at the convention. The forum was run by Rodney W. Walker (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1971, p. 1).

Dennis Platt, UAD President. UAD Bulletin,Winter 1970

The first night, a workshop allowed majority Deaf participants to “speak” in their groups. Saturday morning and afternoon featured meetings and elections. During the two-day event, Dr. Richard Brill, Superintendent of California School for the Deaf, Riverside, spoke during a buffet luncheon. Dr. Brill was a well-known educator who spoke on “Education for Today's Deaf.” Over 130 people attended the event. Then music and dance (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1971, p. 1; The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1971, p. 1; The UAD Bulletin, October 1971, p. 1).

Dr. Richard Brill. UAD Bulletin, Summer 1971

The convention's resolutions were as follows:

To thank Donald Jensen and Jerry Taylor for their guidance and counseling of the USD chapter of the Junior NAD;

To thank the Utah State Board of Education and the Office of Rehabilitation Services for hiring a female counselor, and to congratulate Beth Ann Stewart for her excellent job;

To go on record as supporting the total communication at all instructional levels;
To thank Dennis R. Platt, president, and his board of directors, W. David Mortensen, editor, and his UAD Bulletin staff, and Jerry Westberg, convention chairman, and his committee members, for giving their time and effort;
To congratulate Robert Sanderson, winner of the 1971 Dan Cloud Award, for his dedication to the deaf of Utah;

To express appreciation to the late Dr. Moroni Brown and his committee for the many hours of study put into setting up the dual system at Utah School for the Deaf;

To express appreciation to KCPX Channel 4 TV for its public service in providing an interpreter for its morning news, and to ask the station to add an interpreter on its afternoon and evening broadcasts;

To bring to the attention of the Governor its serious concern over the omission of deaf people from the Governor’s Advisory Committee for Handicapped adults and minority groups;
To recommend to the University of Utah Department of Special Education and to the Utah State University Department of Communicative Disorder that courses on psychology on deafness, manual communication and the cultural and social aspects of deafness be offered to future teachers of the deaf;

To recommend to the Governor that Ned Wheeler be appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Schools for the Deaf and the Blind when his term expires;

To require all instructors, houseparents and others having responsibility or contact in the Total Communication Department be required to develop ability to communicate in methods to be used in that department (UAD Bulletin, October 1971, p. 2).

W. David Mortensen, UAD President. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

W. David Mortensen, known as Dave, was elected Utah Association for the Deaf president. Like Dr. Sanderson, Dave had a significant impact on Utah. He has long contributed to the UAD. He was president of the UAD from 1971 to 1985, 1987 to 1991, and 1993 to 1997. No one has surpassed him. Dav worked hard to expand UAD from a small home-run business into a large organization with several programs (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

Officers of the Utah Association for the Deaf, 1971. Front row L-R: Jerry Taylor, treasurer, Beth Ann Campbell, secretary, Lloyd Perkins, vice president, David Mortensen, president, Ned Wheeler, chairman. Back row L-R: Robert Welsh, Leon Curtis, Kenneth Burdett, Dennis Platt, Gene Stewart, Robert Sanderson

Twenty-Fifth Biennial Convention
June 14-16, 1973
Weber State College, Ogden

The 25th Biennial Convention was arranged by Kenneth L. Kinner and held June 14-16, 1973 at Weber State College. A preliminary to the three days of entertainment, education, and business was planned (UAD Bulletin, June 1973, p. 4).

A banquet marked the end of the three-day event. The convention ended with a heartwarming banquet. Dr. Jay J. Campbell, Deputy Superintendent of the Utah State Office of Education, gave the keynote address at the banquet on Saturday, June 16th. His entire “Humanizing Education” address was done in sign language, earning him a big round of applause (UAD Bulletin, November 1973, p. 1).

Utah's Deaf community knew and respected Dr. Campbell's commitment to the deaf. On his travels, he attended deaf conferences, meetings, and social events. His wife, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, was a sign language interpreter and well-known community advocate. A live band played dancing music (UAD Bulletin, June 1973, p. 1).

Dr. Jay J. Campbell. UAD Bulletin, June 1973

According to the November 1973 UAD Bulletin, the following resolutions were approved at the 1973 convention:

To transfer the Utah Association for the Deaf Scholarship Fund to the Utah Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf, at such a time as the foundation is formally organized and constituted, and that the UAD Board of Directors be authorized and empowered to carry out the transaction in the proper legal manner.

To take the lead in organizing a youth workshop, to develop talent and leadership, by forming a committee consisting of a representative from each organization for or of the deaf.

To form a committee to investigate and report to the UAD Board of Directors the need for a buddy system for the mutli-handicapped, and to investigate how members of this group may be more fully brought into the deaf community.
To commend the television station KCPX for providing an interpreter on its morning news, and to support the extension of interpretation to late evening news for a larger segment of the deaf community – the employed.

To commend the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf members for volunteering their time and talent at meetings and events such as Operation TRIPOD, UNIPOD and UAD Amateur Night and others.

To send a letter of thanks to the superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf for the use of its facility.

To send a letter of thanks to the bishop of the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf for the use of its facility.
To set up a committee to investigate the possibility of obtaining matching Federal funds for interpreters in senior citizen classes, and to report to the UAD Board of Directors for possible implementation.

To send letters of commendation to Donald Jensen and Jerry Taylor for the time and guidance they have given to the young people in Junior NAD at the Utah School for the Deaf, and also letters of congratulations to Sharadee Opheikens and Barbara Jeppesen for their prize–winning skit given at the Junior NAD Regional Workshop at Faribault, Minnesota. To send a letter of commendation to Robert Sanderson, his counselors and secretaries for their continued services to the deaf community.

To send a letter of appreciation for the continuing services of the main interpreter, Beth Ann Stewart and substitutes Gene Stewart and Madelaine Burton, on KCPX.

To send a letter of commendation to Kenneth Kinner and his committee for their wonderful planning of the 1973 convention.

To send a letter of commendation to Arthur and Ray Wenger for their distinction of being awarded honorary doctor of science degree at Gallaudet College.

To send a letter of commendation to Lloyd Perkins expressing the appreciation of the deaf of Utah for his efforts on their behalf in championing the use of total communication in education and religious program for the deaf in Utah, and in establishing training program for interpreters for the deaf at the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf.

To send a letter of commendation to the editor of the UAD Bulletin, David Mortensen and his staff, for the devotion on their part in improving the quality of the Bulletin so that it won first place in the publications contest during the 1972 National Association of the Deaf convention.

To send a letter of thanks to Kenneth C. Burdett for his willingness to print various matters for the UAD.

To send a letter of thanks to all the lawyers, the bailiff and the interpreters who participated in the Mock Trails.

To express its appreciation to Mrs. Dora Laramie for spearheading the movement to award doctorates to Ray and Arthur Wenger.

To go on record as supporting the use of interpreters for the deaf in public schools.

To send a letter of appreciation for the continuing services of the main interpreter, Beth Ann Stewart and substitutes Gene Stewart and Madelaine Burton, on KCPX.

To send a letter of commendation to Kenneth Kinner and his committee for their wonderful planning of the 1973 convention.

To send a letter of commendation to Arthur and Ray Wenger for their distinction of being awarded honorary doctor of science degree at Gallaudet College.

To send a letter of commendation to Lloyd Perkins expressing the appreciation of the deaf of Utah for his efforts on their behalf in championing the use of total communication in education and religious program for the deaf in Utah, and in establishing training program for interpreters for the deaf at the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf.

To send a letter of commendation to the editor of the UAD Bulletin, David Mortensen and his staff, for the devotion on their part in improving the quality of the Bulletin so that it won first place in the publications contest during the 1972 National Association of the Deaf convention.

To send a letter of thanks to Kenneth C. Burdett for his willingness to print various matters for the UAD.

To send a letter of thanks to all the lawyers, the bailiff and the interpreters who participated in the Mock Trails.

To express its appreciation to Mrs. Dora Laramie for spearheading the movement to award doctorates to Ray and Arthur Wenger.

To go on record as supporting the use of interpreters for the deaf in public schools.

To confer life membership on Arthur W. Wenger for his example and for his activity in behalf of deaf people, which for many years brought recognition to Utah deaf people and their abilities to compete in the hearing world (p. 3).

Dr. Jay J. Campbell signing his speech “Humanizing Education” and Beth Ann Stewart signing her rendition in signs of “I.” There Be Peace on Earth at convention banquet. UAD Bulletin, November 1973

UAD Sponsored State Fair Booth

In September 1973, Utah Association for the Deaf President Dave Mortensen and his volunteer group of Art Valdez, Bridget Laramie, Nellie Sausedo, Bobbie Gavros, George Laramie, Richard and Joan Brubaker decorated a booth at the State Fair. Around 66 Deaf people and interpreters got to work in the booth.

While the battle over communication methods raged, the booth's purpose was to raise public awareness of the deaf and their accomplishments. It had two tables, four chairs, and two TTYs. Throughout the ten days of the State Fair, interpreters signed “Old Country Road” to music, attracting audiences to the booth to observe them sign. The State Fair attracted an estimated 375,000 visitors, over half of whom stopped by the exhibit. This booth gave them a new perspective on deaf issues, made them numerous friends, and exposed them to the public positively (UAD Bulletin, November 1973, p. 1).

Crowds flocked to see the mechanical TTYs and interpreters signing songs with music. Another booth operator a few steps distant asked them to stop handing out the 7,500 ABC Manual Alphabet cards. The people who got the cards were too busy studying them to see the other booth's items being displayed and sold (UAD Bulletin, November 1973, p. 1).

In September 1974, the UAD took second place and was awarded a trophy by president Dave Mortensen and secretary Beth Ann Stewart. It was given to UAD for its non-profit organization display at the Utah State Fair (UAD Bulletin, December 1974, p. 2).

The 1973 UAD Convention Committee.Front L-R: Mary Sanderson, Valerie Platt, Darlene Cochran, Priscilla Burdett. Rear Row L-R: Jerry Taylor, Kenneth Kinner, Dennis Platt. UAD Bulletin, June 1973

In 1974, Deaf peddlers increased. Several have been seen in Salt Lake City. The UAD banned this action because it harmed the Utah Deaf community's reputation. UAD encouraged everyone who encountered these Deaf peddlers to help discourage their conduct. Salt Lake City had an ordinance banning selling in the downtown area at the time. A $25.00 license per day was also required by another ordinance (UAD Bulletin, December 1974, p. 1).

The 1973 UAD Convention: I.. Top Left: Floyd Underwood, Elise Preece, Frank Monk, Stanley O'Neil, Edward (Ed) Bell, Bill Billeter & his father Fredinard Billeter, Ethel Kirk, her mate Albert Bray, and Lillian & Cyril Wheelock. 2nd left row: Von & Betty Jones, Marlo Honey's wife Elaine, Kay Kinner, Lucy & Virgil Greenwood, Knola Christensen, _, and Zelma & Arnold Moon. 3rd left row. Arvel & Berdean Christensen, Roy & Ruth Smith, Marsha Thruston, Jack & Cleo Peterson, Bruce Kampen, and Lavern & Joesph Burnett. 4th left row: Lloyd & Vynola Perkins, Everlyn & Max Hardy, Georgie & Wayne Stewart, and Diane & Keith Stewart

The 1973 UAD Convention: II

Twenty-Sixth Biennial Convention
June 19-21, 1975
Ramada Inn, Salt Lake City

Utah Association for the Deaf convention chairperson Fay R. Young arranged the June 19-21 convention at the Ramada Inn. The event was based at the Ramada Inn in Salt Lake City, Utah.

During the convention's business session, UAD created resolutions to voice their concerns, make decisions, and thank persons. These resolutions are from the October 1975 UAD Bulletin:

To require that the dean of students at the Utah School for the Deaf be proficient in the use of American Sign Language and of SEE signs, within two years of his/her employment; and that such proficiency be formally tested by a panel of deaf person selected by the superintendent of USD and the UAD by mutual agreement.

To support an increase in quota payments to the National Association of the Deaf, if the Deaf American magazine will be sent to each member of the cooperating state association who pay such quota as part of his/her membership fee or dues.

To formally transfer monies in the UAD Scholarship Fund to the Utah Scholarship Fund for the Deaf, now an independent organization.

To send a copy of the resolution stating the members’ support of the article, “Is Mainstreaming the Hearing Impaired Really Justified?” in the April 1975 issue of the Utah Eagle, written by Stephen Baldwin, to Robert Tegeder superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf and to Dr. Walter Talbot, superintendent of the Utah Board of Education.

To send a letter of appreciation to Mrs. Ivy Low, one of the original founders of the Utah Association for the Deaf when it was established in 1909.

To ask for information from Saul Moss of Milwaukee, Wisconsin about the use of rapid message apparatus which would apply in our state, and that the board of directors study the feasibility of a relay system.

To thank Fay Young and his committee for the hard work in planning the 1975 convention (p. 4).

The convention reached a new high when Utah Governor Calvin L. Rampton spoke at the banquet with a “silent minority” — the deaf. He was impressed by the significance of a deaf community center. Even though Governor Rampton claimed to having little contact with Deaf people, it was clear he cared about their welfare (UAD Bulletin, October 1975, p. 1). In fact, it was the first time in 66 years that a Utah governor had attended a convention. The only previous time a governor attended a convention was in 1912. Governor William Spry would not be able to arrive in time for the morning session due to a broken down automobile, but he would endeavor to reach Ogden in time for the afternoon session. It's unclear if he made the afternoon session. It was a pleasure to meet Governor Rampton in 1975. (UAD Bulletin, June 1975, p. 1).

Utah Governor Calvin L. Rampton and his wife. UAD Bulletin, June 1975

The previous superintendent of Utah School for the Deaf, Boyd Nelson, and his wife surprised the guests. Many Deaf individuals were thrilled to see him (UAD Bulletin, October 1975, p. 1).

UAD members enjoyed a captioned film, “Cheyenne Social Club,” swimming in the Ramada pool, golfing, and seeing Timpanogos Cave in American Fork.

Governor Calvin L. Rampton speaking to the large UAD Convention banquet crowd with Doris Wastlund interpreting his remarks. UAD Bulletin, October 1975

UAD Sponsors Booth at State Fair

In September 1975, the UAD sponsored another display at the Utah State Fair. In the booth, there was a television presenting sign language lessons in color and two TTYs. The TV ran all day and night.

The booth had several Deaf people and interpreters for ten days. The booth drew a lot of attention Free ABC manual alphabet cards were distributed. The visitors were educated on deaf issues, sign language, deaf social activities, and other elements of deafness.

Among 300 organizations, enterprises, and exhibitors, the UAD received a huge honorable mention blue ribbon for their public education message (UAD Bulletin, October 1975, p. 6).

UAD Logo

A proposed logo design was presented to the Utah Association for the Deaf board on June 8, 1975. The design was passed unanimously. The board approved it as the official logo and seal (UAD Bulletin, June 1975, 3). Dave's brother, Don Mortensen, designed the logo.

The logo's wrap-around arrows rotate, symbolizing the UAD's ongoing continuation. Blue seems to have been chosen because of the 1950s Utah School for the Deaf and Blind colors. In order to be visible, one arrow is tinted lighter blue A beehive symbolizes the organization's and its members' hard work (2005 UAD General Conference Minutes).

The logo has a beehive with bees in the center, like the Utah State seal.

Utah's Motto

"Industry" officially became the State Motto on March 4, 1959. "Industry is associated with the symbol of the beehive. The early pioneers had few material resources at their disposal and therefore had to rely on their own "industry" to survive. The word "industry" appears on both the State Seal and the State Flag.

Utah's Emblem

The beehive became the official state emblem on March 4, 1959. Utahans relate the beehive symbol to industry and the pioneer virtues of thrift and perseverance.

The 1975 UAD Logo

Twenty-Seventh Biennial Convention
June 16-18, 1977
Salt Lake Hilton, Salt Lake City

Paul Harris Chamberlain chaired the 27th Biennial Convention and it was held on June 16-18, 1977 at the Salt Lake Hilton in Salt Lake City, Utah (UAD Bulletin, June 1977, p. 1-2).

Thursday night's performance began at 6:00 pm, and was followed by a captioned film, “Auntie Mame” (UAD Bulletin, June 1977, p. 1-2).

Friday evening was a business session. Saturday afternoon activities included swimming at the Hilton Hotel, trips to Antelope Island, Snowbird, and a golf game (UAD Bulletin, June 1977, p. 1-2).

The three-day convention ended with a banquet, a magic show, and dancing to a band. Dr. Jay J. Campbell was the evening's master of ceremonies (UAD Bulletin, June 1977, p. 1-2).

Twenty-Eighth Biennial Convention
June 21-23, 1979
Majestic Oaks Mobile Homes Park, Murray

Norman Williams and Jerry Westberg were chairmen of the twenty-eighth biennial convention at Majestic Oaks Mobile Homes Park in Murray June 21-23. On Friday night, the newsletter was renamed from “The Silent Spotlight” to “UAD Bulletin.” Board and trustee elections took place that night, with vacancies filled the following morning at the picnic. Dr. Jay J. Campbell brightened their day by introducing Dr. Walter Talbot, State Superintendent of Public Instruction about the fight to bring the Utah Community Center for the Deaf to reality through legislature funding. (UAD Bulletin, July 1979).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and W. David Mortensen were the first Deaf recipients of the Golden Hand Award for their dedication to the Utah Deaf community through UAD (UAD Bulletin, July 1979, p. 2).

Dr. Walter Talbot

Utah Association for the Deaf Provided Services and Activities

The Utah Association for the Deaf provided several services and activities to the Utah Deaf community. UAD was a United Way agency in the Salt Lake Valley. For example, UAD supplied oral and sign language interpreters for Deaf persons in need, such as in court, hospitals, or when their civil rights were at stake. The UAD also loaned TTYs to members for use in hospitals or emergencies.

UAD also provided educational and social activities for the Utah Deaf community, such as UAD Friendship Day at Lagoon, seminars on the law and the deaf, Miss Deaf Utah Pageant, and the Utah Deaf Women's Conference (UAD Bulletin, July 1979, p. 7).

Utah Deaf Women Conference. L-R: Darlene Stewart Cochran, Ilene Coles Kinner, Lois Jones, & Celia May Baldwin, 1979

Twenty-Ninth Biennial Convention
June 12-13, 1981
Salt Lake Airport Hilton, Salt Lake City

The Utah Association for the Deaf hosted its 29th biennial convention June 12-13, 1981 at the Salt Lake Airport Hilton's Wright Room. During the Utah Association for the Deaf's Friday Appreciation Night, many association members received certificates of appreciation (UAD Bulletin, July 1981, p. 1-3).

Saturday was full of business. Among the important resolutions:

Empower the Utah Association for the Deaf to print postcards with a message to the Federal Communications Commission to ask that they require CBS to close caption their programs,
Distribute the postcards for signatures and mail to FCC; that a committee be formed to look into and document close captioning problems, contact local TV stations to establish a liaison problems, and
Add a clause to the UAD interpreter policy to prevent interference with a deaf person’s full right to interpreting, and to prevent the management or counseling of a deaf person’s business by an interpreter (UAD Bulletin, July 1981, p. 1-3).

In addition, the 1981 convention committee headed by Alden Broomhead and Stanley O'Neal, the Airport Hilton Hotel, and local TV stations 2, 4, 7, and 11 for showing closed captions; Dave Mortensen and Robert Sanderson for traveling to many civic and professional meetings on behalf of UAD; Sears for making TeleCaption decoders available for purchase; and the Utah State Fair booth volunteers were commended (UAD Bulletin, July 1981, p. 1-3).

The banquet in the Lindberg room was enjoyable. After a meal of prime rib, Dr. LeRay McAllister, majority leader of the Utah House of Representatives, spoke on how to fight for the deaf community center. The many questions directed at Dr. McAllister demonstrated a genuine interest in his topic (UAD Bulletin, July 1981, p. 1-3).

Thirtieth Biennial Convention
October 7-8, 1983
Utah Community Center for the Deaf, Bountiful

Dennis Platt co-chaired the 30th Biennial Convention with Valerie Kinney Platt. The convention was hosted at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah. It was a special occasion for all. Flooding in and around the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful forced the cancellation of the 1983 convention. Ongoing renovations postponed the convention.

• First convention date: June 10-11, 1983; postponed
• Second convention date: July 30-31, 1983; postponed
• Third convention date: October 7-8, 1983

Dennis Platt. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

The Utah Association for the Deaf passed the following resolution at their convention:

WHEREAS WHEREAS WHEREAS
many deaf people had donated time and skills to help improve the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, many deaf people and hearing people have donated useful items to the Center for the Deaf, organizations and individuals have donated money to help defray expenses of improving the Center for the Deaf,

BE IT RESOLVED that the UAD go on record as giving its thanks and appreciation to all who have so generously donated time, useful items and money.

(signed) Robert G. Sanderson, Secretary (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, January 1984, p. 3)

UAD Membership Increased

Attendance at the UAD convention increased dramatically. That year's roster included 183 members as of October 19. (UAD Bulletin, November 1983, p. 2). “It was gratifying to see so many people in attendance and joining the UAD,” said UAD President Dave Mortensen. Now we have 183. That's a huge increase from the past few years" (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, November 1983, p.1-2).

UAD Bookstore

The Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, opened the bookstore in 1983. The idea came from the National Association of the Deaf and was developed by Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. Valerie Kinney managed both the UAD and the Bookstore while also editing the UAD Bulletin Peter Green also supervised other managers. Grace Watterson worked as a bookshop manager at the new Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville in 1992. The Deaf Center was run by Peter Green after Grace left to work at the Deaf Center until his death in 2003. Valerie Kinney took over the bookstore and recruited volunteers. After Valerie retired, Adele Sigoda managed the bookstore until 2018 when Dan V. Mathis, assistant director of the Deaf Center, closed it, including the bookstore in St. George run by Faith Bassett, due to low consumer visitation and easier online ordering.

The bookstore has changed over the years, particularly in the sale of portable TTYs, which boosted revenue. TTY sales fell as videophones became popular. ASL sign language books and doorbell/phone signalers were top sellers at the Deaf Center.

Thirty-First Biennial Convention
June 14-15, 1985
Utah Community Center for the Deaf, Bountiful

Charles Roy Cochran chaired the 31st Biennial Convention on June 14-15, 1985 at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah. Utah Association for the Deaf elected him president. In 1963, at the age of 21, and just married, he was voted as one of 11 directors, the youngest. This time, he took on his new role as UAD president (Cochran, UAD Bulletin, August 1985, p. 2).

Charles Roy Cochran

The convention chairman noted Dave Mortensen had been UAD president for 14 years and no one had beaten his record. Cochran stated that Dave should be in the Guinness Book of Records or Who's Who in NAD/UAD. Cochran thought Dave did a great job running UAD as it grew from a small home-run group to a sophisticated corporation overseeing multiple programs (Cochran, UAD Bulletin, August 1985, p. 2).

At the convention, Kirk Walker, resolutions chairperson, read resolutions from the October 1985 UAD Bulletin. Here is a list of passed resolutions:

Resolution 1: To show appreciation to Robert Sanderson for his service to deaf people for many years before his retirement.

Resolution 2: To show appreciation to Valerie (Platt) Kinney for her time as UAD business manager.

Resolution 3: To show appreciation to KTVX Channel 4 of Salt Lake City for closed captioning their news programs.

Resolution 4: To show appreciation to the UAD Achievement Award committee: Barbara Bass, Celia May Baldwin, and Kayleen Pugh.

Resolution 5: To show appreciation to the 1983-1985- UAD board of directors: David Mortensen, Dennis Platt, Robert DeSpain, Jerry Taylor, Roy Cochran, Alden Broomhead, George Laramie, Stanley O’Neal, Lloyd Perkins, Glen Ross & Robert Sanderson.

Resolution 6: To show appreciation for the closed captioning of the networks: PBS, ABC, NBC, CBS, and NCI.

Resolution 7: To show appreciation for the two UAD full time interpreters, Kirk Walker and Wilma Powell.

Resolution 8: To show appreciation for the job done by the chairman, Roy Cochran, and his committee: Bruce Van Kampen, Nellie Sausedo, Lynn Losee for the 1985 UAD biennial convention.

Resolution 9: To show appreciation to Beth Ann Campbell and the Utah Community Center for the Deaf staff for continuing the work at the deaf center (p. 2 – 4).

The National Association of the Deaf Convention
August 1986
Salt Lake City, Utah

After two years of planning, meetings, TTY calls, and driving to check out needs, the 1986 National Association of the Deaf Convention arrived in August 1986. Bob and Mary Sanderson co-chaired the convention.

The convention was a success after two years of hard work. There were 1218 registered conventioneers. A computer check revealed 49 states and the District of Columbia were represented.

Mary & Robert Sanderson. UAD Bulletin, August 1986

The convention committee consisted of six husband-wife coordinator teams, each with a distinct role. Robert and Mary Sanderson, co-chairs, were in charge of general entertainment and public relations. Dennis and Valerie Kinney Platt served as assistant co-chairs, coordinating registration and other activities as needed. Jerry and Nancy Taylor handled the finances and organized fundraisers like the yard sale and candy sales. Dave and Shauna Mortensen scheduled visits to Wendover, the nearest gambling “joint,” Temple Square, and the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. Last but not least, Barbara and Fred Bass managed the Miss Deaf America Pageant local functions.

Dennis Platt

Valerie Kinney Platt. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

There was a lot going on the week. Tuesday began with the Order of Georges and Georgettes breakfast, hosted by George and Dora Laramie. Several NAD supporters came. The President's Reception that evening was well attended by Kenneth and Priscilla Burdett, the event's chairpersons. Finals of the Miss Deaf America Pageant were conducted Friday evening at the Capitol Theatre. The California entertainment group “Excerpts” performed on Wednesday night. Robert and Mary Sanderson's son Gary was in charge of Nancy Taylor's Wednesday night entertainment.

The awards luncheon was held at the nearby Hilton hotel on Friday at noon, and was organized by Peter and Sally Green. On Saturday night, New Frontier Dance, directed by George and Carola Gavros, featured the local group Hands Up in a song and dance performance.

Jerry Taylor

Nancy Taylor

Daily newsletter, The Beehive Caucus, featured convention news and interviews. The Casper Room was active all day with the copy machine and phone calls handled by interpreters for the deaf who needed voice assistance.

Many attendees described the convention as a family reunion. On Wednesday, three sorority and fraternity luncheons were held; Gallaudetians had mini-reunions throughout the week.

Shanna & Dave Mortensen

Appreciation Dinner Climaxes NAD Committee Work

The UAD sponsored an appreciation meal to thank NAD convention staff for their dedication and enthusiasm. For some, it was the culmination of two years of meetings, designing, planning, and executing the convention. Roy Cochran, president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, organized and emceed the event.

The UAD board of directors appreciated Robert and Mary Sanderson's work and said the convention would not have been possible without over 100 committee workers.

“Personal remarks and letters from people all over the United States suggested the convention was a success,” stated Dr. Sanderson. He also received Associated Press clippings from as far as Florida, indicating the convention and pageant were highly covered.

Pete Green

Sally Green

Awards Luncheon Honors Supporters

In front of over 900 individuals, the National Association of the Deaf presented awards to people who have supported or volunteered for the organization.

Mary Sanderson of Utah received the Knights of the Flying Fingers award for her tireless efforts in bringing the 1986 NAD convention to reality.

Shutterbugs Capture NAD Spirit

A team of three photographers, Robert Welsh, Robert Bonnell, and Louise Saathoff, “shot” 34 rolls. They managed to catch every event leading up to, during, and following the convention.

Their main job was to satisfy requests for approximately 2,000 photos. They had to figure out how many of each picture were shot, which was not an easy task. The original photos and negatives were sent to the NAD Office (UAD Bulletin, August 1986, p. 1-3).

Priscilla and Kenneth Burdett. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Thirty-Second Biennial Convention
June 12-13, 1987
Excelsior Hotel, Provo

The Utah Association for the Deaf held its biennial convention in Provo for the first time under the leadership of co-chairs Ron Nelson and Kristi Mortensen. They chose the Excelsior Hotel because Provo's Deaf community had historically been excluded from the UAD and politically and socially isolated from the greater Deaf community in Utah. They planned to invite them to the convention to learn more about UAD. Sadly, just 3 Provo residents attended the convention (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 5).

Ron Nelson & Kristi Mortensen

Jim Harper, according to Ron Nelson, was the most active member in Provo. He got involved and was elected to the UAD Board of Directors. He was Provo's biggest asset. During Jim's two years on the board, he consistently attended practically every monthly board meeting in Bountiful, Utah. He informed them of Provo's efforts to obtain required services and sought their expertise. He kept Provo informed of UAD political efforts. He founded the Utah Valley Chapter, which joined the UAD during the convention (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 5).

Jim Harper

The Miss Deaf Utah Pageant was held at Hillcrest High School on Friday. The following day's business meeting was at the Excelsior Hotel. The banquet and entertainment were held in the McKay Room, where participants greeted the new Miss Deaf Utah! (UAD Bulletin, July 1987, p.2).

The convention ended with a flourish with over 90 people attending the banquet. Senator Darrel Renstrom, sponsor of Senate Bill 101 Hearing Impaired Telecommunication Access Act and Utah Relay Services Bill for TDD distribution and message relay center, was a guest speaker and spoke about the bill. Many Deaf people signed the “Joy of Signing” book to thank him for his efforts on their behalf (UAD Bulletin, July 1987, p. 2).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin, a long-time active member and supporter of the Utah Association for the Deaf, received the Golden Hand Award. Despite being a single parent of two children, she had extended her participation beyond UAD to the local division of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, St Mary Magdalene Club for the Deaf. Regardless of the fact that she only moved to Fremont, California a year ago, her services were highly recognized and deserving of the Golden Hand Award for 1987 (UAD Bulletin, July 1987, p. 2).

Tim Funk, of the Committee on Consumer Services, received the President's Award from outgoing president Roy Cochran. He helped the Utah Coalition for Deaf Access pass Senate Bill 101 in the 1987 legislative session (UAD Bulletin, July 1987, p. 2).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

The following resolutions were developed at the convention:

Whereas deaf people and friends of the deaf turned out enmasse at the rally on January 30 at the Utah Capitol, many taking the day off work, and
Whereas interpreters volunteered their time to interpret at the rally, and at the Senate and House legislative sessions,
Whereas the rally was the formal start of Senate Bill 101 to provide TDD distribution and message relay center, which benefits both the deaf and the hearing alike,
Be it resolved that the Utah Association for the Deaf go on record as commending all those who gave their time that day to see the SB 101 off to a good start, which eventually culminated in a successful passage in the Senate and the House,
Be it further resolved that the UAD secretary be directed to place a copy of the resolution in a future issue of the UAD Bulletin (UAD Bulletin, September 1987, p. 2).

Utah Relay Service

The “Hearing Impaired Telecommunication Access Act” was passed in 1987 to assist Deaf people access standard phone services. President W. David Mortensen signed a contract with the Public Service Commission on October 13, 1987, to operate the Utah Relay Service.

Utah Deaf Supporters with Utah Governor Norman H. Bangerter, 1987

The Utah Relay Service began operations on January 4, 1988. The Utah Relay Service run by the UAD under a 10-year contract with the Public Service Commission (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, April 1999). Madelaine Perkins, CODA and certified interpreter, was selected by the UAD as executive director of the Utah Relay System based tt he Utah Community Center for the Deaf (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, November 1987).

The UAD contract ended in 1999. Sprint won a bid for the Utah Relay Service from the Public Service Commission in 2000. When Sorenson Communication, Inc. entered the picture in 2003, the TTY was obsolete.

Madelaine Perkins

Thirty-Third Biennial Convention
June 17-19, 1989
University Park Hotel, Salt Lake City

John Peebler chaired the 33rd biennial convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The convention included reports on the Utah Interpreter Service and Utah Relay Services, as well as questions from the Deaf community about these services and other issues.

Utah Association for the Deaf celebrated its 80th anniversary (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 1-2).

The convention featured a 16mm film entitled “A History of the Utah School for the Deaf: 1940-1965.” Kenneth C. Burdett videotaped a huge group of delighted students at the Utah School for the Deaf. David Mortensen, USD class of 1949, commented, “It [the film] shows that it [the school experience] never harmed a deaf boy or girl to be sent away from home to a school that exclusively served their needs. Education, socialization, leadership training, discipline, dramatics, dance, public speaking, sports, entertainment, etc., you name it, it was there. Those were very, very happy times.” President Mortensen however said, “Times have changed.” and he questioned, “Have they changed for the better or worse?” “Is mainstreaming the answer?” He again responded, “No, I would say not. Some say it is a trend, that this is a modern age. Shucks, I say, however, you be the judge. You talk to any one of those who spent at school away from home and see if any feel it was a mistake” (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1990, p. 1).

Kenneth C. Burdett

Thirty-Fourth Biennial Convention
June 13-15, 1991
Salt Lake Airport Hilton, Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake Airport Hilton Hotel hosted the thirty-fourth biannual convention, which was chaired by Lynn Losee. Despite the limited turnout of 168 individuals, the UAD convention was deemed a success since attendees enjoyed the three events: the picnic on Thursday, June 13 at Bountiful Park, the dinner and Miss Deaf Utah pageant on Friday, June 14, and the awards banquet on Saturday, June 15. The food at each of the three events was outstanding. The business meeting went well; just eight by-law amendments were reviewed, with some of them being approved, amended, or rejected. The sessions were well received by the attendees. The mood was upbeat (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 3).

Lynn Losee, chair of the UAD 1991 Convention

The attendees found all three workshops presented during the convention, including HIV/AIDS, Deaf Empowerment, and ASL/Deaf Culture, were equally outstanding and worthwhile. At the "HIV/AIDS" workshop, people's mouths were open in surprise. Christine Buchholz dedicated time to "HIV/AIDS," Jacqueline Roth to "Deaf Empowerment," and Minnie Mae Wilding Diaz to "ASL and Deaf Culture" at the UAD (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 3).

John (Jack) White and Bob Welsh were elected as new UAD trustees immediately following the board members' election (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 3).

People were already planning to meet together again in two years, perhaps at the new Utah Community Center of the Deaf in Taylorsville rather than in much further locations like Park City (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 3).

The relaxed mood and excellent surroundings at the Airport Hilton Hotel were said to be a hit with guests (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 3).

The six young ladies who competed in the pageant were a delightful group. Despite the fact that only one of the girls was crowned state queen, each of the girls excelled in their own special way (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 3).

The participants' different educational backgrounds drew a lot of attention from the audience. Heather Horman of Olympus, Melanie Mears of Brighton, Pamela Mower of Jordan, Christie Norton of Skyline, Kristi Waldvogel of Mountain View, and Shannon Warr of Bountiful are all graduates of public high schools in Salt Lake and Utah counties (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 3).

Only four people from outside the state attended the UAD Convention. Aside from Kathy Allen from Alaska, two Californians, Dora Laramie of Fremont and Beverly Nunn of Sun Valley, and a Nebraskan, Robert Taylor of Omaha, attended the 1991 UAD Convention (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 3).

When asked why he declined the nomination to serve on the UAD Board, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson stated that he had been with the UAD for 36 years and that it was time for him to retire. Reason was accepted (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 3).

Furthermore, the convention concluded with an awards luncheon that was full of surprises and excitement for the attendees.

A guest speaker was USDB Superintendent David West, who spoke about trends in Deaf Education (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 1).

The 1991 UAD Convention

President’s Awards

Four people were honored with the President's Award for their significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community. Madelaine Perkins was honored for her work with the Utah Relay Service; John (Jack) F. White was honored for his many years of dedication to Utah sports; Rodney W. Walker was honored for his many years of service to a variety of organizations; and Gene D. Stewart was honored for his dedication to the Utah Deaf community through vocational rehabilitation.

Dr. Robert Sanderson surprised W. David Mortensen by presenting him with a gavel emblazoned with the words "UAD Board thanks Dave Mortensen for 18 years of dedicated service" (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 1-2).

John (Jack) F. White

The Golden Hand Award

Peter Green received the Golden Hand Award for his outstanding contributions to the Utah Deaf community. He had kept meticulous records for the UAD general money, United Way, Miss Deaf Utah, and other accounts during his tenure as treasurer. He built a billing statement agency for up to 32 people, which had never been done previously for freelance interpreters. He had volunteered to compile financial records and had spent many hours doing so. Under his diligent eye, the general fund doubled. He kept track of all UAD merchandise in the UAD Bookstore, including TV decoders, TDDs, books, and other items. He served as the chairman of two reunions of the Utah School for the Deaf. He was a regular attendee at meetings for the Salt Lake Frats, Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf, and Utah Association for the Deaf. People regarded him as a fine man and a loyal member of the Deaf community in Utah (UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 1-2).

Pete Green

Thirty-Fifth Biennial Convention
June 17-19, 1993
Utah Community Center for the Deaf, Taylorsville

The 35th biennial convention was held in the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (UCCD) in Taylorsville, with Lynn Losee serving as chair once again.

During the convention's sessions, four essential areas were discussed, including grants, the National Safety Council on Defensive Driving, relay service, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (Mortensen, L.M., UAD Bulletin, July 1993, p. 3).

The Utah Association for the Deaf held three events: a potluck luncheon on Thursday at UCCD, a dinner and the Miss Deaf Utah pageant on Friday, and an awards banquet on Saturday (UAD Bulletin, July 1993, p. 3).

A keynote speaker at the luncheon in downtown Salt Lake Hilton Hotel was Ben Soukup, president of the National Association of the Deaf and director of both the South Dakota Association of the Deaf and Communication Services for the Deaf in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (UAD Bulletin, July 1993, p. 3).

Ben Soukup. Deaf Person of the Month, October 2007

When the board meetings resumed, some of the goals that the UAD board discussed were:

Legislation to increase the surcharge on phone lines from 10 cents a line to 25-35 cents to increase quality services and improve standards of the Utah Relay Services;
Workshops with an aim to “empower the young deaf population and produce more leaders for the future;”
More workshops or seminars in the community to meet understanding of social issues and needs of the deaf;
Education on deaf issues;
Support of the Bi-Bi Deaf Mentor project;
Captioning on local news broadcasts;
Support to get ASL accepted as a foreign language.

UAD aimed to achieve all of the goals within two years, despite the fact that they did not appear to be simple or easy (UAD Bulletin, August 1993, p. 1).

The Golden Hand Award

Rodney W. Walker was honored with the Golden Hand Award in 1993 for his community service (UAD Bulletin, July 1993, p. 3).

Rodney W. Walker

The Presidential Awards

The Presidential Awards were presented to men and women who had made significant contributions to a variety of organizations. The following people were recognized:

Barbara Bass
Kenneth Kinner
Jane Bell
Lynn Losee
Dave Mortensen
Mary Sanderson
Robert Sanderson
Peter Green
Shirley Platt
Ann Thatcher
Pat Walker
Lloyd Perkins (UAD Bulletin, July 1993, p. 3).

Robert & Mary Sanderson

Thirty-Sixth Biennial Convention
June 15-17, 1995
Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden

The Utah Association for the Deaf hosted its 36th biennial conference at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind on a new campus. UAD president Dave Mortensen remarked that it felt like he was back in the early days of the association, when all UAD conventions were held at the school in Ogden. They missed the old campus, but the new one was just as nice and will create new memories (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 4).

On Thursday, June 15, the UAD convention kicked off with a reception on the patio of the new USDB Administration Building (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, August 1995, p. 1).

Dave Mortensen, UAD President

Two workshops were held on Friday afternoon, June 16th. Annette Tull, an interpreter for the Granite School District, gave a talk regarding interpreters and how Deaf people can use them effectively. Madelaine Perkins, the director of the Utah relay service, spoke about the relay service and what it can and cannot accomplish for relay users (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 1).

The Miss Deaf Utah Pageant was conducted in the auditorium that evening, with Kristi Mortensen as state director and Katrina Lee as pageant director (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, August 1995, p. 1).

Annette Tull

UAD Chooses to be Different

Many members of various associations and clubs insisted on specific words when crafting their constitutions and by-laws to ensure that their organizations would be run by deaf people. "Of" and "for" were the troublesome words. The word "of" was utilized by a large percentage of Deaf organizations in their titles because they believed it conveyed a real sense of ownership. They viewed that the phrase "for" implied that the organization should be managed by either the deaf or the hearing, giving them less control. The discussion dragged on for quite some time. The same debate arose at the convention on the use of "for" in the Utah Association for the Deaf. "The word "of" appeared in a lot of the messages the UAD was receiving. The members voted to keep the same term "for" after considering the pros and cons. As a result, the UAD was known as the Utah Association for the Deaf. "It won't hurt UAD to be different," one member added (UAD Bulletin, November 1995, p. 1).

Dr. Lee Robinson, USDB Superintendent Gives a Speech

Dr. Lee Robinson, superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, presented a short address during the business session that offered the UAD a clear picture of the school's mission. On the overhead projector, he showed them the number of Deaf and blind students in the state. In December 1994, there were 953 students enrolled (UAD Bulletin, September 1995, p. 4-5).

On campus, the school had recently finished building beautiful new classrooms for the deaf and blind. Dr. Robinson believed that by doing so, more parents would send their kids to the campus program. The school was looking for fresh ways to start a sports program, such as bringing together athletes from both the campus and extension programs for some real games. In January 1995, Dr. Robinson attended the Western Classic basketball tournament in Fremont, California, and was impressed by the large number of Deaf high school students from all across the west (UAD Bulletin, September 1995, p. 4-5).

Dr. Robinson encouraged Deaf organizations to hold meetings at the USDB and was glad that the Utah Association for the Deaf did so (UAD Bulletin, September 1995, p. 4-5).

He looked forward to meeting with the UAD to discuss ways to improve Deaf Education. He believed that communication between the USDB and the Deaf community was crucial (UAD Bulletin, September 1995, p. 4-5).

The event was emceed that evening by Dennis Platt. Margo Cienek, a former Miss Deaf America, gave a discussion about the past, present, and future of Deaf culture, which was the highlight of the banquet program (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 1995, p. 1).

Dr. Lee Robinson

Thirty-Seventh Biennial Convention
June 13-14, 1997
Salt Lake Airport Hilton, Salt Lake City

The 37th biennial convention of the Utah Association for the Deaf was held in Salt Lake City on June 13-14, 1997, at the Salt Lake Airport Hilton. After Friday's workshops, the convention ended early in the evening so that everyone could watch Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls from their homes (Mortensen, K., UAD Bulletin, July 1997).

The convention met again the next day, on Saturday, June 14. Significant motions from the July 1997 issue of the UAD Bulletin were discussed during the convention business meeting as follows:

Thanks to Dave Mortensen and Shanna Mortensen for their 20 plus years of devotion to UAD, especially with Dave as president;

The suspension of the new Constitution and Bylaws proposals to allow the UAD lawyer time to go over the document and make sure it does not conflict with state laws. After the lawyer has given his opinion, a general meeting will be held in late September or early October;

The establishment of committee to study the feasibility and set a policy for a lending library of deafness related materials;

The establishment of a one-day Bi Bi conference to be held within a year. Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz was chosen as chair of the Bi Bi conference;

The purchase of a laptop computer for use by the secretary to record all meeting minutes and two modems, one installed in the UAD bookstore computer and in the UAD Bulletin computer to enable the use of e-mail capabilities.

Shanna & Dave Mortensen

At the business meeting, resolutions were also passed. They included the following:

Thanks to David Samuelsen for the time and effort in following and reporting on the legislature on matters pertaining to the Deaf community;
Thanks to KJZZ for beginning the closed captioning effort on Jazz games and encouraging them to caption all games;
Thanks to KUTV Channel 2, KTVX Channel 4, and KSTU (Fox) Channel 13 for being sensitive to their deaf audiences with the introduction of real time captioning and ask that they also caption 1-15 reconstruction bulletin segments;
Commendation to the Deaf Connections director, Carol Croyle, and her staff, friends and volunteers for an outstanding job;
Applaud and express deep appreciation to Dave Mortensen for his everlasting work in making UAD a successful and prosperous organization (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 1997, p. 4).

UAD Retains “For” In Its Name

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, JMS Co-founder

On February 21, 1998, the UAD survived an attempt to change its name to Utah Association of the Deaf. The 2/3 majority required to pass this question was not achieved during voting at the general meeting. The Utah Association for the Deaf was kept as the name (UAD Bulletin, March 1998, p. 1).

Now It’s “Conference”

At the UAD general meeting in September 1997, a motion was carried to replace the word "convention" to "conference" where references to the UAD convention were found in the UAD Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, October 1998, p. 1).

Thirty-Eighth Biennial Conference
June 11-12, 1999
Provo Marriott, Provo

At the Provo Marriott in Provo, the Utah Association for the Deaf wrapped up their 38th biennial conference. Dr. Jess Freeman King of Utah State University in Logan, Utah, gave a session titled "A Look Ahead: Education of the Deaf in the Next Millennium" at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 1999. Dr. Carol Padden of the University of California-San Diego gave the following presentation on the "Future of Deaf People" (UAD Bulletin, July 1999, p. 1; UAD Bulletin, September 1999, p. 1-6).

Dr. J. King Freeman

Kelby Brick, a Deaf lawyer, rounded out the day with a discussion on "Accessibility: The Law" (UAD Bulletin, July 1999, p. 1).

Deafywood was brought to life by a group of Deaf entertainers on Friday evening (UAD Bulletin, July 1999, p. 1).

Tom Humphries of the University of California-San Diego presented on "The Modern Deaf Self," and Kelby Brick addressed on "Current Legal Issues & How to Influence Public Policy" on Saturday (UAD Bulletin, July 1999, p. 1).

According to the July 1999 issue of the UAD Bulletin, the association board and members collaborated to create resolutions during the conference.

Resolutions:

Resolution #1
Whereas Caralee Crye, chair of the 1999 UAD Conference, and her committee
putting many hours to ensure the success of the 1999 UAD Conference;
Whereas they have worked hard to bring well-known experts and held excellent workshops;
Whereas they succeeded in bringing a famous deaf act known as Deafywood which everyone enjoyed very much;
Whereas Provo has not had a UAD Conference since 1987;
Be it further resolved that the UAD recognize and applaud the accomplishments of Carelee Crye and her committee members; and that a copy be sent to her by the UAD secretary.

Resolution #2
Whereas David Samuelsen applied for the UAD domain name and established
the UAD website;
Whereas the UAD website has won several awards for its design and content;
Whereas he has continued to add information from clubs; organization and business to the UAD website;
Whereas he also set up UAD Announce, a mailing list that allows for announcements and notices to be mailed out;
Whereas the UAD Announce mailing list has continued to grow and even be copied to other deafuser lists;
Be it resolved that the UAD recognize and applaud David Samuelson’s efforts to make a website that UAD can be proud of; and
Be it further resolved that the resolution become a part of the official UAD record and a copy be sent to him by the UAD secretary.

Resolution #3
Whereas Barbara Bass, editor of the UAD Bulletin, has spent much time for
many years to post a monthly UAD Bulletin;
Whereas she has made many efforts to contact reports and people for news and information;
Whereas she has taken time to read national deaf publications and mentioned important issues in the UAD Bulletin;
Whereas she has encouraged local deaf writers and others to submit articles of interest;
Whereas she has tried her best to keep up to date with computer technology and desktop software;
Be it resolved that the UAD in conference recognize and applaud Barbara Bass for her strong and successful work as editor of the UAD Bulletin; and
Be it further resolved that the resolution become a part of the official record and a copy be sent to her by the UAD secretary.

Barbara Schell Bass @ Robert Bonnel

Resolution #4
Whereas Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz was selected as chair of the Bi-Bi
Committee two years ago;
Whereas she and her committee were charged with exploring issues regarding education of deaf children;
Whereas in the intervening two years, she and her committee set up the Utah Deaf Education and Literacy, Inc.
Whereas the Jean Massieu School is the fruition of their two years of work; Whereas the school will open its door on August 30, 1999;
Be it resolved that Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz and her committee members be commended for their sacrifice of time and dedication to the needs of deaf children; and
Be it further resolved that the resolution become a part of the official UAD record and a copy sent to her by the UAD Secretary (UAD Bulletin, July 1999, p. 4).

Eleanor Kay and Kenneth Lee Kinner

Thirty-Ninth Biennial Conference
June 8-9, 2001
Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Taylorsville

The Utah Community Center of the Deaf hosted the thirty-ninth biennial conference on June 8-9, 2001. The Senior Citizen's Get Together kicked off the UAD conference on Friday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m. The topic of "Bridging the Generations" was presented by Dan Brubaker of Washington, D.C. Brunch was prepared and served. That evening, the Miss Deaf Utah Pageant took place (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 2).

Sprint donated $1,000 to cover the costs of the Friday brunch, Saturday breakfast, and Saturday noon box lunches (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 2).

On Saturday, June 9, 2001, the conference was called to order by Dennis Platt, president. The secretary, Valerie Kinney, delivered the necrology of deceased UAD members and friends. A moment of silence was observed after the names were read (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 2).

Dennis Platt, president; Ron Nelson, vice president; Valerie Kinney, secretary; Pete Green, treasurer; and Ricky Rose, chairman, each presented their reports (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 2).

Rachel Wheeler, Miss Deaf Utah Pageant state director; Pete Green, UAD Bookstore manager; Dave Mortensen, Utah TTY Directory editor; Clay Crye, UAD Announce/UAD Website moderator; and Barbara Bass, UAD Bulletin chair, all gave reports to the committee (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 2).

Dan Brubaker

The conference was adjourned for lunch at 12:00 p.m., with the business session resuming at 1:00 p.m. for a community forum moderated by Dan Brubaker, a former Utahn (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 2).

During the community forum, two discussion groups were formed, each of which came up with suggestions and ideas for improving Deaf children's education. The panel discussion lasted three hours (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 2). The biennial conference and the Community Forum on Deaf Education were attended by USDB Superintendent Lee Robinson and Assistant Superintendent Joseph DiLorenzo (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, August 2001, p.1).

An early confer- ence picture which was taken in front of the Utah School for the Deaf building, which no longer exists, except in pictures

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson was appointed as parliamentarian. The following motions were passed:

The mandate for the years 2001-2003 shall be education of deaf children in Utah.

Recognize the president emeritus of UAD now and thereafter. A flurry of motions regarding the two-year membership requirement to run for the board of directors and the number of directors on the board ensured, ending in having the issues tabled.

Elections then took place.

Ron Nelson 41
Peter Green 38
Valerie Kinney 38
Dennis Platt 31
Robert Kerr 28
Robert O’Brien 27
Clay Crye 26
Keith Nelson 25
Wayne Stoltz 20
Caralee Crye 19

The board of directors then convened for a brief meeting to elect new officers, including Robert O'Brien as chairman, Ron Nelson as president, Clay Crye as vice-president, Peter Green as treasurer, and Valerie Kinney as secretary (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 2).

A BBQ meal marked the end of the conference. Dan Brubaker addressed the audience briefly. Ricky moderated the Utah Deaf Trivia as part of the conference dinner entertainment. This game was a lot of fun for everyone (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, August 2001, p. 2).

The oath of office was then administered by Ricky Rose, the former chairman, to Ron Nelson, Peter Green, Valerie Kinney, Robert Kerr, and Dennis Platt. Clay Crye and Robert O'Brien were sworn in after that. The board agreed to meet on the second Saturday of each month at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 2).

UAD President’s Message

Ron Nelson, president of UAD, stated in the August 2001 issue of the UAD Bulletin that UAD will do its best to keep an eye on current programs and events at USDB and work hard to ensure that those programs that benefit Deaf children will receive UAD's support. "The Deaf Mentor Program is a jewel!" he exclaimed. The Jean Massieu School and Utah Community Center of Deaf and Hard of Hearing's Deaf Connections were also gems." He requested community support for those programs in order to ensure their long-term sustainability (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, August 2001, p. 1).

UAD Announce Is At Your Service

UAD Announce was an email group for the Utah Deaf community that sent out announcements of interest. This email list could be used for a variety of purposes, but it was primarily for Utah Deaf community announcements.

Weddings
Births
Deaths
Church activities – any religion
Social activities
Open captioned movies
Seminars/Workshops/Conferences
Community news
Deaf sport events
Deaf organization meetings
Job openings
Utah Legislature bills (UAD Bulletin, August 2001, p. 6).

National Association of the Deaf Board Visits Utah

Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The National Association of the Deaf's board of directors chose Salt Lake City, Utah, as the location for their June 2001 board meeting. They got together on June 15 and 16 at the Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

On Friday evening, everyone shared their concerns about numerous issues at a town hall meeting. NAD's position on cochlear implants was explained as a concern. After a two-year committee assessment, the NAD developed a more humanitarian policy due to the media frenzy and a desire to recruit parents of Deaf children with cochlear implants.

The NAD board members were given a tour of the community center and the ongoing building of a new expansion by the UCCDHH team. At the Trolley Square on Saturday evening, UAD sponsored a dinner for the NAD board members. The visitors were so taken aback by it that they spent the rest of their time browsing through its many shops.

The NAD executive director, Nancy Bloch, sent a thank-you card. The following is an excerpt from her letter:

“...your assistance with the details/logistics for our meeting and townhall meeting was invaluable and appreciated. The center and your programs are very impressive, and we all left with the green tint of jealousy and envy with all you have accomplished in SLC.
The cooperation between Rusty Wales, UCCDHH staff and UAD was superb (UAD Bulletin, July 2001, p. 5).

Nancy W. Bloch @ StreetLeverage

UAD General Meeting Renews Flag Tradition

Due to the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the meeting was held on September 22, 2001, at an unfortunate time. Only 20 people attended. The UAD expressed gratitude for their participation. To memorialize the workers and victims of the tragedy, the conference began with a solemn moment of silence. The American flag and the Utah state flag were both flown during the gathering for the first time in many years, and Dennis Platt led the Pledge of Allegiance (UAD Bulletin, October 2001, p. 1).

UAD Board Mentioned in National DeafDigest Email

The following comment appeared in the DeafDigest Gold Email on June 22, 2003:

"Should Utah Association of the Deaf run national deaf affairs?"

The board of directors does, after all, have a lot of experience:

Two former NAD presidents,
Four former and present NWAAD presidents

"It was one of the fastest I have seen everywhere," Larry Forestal, a former NAD president, said of one recent board meeting. This should be a lesson for our Congress. Stop wasting time on filibustering and move on with legislative matter (UAD Bulletin, August 2003, p. 7).

Larry Forestal @ nad.org

Fortieth Biennial Conference
June 13-14, 2003
Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Taylorsville

The doors opened for the fortieth biennial conference, which was hosted at the Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, on a bright and early June 13 morning. Early birds were treated to a brunch in the gym. The weekend event was chaired by John Peebler, who was aided by Kathleen Peebler, the registration chair. The registration process was aided by Adele Sigoda and Linda Berness.

The day was filled with a variety of informational booths, video relay booths, workshops, and workshops giving information about the National Association of the Deaf, Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf, Free Legal Aid, and Junior UAD.

John Peebler. UAD Bulletin, July 2003

That evening, the Mr. Deaf Utah 2003 competition was held, and Curtis Barsness was crowned Mr. Deaf Utah.

Sprint supplied a nice meal to those who arrived early the next morning. The day's highlight was the business session, which took place in the new Lecture Hall. The president, Ron Nelson, presided over the meeting.

Miss Deaf Utah, Rebecca Davenport, performed a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Dan Brubaker was named Sprint's new account manager, succeeding Mark Tauscher. One of the two NAD Region IV delegates, Norma Lea Chrismon, was also introduced. Rodney Walker, emeritus president, was honored.

Kathleen Peebler. UAD Bulletin, June 2001

Two previous NAD presidents, Robert Sanderson and Larry Forestal, as well as two former UAD presidents, Dave Mortensen and Dennis Platt, were elected to the board at the voting session (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, July 2003, p. 2).

Following the business sessions, the conference was closed with a meal in the gym. Dennis Platt served as the evening's emcee, guiding the audience through the proceedings. The keynote address was given by Norma Lea Chrismon, a representative from the National Association of the Deaf from Region IV. Sally Green would be given a life membership and a gift, according to Ron Nelson. She was a long-time supporter of the UAD, having seen her husband, Pete, served as treasurer and manager of the UAD Bookstore before his death on May 25, 2003. (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2003, p. 2 & 4).

Pete Green was a dedicated UAD member who served in a variety of roles. He joined UAD when he was 18 years old and served on the board of directors and as treasurer since 1987. He had also been in charge of the UAD Bookstore since 1987, rising to manager in 2000. In addition, he was a member of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's advisory committee; a board member of the National Association of the Deaf from 1976 to 1980; and chairman of the USD Alumni Reunion from 1978 to 1984, to mention a few (UAD Bulletin, June 2003, p. 1).

Junior UAD

Junior UAD was founded at Bonneville Junior High School on April 30, 2003. Junior UAD was offered to students in grades 7 through 12. The purpose was to teach teamwork, how to work collaboratively, and have a great time. Kristi Mortensen served as the UAD's Junior Advisor (Rainey, UAD Bulletin, June 2003, p. 4 -5; Mortensen, K., UAD Bulletin, June 2003, p. 5).

Kristi Mortensen described why Junior UAD was chosen over Junior NAD. Kristi Mortensen remarked that the knowledge regarding NAD and Junior NAD was a huge concept for them and would go over their heads after working with them for several months. Because of the tight link with UAD, making it Junior UAD was a preferable choice. Kristi thought the kids had an easier time making relationships with UAD. Several UAD Board members visited the school and spoke with students in grades 7 through 12. Kristi hoped that once they understood how UAD serves the Utah Deaf community, they would realize how NAD and Junior NAD are connected and switch from Junior UAD to Junior NAD (Mortensen, K., UAD Bulletin, June 2003, p. 5).

Kristi Mortensen

UAD Receives NAD Award

At the National Association of the Deaf Conference in Kansas City, Kansas, UAD delegates Eli McCowan and Nancy O'Brien earned a prestigious award on behalf of the Utah Association for the Deaf. Only two state associations, the Utah Association for the Deaf and the Florida Association of the Deaf, received the State Association Award from NAD. For UAD, this was a tremendous honor! ( UAD Bulletin, September 2004, p. 1).

Forty-First Biennial Conference
June 9-11, 2005
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Taylorsville

Eleanor (Eli) McCowan chaired the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf's forty-first biennial conference, which took place June 9-11, 2005, and was reminiscent of conferences held in the 1970s and 1980s, with a welcome party on Thursday evening, June 9, and morning brunches to welcome attendees, workshops to attend, two entertaining evenings with the Miss Deaf Utah Pageant on Friday, June 10, and a wrap-up dinner and variety show on Saturday, June 11 (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2005, p. 1).

Eli was the chairperson of the 2005 UAD Conference committee, which had been meeting for almost a year to arrange every detail of the event. Ron Nelson, facilitator; Valerie Kinney, recorder; Dennis Platt, treasurer; Karen Kendall, conference coordinator; April Trocki, welcome party; Andrea Anderson, dinner; Nancy O'Brien, registration; Trenton Marsh, workshops; Mitch Moyers, program book; Ron Nelson, facilitator; Valerie Kinney, recorder; Dennis Platt, treasurer; Karen Kendall, conference coordinator; April Trocki, welcome party; Andrea Anderson, dinner; Nancy O'Brien, registration; Trenton (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2005, p. 1).

Eleanor McCowan

The business seminars were made memorable by the use of PowerPoint slideshows for reports and a multi-media projector to display what was entered on a laptop. The sessions were given over the course of two days, allowing everyone to read and follow along (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2005, p.1).

During the session, Jeff Pollock spoke about "The Utah Deaf Education Controversy: Total Communication Versus Oralism at the University of Utah."

Miss Deaf Utah 2005–2007 was Shawnelle Hardman of Orem, with Jenna Thorup of Bountiful as first runner up and Joyce Hout of Orem as second runner up. The pageant was themed in Chinese and was beautifully decorated (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2005, p.1).

Chinese decorations greeted those attending the meal, which matched the Chinese food offered for supper (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2005, p. 1).

Outgoing president Ron Nelson presented lifetime awards to the following people during the Saturday evening program:

Jerry and Nancy Taylor
Dave and Shanna Mortensen
Dennis and Shirley Platt
Kenneth and Ilene Kinner
Valerie Kinney

Each was given a Danbury book clock with their name and the UAD insignia engraved on it, as well as a lifelong membership certificate (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2005, p.1).

Ronald Burdett, coordinator of the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, delivered the keynote presentation on leadership in Utah's past, present, and future. Pictures of Deaf persons in various occupations from a special edition of the UAD Bulletin Summer 1968 were incorporated in his PowerPoint presentation (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2005, p.1).

Ronald Burdett @ Sorenson Communications, Inc.

Rodney Walker, president emeritus, administered the oath of office to the new board of directors, who will govern the Utah Association for the Deaf for the next five years (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2005, p.1).

Ellen O'Hara, the outgoing Miss Deaf Utah, hosted a variety show to cap off the evening (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 2005, p. 1).

Forty-Second Biennial Conference
September 14-15, 2007
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Taylorsville

On September 13, at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a welcoming reception started off the weekend for the forty-second biennial conference, which drew 250 participants. Sprint-sponsored morning brunches kicked off Friday and Saturday events. Nancy O'Brien was the chairman of the conference (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).

The conference was usually held in the summer every two years at UAD, but this year it was held in September 2007. Because the Winter Deaflympics were a unique and spectacular event in Utah, the conference was moved from summer to fall, giving the organizing team more time to prepare (Kerr, UAD Bulletin, June 2007, p. 2).

Local professionals gave sessions on Friday morning. Craig Radford presented "Taste of Technology," which featured new Sprint advancements. Cindy Plue spoke on "Bi-Bi Education in Utah." Bobby Giles, Jim Harper, and Julio Diaz guided the audience through the filming of Utah's "First ASL Film" before the refreshment break, which was hosted by the Utah Chapter of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Jodi Becker Kinner delivered "History of Deaf Education in Utah" after the break (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).

The afternoon meeting focused on reports, proposals, and new business. After the Friday session concluded, it was continued the next morning (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).

The 15th anniversary celebration began with a buffet meal and was followed by a "Tribute to ASL," which was emceed by Kristi Mortensen. Chelsea Tobin, Miss Deaf America, presented a speech. Several people read poems, sang songs, and performed poetry (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).

The business session proceeded after the Saturday brunch, with fresh business and the election of board members to lead UAD for the 2007-2009 period (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).
On Saturday afternoon, there were more sessions. Ron Burdett spoke on "Discovering the Value of SVRS Features." "Happy Home!" was presented by Jana Robets Harbaugh, the lone out-of-state workshop presenter. "Success in Communication and Relationships." Jeff Pollock remarked, "Me Born IX – South Weak-Mind, Go to School, IX – North." Following a refreshment break given by the same sponsor as the day before, Trenton Marsh closed the afternoon with "You Crazy!" What exactly does a Deaf Interpreter do? (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).

Booths were set up by Sorensen, Hands On VRS, Communication Services for the Deaf VRS, and the Utah Chapter of RID. The conference delegates were served a buffet meal followed by a program.

Prestigious Awards Given During UAD Conference

The UAD Conference awarded two outstanding prizes on September 15, 2007, at the conclusion of an outstanding three-day program.

The Golden Hand Award went to Sorenson Communications, a renowned provider of Video Relay Services (VRS) for Deaf and hard of hearing people who use American Sign Language. Ronald Burdett, vice president of community relations at Sorenson Communications, accepted the award on the company's behalf.

W. David Mortensen received the Distinguished Service Award for his long-time service to the Utah Association for the Deaf, particularly his work with the Utah Legislature. He aggressively sought the assistance of his district representatives and senators on matters affecting Deaf people — at a time when most of them were not out lobbying. Dave was effective, and legislators listened and learned about deafness and Deaf people as a result of his efforts. For example, his advocacy pushed for the creation of a Deaf Center, the first of which was the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful. Dave also spoke to committees of the Salt Lake City Community Councils and the United Way, which led to the creation of an interpreting service. We now have the Utah Interpreter Program as well as a number of interpreting agencies. The medical community became more conscious of the need to call for interpreters for Deaf people as a result of his demand for interpreters in medical settings. Since 1967, Dave had worked at the UAD in a variety of capacities, including president and editor (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).

Keith Wann, a CODA, provided entertainment with an hour of comedic routines based on his and other CODAs' experiences (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).

Robert Sanderson, Dave Mortensen, Chelsea Tobin, Miss Deaf America, and Rob Kerr, 2007

UAD Organization Honors by National Association of the Deaf

The Utah Association for the Deaf was honored at the National Association of the Deaf awards in New Orleans on July 8, 2008, for excellent advocacy and service. Trenton Marsh, a UAD delegate to the NAD conference, and Eli McCowan, who was also in town for MDUP events, were on hand to accept the prize (UAD Bulletin, August 2008, p. 3).

Rodney W. Walker, who served as president emeritus of the company from 2003 to 2007, passed away on August 2, 2007. Rodney's successor as president emeritus was Dr. Robert G. Sanderson.

Forty-Third Biennial Conference
May 7-9, 2009
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Taylorsville

The 43rd biannual conference of the Utah Association for the Deaf kicked off on Thursday, May 7, 2009, with a 100th anniversary kick-off gala. There was a Mr. Deaf Utah Pageant that night (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 2009, p. 1 & 4).

The conference was once again chaired by Eleanor (Eli) McCowan. For almost a year, she and her team had been arranging the two-day event (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, May 2009, p. 1).

On Thursday, May 7, events took held in the Sanderson Community Center. The UAD president, Robert Kerr, gave the opening remarks, and the Miss Deaf Ambassadorship Program Committee presented Mr. Deaf Utah (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, May 2009, p. 1).

Robert G. Kerr, UAD President

A continental breakfast was served the next morning, May 8, before a series of workshops at the Sanderson Community Center, which included:

Ryan Commerson (Plenary Speaker): “Media, Power & Ideology: Re- Presenting DEAF”
Jodi Becker Kinner: “Deaf Heritage in Utah”
Sari Williams: “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”
Eric Lynn: “Deaf Identities: Daily Life Application”
David Davenport: “What is Audism?”
Bryon Bosshardt: “How to Buy/Sell a House in Today’s Market”

Ryan Commerson Photo by D. Scott Clark

The next day, Saturday, May 9, more workshops were provided at the same place, as follows:

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz: “Deaf Music: A New Deaf Art Form”
Dr. Freeman King: “Sign Language for Hearing Toddlers: A Fascinating Dichotomy”
Gary Leavitt: “World Deaf History”
Kristen Weiner (Plenary Speaker): “Deafhood Yoga” (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, May 2009, p. 1).

A nice lunch was provided by Sorenson Communications for all in attendance. The business session then began, with reports from various board members (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 2009, p. 1 & 4).

The gala took place at the University Park Marriott in Salt Lake City after the business and workshops on Saturday evening. Following the social hour, nearly 150 people arrived for a great meal. Dr. Robert G. Sanderson then introduced the new UAD board of directors and administered the oath to the new directors (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 2009, p. 1 & 4).

The President's Award was given to Jodi Becker Kinner for her remarkable efforts in upgrading Deaf and hard of hearing people's eligibility for Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind programs (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 2009, p. 1 & 4).

The Golden Hand Award was given to Joe and Debbie Zeidner, the founders of the Association of Deaf Children, for their work in providing opportunities for Deaf children (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 2009, p. 1 & 4).

Eli McCowan acknowledged previous presidents such as Dr. Robert Sanderson, W. David Mortensen, Ron Nelson, and Rob Kerr. G. Leon Curtis and Dennis Platt were among those who were unable to attend (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 2009, p. 1 & 4).

Max the Mime, a top-notch entertainment, came on stage and offered a fantastic 45 minutes of laughing, at times including the audience (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 2009, p. 1 & 4).

Around midnight, the event came to a conclusion as attendees mingled and chatted with old and new acquaintances (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, June 2009, p. 1 & 4).

UAD Logo

The UAD emblem was slightly altered in 2009 to commemorate the association's 100th anniversary. The name "Utah Association for the Deaf" was changed from black to white, as shown in the accompanying photo (Valerie Kinney, personal communication, February 19, 2012).

UAD Bulletin Goes Green

UAD Bulletin issues began being posted online on January 1, 2009, to help the environment and the financially challenged organization. UAD went paperless for the first time since 1954 (Olsen, UAD Bulletin, January 2009, p. 1).

Forty-Fourth Biennial Conference
June 3-4, 2011
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Taylorsville

The Utah Association for the Deaf held its forty-fourth biennial conference on June 3–4, 2011, which was chaired by Philippe Montalette. Over 60 visitors attended workshops, business sessions, and met with old acquaintances at the morning and noon meals, as well as the dinner (UAD Bulletin, July 2011, p. 1 & 4).

On Friday and Saturday, the following workshops were provided:

Hospital Kits for the Deaf by Robin Traveller
Jane Diggs by Beware of Scams! By Jane Diggs
Why I Matter: The Power of Synergy by Katie Murch
Biographies of Utah Deaf Leaders by Jodi Becker Kinner

Philippe Montalette, UAD President

The banquet, an Oriental meal prepared by As U Wish, took place on Friday evening. The master of ceremonies, George Wilding, kept the audience entertained with his jokes. Katharine Evans, the keynote speaker, spoke about the Utah Communication Advocacy Network (UCAN), which was made up of five Deaf and hard of hearing organizations. This group pushed tirelessly to get closed captioning into movie theaters (UAD Bulletin, July 2011, p. 1 & 4). UCAN eventually accomplished captioning plays such as those presented at Capitol Theater.

The Golden Hand Award was presented to the Miss Deaf Utah Ambassadorship Program Committee, and Andrea Anderson, the state director, accepted the plaque on behalf of the MDUAP Committee. Valerie Kinney was honored with the Presidential Award for her 44 years of service to the Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD Bulletin, July 2011, p. 1 & 4).

Miss Deaf Utah Ambassador Pageant was held at Riverton Middle School on Saturday night. This organization was no longer affiliated with UAD for the first time since 1979.

Valerie G. Kinney

UAD Changes Its Name from “For” to “Of”

The Utah Association for the Deaf conducted a general meeting on February 25, 2012, under the direction of Philippe Montalette, when the "for" and "of" in the UAD name were discussed. They unanimously voted to alter the name from "for" to "of" for the first time since 1963. The Utah Association of the Deaf is now known as the "Utah Association of the Deaf."

For years, Jodi Becker Kinner was bothered by the word "for." The term "for," she felt, patronized the Deaf community, as if they need assistance. When her husband, Duane, joined the UAD in 2009, she hoped the name would be changed, but after consulting with Dr. Sanderson, the board opted to leave it alone. Jodi joined the UAD Board in 2011 with a specific goal in mind: to change the name of the association from "For" to "Of." As a result, she prepared for the general meeting by doing her studies in support of her proposal to change the name.

At the general meeting, Jodi recounted the history of how UAD changed its name over the years. The name "of" was used when the UAD was created in 1909. The UAD did not officially alter its name from "of" to "for" until January 12, 1963. Since then, UAD had gone longer than any other state in using the phrase "for" instead of "of."

Jodi Becker Kinner

In 1963, under the leadership of UAD President Robert G. Sanderson, a special general meeting was organized to discuss the difference between "of" and "for." The term "of" was thought to be used to isolate Deaf individuals. People might believe that deaf social clubs were only for Deaf people. The word "for" on the other hand, was an invitation to anybody who could hear to join the group. It was offered as a service that others might be interested in and able to assist with.

Because of demographic changes (i.e. oral/mainstreaming, growth of multi-disabilities) among the population of Deaf students at Utah School for the Deaf, and the need for UAD to open its doors in cooperation with those hearing people who are willing and able to assist, it was voted to change the name of the association to the Utah Association FOR the Deaf in order to accept people with normal hearing who are fluent signers as active members. Gene Stewart and Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, both CODA members, were among the first to join UAD. Utah was the first state to deviate from tradition by changing its name from "of" to "for" (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1963, p. 2).

The same debate arose in 1995 at the Utah Association for the Deaf conference, led by W. David Mortensen, UAD President, about the use of "for" in the Utah Association for the Deaf. ” A substantial number of Deaf organizations at the time adopted the word "of" in their names because they believed it conveyed a genuine sense of ownership. They also believed that the phrase "for" indicated letting the deaf or hearing to govern the organization, implying that they would have less control over it. As a result, several organizations and clubs insisted on using certain terms to ensure that their organizations were governed by Deaf people. After considering the benefits and drawbacks of the words "of" and "for," the members voted to keep the same word "for," since UAD chose to be unique. As a result, the UAD was known as the Utah Association for the Deaf. "It won't hurt UAD to be different," one member added (UAD Bulletin, November 1995, p. 1). The Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) survived an attempt to change its name to Utah Association of the Deaf on February 21, 1998, and the UAD preserved "for" in its name (UAD Bulletin, March 1998, p. 1).

Since 1963, the Utah Association for the Deaf had used the phrase "for" instead of "of" for the longest period of time of any state. According to the National Association of the Deaf's "State Associations Affiliates" section, as of 2012, UAD was the only state that used the phrase "for."

State Association Affiliates

At the time, all state associations used the preposition "of," and many of them were NAD organizational affiliate members in good standing as independent nonprofit organizations. In the Deaf community, the word "for" has a negative connotation because it implies that we need or seek assistance; nevertheless, this is the opposite of what should be the case. They believe that the use of the word "of" implies that everyone is engaging on an equal basis.

According to Jodi, the words "of" are used by Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Jean Massiue School of the Deaf, and Kenneth Burdett School of the Deaf. Nonetheless, Deaf and hearing personnel collaborate to provide services to Deaf and hard of hearing children and adults. This approach can be applied to the UAD board by allowing Deaf and hearing people (who are familiar with ASL) to work together as a team.

As a result, Jodi proposed that "for" be substituted with "of" in the UAD. She expected that, like in the past, this subject will be debated at the general meeting. Much to her astonishment, UAD members unanimously voted to change the name from "for" to "of" (Becker-Kinner, UAD Bulletin, March 2012). Coincidentally, Dr. Sanderson passed on the day the name was changed. Regardless of his feelings about the phrase "for," he is praised for his lengthy service to the UAD and the Utah Deaf Community. We shall never forget the impact he has had on our lives. Utah officially recognized the name change on September 19, 2012.

UAD’s New Logo

Utah Association of the Deaf decided to give Utah Deaf artists a chance to design a new UAD logo on behalf of the Utah Deaf community after viewing the California School for the Deaf - Fremont vlog about their new insignia developed by a Deaf person with local Deaf community involvement. A number of Deaf people also approached UAD, expressing their desire for a Deaf person to design the logo. As a result, as a symbol of the Deaf community, UAD chose to create a logo that embodies everything UAD stands for, allowing Deaf artists to express their ability. Their artwork was displayed in the Bazaar during the competition on November 2-3, 2012. This competition resulted in the selection of a winner. James Smith, a Deaf artist, designed the new logo. In June 2013, the new logo was unveiled to the Utah Deaf community during the 2013 UAD conference.

Forty-Fifth Biennial Conference
June 13-15, 2013
Hurricane Community Center, Hurricane

The Utah Association of the Deaf held its 46th biennial conference in southern Utah for the first time. Ellen Hanna and Patricia Lowry co-chaired the conference, which took place from Thursday, June 13 to Saturday, June 15, at the Hurricane Recreation and Cultural Center in Hurricane. Many people from the ASL community in Utah, both north and south, came together with a few parents, instructors, and interpreters (Hanna, UAD Bulletin, July 2013, p. 1). Synergy was the theme of the event.

Ellen O'Hara Hanna

Patricia Lowry

A kick-off party at Sand Hollow Park started the day on Thursday afternoon. They swam, played volleyball, chatted under the trees, or cooked dinner on the barbecue. On Friday morning, Marvin T. Miller, one of the Deafhood Foundation's founding board members, enthralled his audience with a stirring lecture about how to create unity, empower the audience to change the Deaf community, and take action (Hanna, UAD Bulletin, July 2013, p. 1).

Following the keynote address, Ellen Hanna led a group discussion regarding Utah Deaf education and how to start the process of healing, building, and rebuilding a stronger Utah Deaf education (Hanna, UAD Bulletin, July 2013, p. 1).

During the discussion, senior members of the UAD and proponents of utilizing sign language to educate Deaf children, G. Leon Curtis and Kenneth L. Kinner, shared the history of educational battles with the oral proponents, particularly Dr. Grant B. Bitter. Marvin T. Miller remarked, "Kenneth and Leon are veterans with years of experience in a battling field with the oral proponents."

Marvin T. Miller

Following that, the rest of the day was filled with six separate workshops: two on safety, two on professionalism, and two on community service (Hanna, UAD Bulletin, July 2013, p. 1). The workshops that followed were:

Empowering Through Struggles by Darran Zenger
Cultural Clashes Between Young & Old Adults by Carol MacNicholl
How to Promote Events Online by Elise Whitworth
Deaf and Interpreting Communities: Building a Stronger Partnership by Dan Hoffman and Katie Maxwell
Preventing Child Abuse: Screening & Red Flags by Sierra Baird
The Gift of Power by Marilyn Sexton

The Golden Hand Award was given to Jodi Becker Kinner for her work on Utah Deaf History, and the President's Award was given to Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf at a banquet on Friday night. On behalf of Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf, Stephanie Mathis accepted the honor. Rathskellar and Visual Arts Media Entertainment's music and performance left the audience laughing and informed. A spectacular rock tour and an educational legislative training were on the agenda for Saturday morning. Laurie Bishop, Joyanne Burdett, Dan Hoffman, Meme Kerr, and Carol MacNicholl were elected as members at large at the end of the UAD conference. Philippe Montalette was re-elected as president of the UAD by the board of directors. J.R. Goff was appointed vice president. Ellen Hanna continued to serve as secretary, and Adele Sigoda continued to serve as treasurer (Hanna, UAD Bulletin, July 2013, p. 1). This is likely the first time since 1909 that no Utah School for the Deaf alumni have sat on the board. Except for J.R. Goff and Ellen Hanna, who were USD students during their primary years, the most of them were from outside the state. They relocated out of state when they were young in order to receive a better education.

The upcoming and updated UAD website design was presented by Eventida, the website company owned by Lee and Elise Whiteworth, both hard of hearing (Hanna, UAD Bulletin, July 2013, p. 1). Elise, a social media and marketing specialist who lived in Hurricane and had ties in the community, was aiding Ellen and Patricia in their preparations for the UAD conference.

"The conference was filled with a positive vibe and uplifting synergy," said Ellen Hanna, co-chair of the UAD conference. Participants told her that "the workshops were highly educational, and the entertainment was very engaging" (Hanna, UAD Bulletin, July 2013, p. 1).

In the last two years, UAD had completed a number of tasks, including creating a new Facebook page, changing the word "for" to "of" in the name of Utah Association of the Deaf, creating a new logo, a new fully designed website with the new logo, and creating new ASL films that have allowed the UAD to earn money (Montalette, 2013 UAD Conference-Synergy Program Book).

Ultimately, Philippe Montalette, UAD president and NAD treasurer, encouraged Utah Deaf community people to join UAD and run for the board of directors to make a difference in the community. He underlined the necessity of the community's continuous support of UAD and taking responsibility to ensure that UAD remains strong. Philippe was working toward his goal to achieve the growth in membership and new partnership of more non-profit organizations (2013 UAD Conference-Synergy Program Book). As previously stated, he strongly encouraged Utah Deaf community people to join the Utah Association of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf in order to benefit from civil rights protection. Without their participation and support, UAD will be unable to achieve its goals.

Elise Withworth @ Utah Business Magazine

UAD Logo

The new logo was designed by James Smith, a Deaf artist who was chosen as a finalist by the UAD Board and its members. His goal in designing was to:

"With the sun rising over the Wasatch front, UAD welcomes the second century with ambition and passion in continuing the legacy of excellence as it has been since 1909." James Smith

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson served as president emeritus from 2007 to 2012. He passed away February 25, 2012. W. David Mortensen, a long-serving president of the Utah Association for the Deaf was appointed on July 10, 2013 as president emeritus.

Forty-Sixth Biennial Conference
October 16-17, 2015
Provo Marriot Hotel, Provo

The Utah Association of the Deaf hosted its 46th biennial conference at the Provo Marriott Hotel. The symposium, themed "ASL Now and Then," was chaired by Ellen O'Hara Hanna and began with registration on Friday afternoon. Adele Sigoda and her assistants were busy sorting through the crowd.

The evening meal drew over 90 guests and included a delectable entrée of Chicken Chausser with green beans, roasted red potatoes, and salad, as well as chocolate mousse for dessert. Billy Krall was the master of ceremonies for the next program. The keynote speech by David O. Reynolds, "The Importance and Need of ASL/English Bilingual Deaf Education," was well received by those in attendance (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, November 2015). Reynolds was a former Deaf teacher and a member of the National Association of the Deaf's board of directors. As a political activist, he has fought for ASL inclusion in Deaf Education, as well as bilingualism, justice, and human rights for the deaf in education. In the 1990s, he served as co-chair of the Bilingual-Bicultural committee, which helped the Indiana School for the Deaf make the successful transition to a Bilingual/Bicultural Educational Program (Geeslin, 2007; UAD Conference Program Book, 2015). David had continued to teach the Bilingual/Bicultural Deaf Education Philosophy in the hopes that other deaf institutions may follow in his footsteps. As an English teacher at the Indiana School for the Deaf, he was co-chair of the committee that spearheaded the successful Bilingual/Bicultural Educational Program (UAD Conference Program Book, 2015).

David O. Reynolds

David and his NAD committee were working on a book that would describe how such a change could be made in Deaf education. The title of this publication was "NAD Principles and Guidelines on How's and What's Involved in ASL/English Deaf Education Programs and Deaf Education: Training Programs: Talking Points/Lists of What's & How's." Reynolds presented a sneak glimpse at the guidebook during the UAD October Conference. The purpose of these suggestions is to explain how to advocate for and protect our local ASL/English Deaf Education Program. It had the capacity to motivate and improve communities and leaders who followed its guidelines. This guidebook will be issued after the 2016 Biennial NAD Conference, which will be held in Phoenix, Arizona in early July (Geeslin, 2007; UAD Conference Program Book, 2015).

The President's Award was then given to Adele Sigoda, who had volunteered for UAD for many years and had managed the UAD Bookstore for eight years. Philippe Montalette received the Golden Hand Award for his work with the National Association of the Deaf, the Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf, and the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, in addition to the Utah Association of the Deaf.

Billy Krahl performed mime skits in between video clips showing changes in Deaf Culture over time, including ASL, technology, and interpreters. Terrylene Sacchetti read three poems: "Try," "Painting" (dedicated to Chuck Baird), and "Hey, Brother."

Members of the Utah Association of the Deaf, as well as friends, gathered for a breakfast buffet of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and oatmeal on Saturday morning.

Adele Sigoda & Philippe Montalette

The conference meeting began with a call to order later that morning. G. Leon Curtis and Robert Kerr, both former presidents, were honored. The meeting had a total of 29 members from UAD. Additionally, members and friends of the Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf were there. The necrology was read after the opening remarks.

The president, Philippe Montalette, vice president, Ellen Hanna, secretary, and treasurer, Adele Sigoda, each gave a report.

The following were the committee reports:

UAD Social Affairs, by Laurie Bishop and Pamela Lowry
UAD Education, by Meme Kerr
UAD Announce, by Donna Melander, Valerie Kinney and Philippe Montalette
UAD Museum, by Jodi Becker Kinner, Rob Kerr and Philippe Montalette

Motions were brought up:

Have the Utah Telecom Book online with option of PDF download. For members only to post and share, and have a checkbox for privacy. It was moved to refer the motion to the Law Committee and to establish a committee. The main motion with the amendment passed.
Change senior membership age to 62+ (from 50+). Motion passed.
Change one year membership term to July 1 to June 30 (from June 1 to May 31). Motion passed.
Hold the 2017 UAD Conference be held in Ogden with the date to be decided at a later date. Motion passed

Following that, new officers were elected. The following individuals were elected to the board of directors. For the next two years, they will lead the Utah Association of the Deaf:

Philippe Montalette
Ellen Hanna
Laurie Bishop
Stephen Persinger
Pamela Lowry
Pamela Mower
Gabrielle Humlicek
Sari Williams
Roberta Dunlap

2015-17 UAD Officers. Philippe Montalette and Stephen Persinger, standing far back. Second row (L-R): Laurie Bishop, Gabrielle Humlicek, Ellen Hanna, Pamela Lowry. Front row (L-R): Sari Williams, Pamela Mower, and Roberta Dunlap

Workshops were held both before and after the UAD meeting. The topics covered by the speakers were diverse, including:

Dr. Carolyn Ball – Interpreter History and Education
Alyce Reynolds – Understanding Deafhood
Philippe Montalette & Melody Fico – Organization Involvement
Pamela Mower – VRI Challenges in Hospital Settings
Carol MacNicholl – College Advocacy
David Davenport – Deaf World & Technology
Joseph Featherstone – Importance of CDI
Dawn Duran & Stephanie Mathis – Providing Resources
David Reynolds – How to and What is Involved with ASL/English Deaf Education

At the conclusion of the afternoon workshops, the results of officer voting by board members were announced:

Stephen Persinger, president
Pamela Mower, vice president
Ellen O'Hara Hanna, secretary
Philippe Montalette, treasurer (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, November 2015)

The Utah Association of the Deaf could benefit from implementing the recommendations of Reynold's NAD committee's guidebook to advance the ASL/English bilingual process ahead at USD's ASL/English Bilingual Programs in their regions.

Forty-Seventh Biennial Conference
September 22-23, 2017
Viridian Event Center, West Jordan

The forty-seventh biennial conference of the Utah Association of the Deaf, chaired by Pamela Mower, was held September 22-23, 2017 at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan, Utah.

Wayne Betts, Jr., a co-founder and Chief Strategic Officer of the Convo Communications Company, was the conference's keynote speaker. "How Utah Deaf Community Can Unite and Come Together," he presented an amazing talk.

Wayne Betts, Jr. @ Street Leverage

The following are the workshop presenters and their topics from the conference:

Ben Jarashow – Deaf Heart, Allyship, and Allophilia
Dr. Dan Hoffman and Katie Maxwell – Deaf and Interpreting Communities: Building a Stronger Partnership
David Davenport – What is Language Deprivation?
Dawn Duran and Dr. Dan Hoffman – Task Force for Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Jodi Becker Kinner – UAD’s Efforts in Education, Interpreter and State Services
Katie Voss – Today’s Housing/Future Housing Accessible for Deaf
Martin Price – Deaf and Employment
Michelle Tanner and Philippe Montalette – LEAD – K in Utah
Sandy Scott – Building a Strong Community Starts with You
Stephanie Mathis, Sari Williams & Erin Kelly – The “J” Word: Defining “Justice”
Wayne Betts, Jr. – Community Collaborations

UAD partnerships with the following organizations were:

Utah Schools for the Deaf – The audience enjoyed the videos created by USD children showing their ASL talents!
Utah Deaf Nite – Many Deaf people gathered at the Utah Deaf Nite to catch up on the news and meet each other. It was a fun night.
Coffee Night Out – coffee along with bagels, fruits, etc. were provided.
Sego Lily Center for Abused Deaf – Their gala was a huge success, and they were able to raise a lot of money to support their services and goals.

The audience had the privilege of seeing four awards being presented to the following individuals:

President’s Award was presented to ASL Communication, an interpreting agency, to recognize
its involvement with the Deaf community and the many ways it has shown support of the Utah Deaf community.

ASL Communication received "President Award" in recognition of their support of the Utah Deaf community

Golden Hand Awards were presented to the following individuals for their advocacy of our Deaf community and its needs:

Justin Andersen
Marilyn Call
Joene Nicolaisen
Stephanie Mathis

Justin Anderson, Pamela Mower & Stephen Persinger

Marilyn Tiller Call, Pamela Mower & Stephen Persinger

Joene Nicolaisen, Pamela Mower & Stephen Persinger

Stephanie Lowder Mathis & Philippe Montalette

Stephen Persinger, UAD President, expressed his gratitude for all who attended the conference and how UAD collaborated to achieve the political process in the October 2017 issue of UAD Bulletin.

“Thank you all who came to our 47th Biennial UAD Conference. It was a success! We’re getting lots of positive feedback about the conference and how everyone really appreciated having Wayne Betts, Jr. as the keynote speaker and we learned a lot! He focused a lot on Deaf Ecosystem and it got us thinking about how we can do that better here in Utah.

As for the last two years, it was definitely a rollercoaster but in a good way. Every twists and turns presented us with challenges but it provided us opportunities to band together and think of ways to succeed. We learned a lot the last two years especially with being thrown into the political scene due to a mistake Vocational Rehabilitation made by overspending millions of dollars which started the chain reaction of moving USOR (Utah State Office of Rehabilitation) under DWS (Department of Workforce Services). We were also able to meet with Mia Love’s team to talk about a couple different bills that’s being discussed in Congress. We also went to Utah Board of Education to support the recognition of Masters of Deaf Education through ASL endorsement to the teacher’s license.”

Changed the term “Hearing Impaired” to “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” throughout the Utah State law codes
Facebook page skyrocketed to over 3,500 viewers
Developed a bigger social media presence and created over eight videos during deaf awareness month last year
Hosted two Deafhood 101 workshops and more to come!
Fundraised $4,937
UAD Membership fee simplified to just $10 per person per year
Hosted 11 events and six fundraisers in the last two years
Created an online folder of all UAD Bulletins for everyone to have access to and read
Attended NAD conference in Phoenix, Arizona
Initiated a neutral task-force to investigate whether it’s best for Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to stay or not stay under Department of Workforce Services
Worked with Utah DMV to change “Hearing Impaired” to “Deaf” on driver licenses so people can choose that if desired
In the past two years, our membership numbers increased by 30%
Changed our bylaws to reflect hosting UAD conferences in SLC every four years where the core members of our deaf community live (Peringer, UAD Bulletin, October 2017).

UAD had a new board for the 2017-2019 term after a vote at the UAD Conference. Three of the board's members were new to the organization.

The UAD board of directors will meet in December to draft an action plan based on community feedback. They'll next make a list of goals and priorities to concentrate on for the next two years (Persinger, UAD Bulletin, October 2017).

UAD board (2017-2019) Bottom L-R: Marybeth, Pamela Mower, Ashli-Marie Grant, Erin Kelly. Top L-R: Greg Jones, Brandon, Stephen Persinger, Janisieski, Philippe Montalette.

Forty-Eight Biennial Conference
September 7, 2019
Kennth Burdett School of the Deaf, Ogden

The Utah Association of the Deaf held its 48th biennial conference chaired by Pamela Mower on September 7, 2019, and it was a huge success! In their comments, all delegates stated that they enjoyed the conference!

Jeff Pollock was the main speaker at the conference. He presented an energizing lecture titled "Unity in Utah: United We Thrive," in which he pushed the audience to consider how we as a Deaf community in Utah can continue to be united (Mower, UAD Bulletin, October 2019).

Jeff W. Pollock

Conference Workshop Speakers

The presenters' workshops are listed below:

Alvaro Garcia and Jimmy Linares (Deafies in Drag) “Fabulous Deaf Queer Life”
Brooke Grossinger and Jennifer Pfau “Leadership Starts Within Us”
Chip Royce “Advancing Communication Equity”
Cody Simonsen “What Do Interpreters and Deaf Really Want?”
Dale Boam “Federal Laws and How to Use Them”
Dawn Duran “Navigating the Legal System While Utilizing Interpreters”
Jared Allebest “Legal Stuff That Every Deaf Person Should Know”
Jodi Becker Kinner “Accolades of the Early Utah Deaf Women’s History”
Lance and JanaLee Pickett “Smart Finance At Any Income”
Sandy Scott and Vicky Floyd “Ways to Improve Our Sense of Unity/Community”
Stephanie Mathis “Becoming a Trauma Informed Community”

The audience had the opportunity to see the presentation of four awards!

Ronald J. Nelson received the President's Award in recognition of his commitment with the Utah Deaf community and the numerous ways he supported the Utah Association of the Deaf and local community.

Ronald J. Nelson

The Golden Hand Awards were presented to the following individuals in recognition of their contributions to the Utah Deaf community.

Joel Coleman
Matt Willahan
Michelle Tanner
Pamela Mower

Matt Willahan, Philippe Montalette & Stephen Persinger

Stephen Persinger, Michelle Tanner & Philippe Montalette

Stephen Persinger, Pamela Mower & Philippe Montalette

Former President’s Final Update
Stephen Persinger

It was a pleasure serving you as a President of UAD for the last 4 years. Here’s some updates that we’ve announced at our recent UAD Conference 2019. We now have a total of 136 members! It was about 86 when I started in 2015 then in 2017 it went up to 112. So we’re talking about a 58% increase in the last 4 years!

We have one UAD Representative on the SLC Accessibility Council along with one representative from Div. of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH). It has been decided that the new upcoming airport will have VRS apps on all iPads throughout the airport, a visual PA system, captioning on all TVs and T-Coil installed at various gates. We’re now working with them on getting their local channel captioned.

Here’s a summary of some events we’ve hosted in the last two years with Adam Janisieski, Brandon Bowden and Erin [Kelly] Watkins on the events/fundraising committee. Hedy and Heidi movie night, ASL Skate Night, Deaf Friendship Day at Lagoon, Deafhood 101, Deafhood 201, Jersey Mike’s Sub Fundraiser, Chick Fil A Fundraiser (x2) and Yard Sale (x2).

We’re excited to let you know that we’ve been advertising on the BlipBoard from Sept 5th to 30th.

This will help educate the public on the importance of having a language foundation especially in our deaf children. Thank you Brandon Bowden for helping out with the design. We’re working on a new website! So due to that, we’ve decided it's time to create a new logo as well. So throughout the design process and narrowing it down, then letting the UAD members have the final say...here’s what our new UAD logo looks like!

As you can see the famous Delicate Arch from Arches National Park is creating a bridge from one end to another. That’s a symbolism of what we do in the world we live in with the challenges all around us.

Now as for the website...you can get a sneak peek by watching the video here. We’re now working on the backend - payment system, membership database, online directory and email blast system. Once all of that is done then we’ll go LIVE with the website. This is something we’re all looking forward to. This will give us a clean fresh look. :)

Our UAD board (2017-2019) were: Adam Janisieski (Vice President), Ashli-Marie Grant, Brandon Bowden, Erin Watkins (Secretary), Greg Jones, Mary Beth Baierl, Pamela Mower, Philippe Montalette (Treasurer) and Stephen Persinger (President). Please thank them all for their work they have done for the last two years.

New UAD board (2019-2021) are as following: Ashli-Marie Grant, Brandon Bowden, Brooke Grossinger, Kim Smith (President), Liz Jarashow, Martin Price, Pamela Mower (Secretary), Philippe Montalette (Vice President) and Stephen Persinger (Treasurer). Please welcome the new board! A special recognition - this is the 2nd time in Utah history since we’ve had a woman as our UAD President - Kim Smith! The first female President was in 1909 and her name was Elizabeth Delong!

Thank you for allowing me to serve you as UAD President for the last 4 years. I’m now happy to pass that on to Kim Smith and see what we will do in the next two years! Please consider becoming an UAD Member at just $10 a year by signing up online here.

Thank you,
Stephen Persigner
Former President of UAD (Persinger, UAD Bulletin, October 2019)

UAD Board (2019-2021) Bottom L-R: Ashli-Marie Grant, Kim Lucas, Pamela Mower. Top L-R: Liz Jarashow, Brooke Grossinger, Philippe Montalette, Brandon Bowden, Martin Price, Stephen Persinger.

President’s Corner

Kim Lucas became the second female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf after over 100 years of male presidents, drawing inspiration from the workshop "Accolades of the Early Utah Deaf Women's History." Kim is also the first queer president of the Utah Association of the Deaf.

President Lucas, who was just elected to the position of UAD president, announced her goals for her new position.

Raising the Bar

UAD is constantly focusing on raising our standards and keeping our Deaf and Hard of Hearing community prosperous and thriving.

With a theme from the last conference like “United We Thrive”, It's obvious that at UAD as the organization, we are continuing to thrive. UAD has been keeping the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community stick to the concept of unity. And, we know that our journey as an individual or as a group will never end as we continually raise the bar.

This pursuit of unity is reflected on the new directions that the UAD Board members are working on. This is the passion that drives us to consistently improve which is applied to our focus on prosperity of each individual in Utah. There is no greater priority than keeping our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Utahns united in every aspect of their lives.

As the newly elected President, there is no greater honor to serve UAD and the community. Since the election, it has been a whirlwind for me to be on fast-track to being President, but I have learned a great deal how unique Deaf and Hard of Hearing Utahns are. I'm very humbled to learn that I'm the 2nd Deaf Woman to be elected as President since 1915. And, I have been in awe with the outpouring of support from all of you in getting my presidency up to speed.

With all of that being said, this enables me as the President to present new ideas and strategies for UAD to embrace the concept of unity we all should thrive. I have given thoughts to what I want to accomplish in my two-year term and here is what I have come up with:

Kim Lucas

Membership Growth - In order for the association to remain vibrant and active, we need to focus on the membership drive and provide the benefits of membership due. This applies to new ideas to attract younger generation.

Educational workshops - Workshops are always educational in every aspect of each individual. Mentoring is the key concept to the success of passing the torches to younger Deaf/Hard of Hearing generations. This has not been put into practice for generations. It is time to put mentoring program into action.

Social and Cultural events - American Sign Language is the most diverse and vibrant language in the world. Perseverance of ASL is crucial in Deaf culture. With today's technology, we are able to use ASL as our primary language to deliver the messages through video by means of social media and other types of communication. In addition, social interactions are the most integral part of culture. The concept of "Deaf Club" in the old days should be revived in a different fashion.

Advocacy - Empowering and maintaining our civil rights is the utmost duty of UAD. Creating allies with organizations, businesses, Utah legislators, advocates and Utahns is the first direction UAD will maintain for many years to come.

Special Interests - With the flux of unique Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals, special interests should emerge within the UAD organization. This will create safe space for LGBTQs, Cochlear Implants, People of Color (POCs), Deaf-Blind, Deaf Women, and all other walks of life. In addition, this will generate the growth of Deaf/Hard of Hearing population by attracting out-of-state people to move into Utah.

Indeed, it will take a village to make these happen! Come and join us to make these ideas and strategies a reality so we all can be united to thrive together!

Kim Smith, President
(Lucas, UAD Bulletin, October 2019)

During the winter of 2020, the epidemic struck, just as President Lucas was prepared to carry out her plans. She couldn't help but postpone her plans until the coronavirus had passed.

Forty-Nine Biennial Conference
October 29 - 30, 2021
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Taylorsville

On October 29-30, 2021, the Utah Association of the Deaf held its 49th biennial conference at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The conference's theme is "A Frightening Experience? A Barrier-Free World vs. Reality." This theme, according to UAD President Kim Lucas, fits what the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community has been going through and will continue to go through. It was terrifying, and it still is, to face so many obstacles. The goal of this conference was to create an experience that would be barrier-free for years to come.

The conference featured three notable speakers: Alex Abenchuchan, founder of Daily Moth, Melissa Yingst, of "Melmira," and Stephanie Lowder Mathis, Development Director of Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services.

Speakers at the Conference

Among the conference's speakers were the following:

Rachel Bennett, JMS Director – Education Reality vs Barrier-Free Education World
Jared Allebest, Deaf Attorney - Legal Realities vs Barrier-Free Legal World
Michael Ballard, UVU Deaf Studies Professor – What Deaf Culture & Identities Could be in a Barrier-Free World
Jodi Becker Kinner, SLCC Accessibility Advisor – Historical Reality vs A Barrier-Free History

UAD President Lucas Delivers a Two-Year Report

During the business meeting, President Lucas gave a two-year report for the 2019-2021 term.

Welcome to UAD Business Meeting! It has been an interesting journey for UAD since my presidency started back in October 2019.

Prior to my presidency, I was involved in Utah Deaf Hospital Rights. There were so many issues with the communication accessibility in all hospitals, especially in the emergency rooms. All of the communication access occurred only with VRI. Oftentimes, we noticed that the requests for a live interpreter were ignored or dismissed. Then my presidency started, the introduction of the Utah Deaf Hospital Rights was presented at the board meeting. UAD supported the idea of having a class action lawsuit. Right now, the lawsuit is still active pending on the recommendation of NAD seeking for a law firm that can handle this unique case. Indeed, it’s taking a lot of time to get the ball rolling. In this case, it is resembled as David vs Goliath. This is why NAD is looking for the best law firm to assist us.

UAD board had a good retreat in November 2019. We had accomplished a lot to set up the goals for the next two years. We talked about town halls, leadership training workshops, revamping the website, recruiting more members to be part of UAD organization, and many more. Of course, those goals were very large to work on.

Then, January 2020, a serious crisis came up among the deaf community. A tragedy struck us deeply - a suicide. This person was the last Miss Deaf Utah back in 2012. Kayla Stubbs committed suicide. UAD immediately recognized the lack of a mental health program for the deaf in Utah. Mistie Owens was appointed to chair Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. She established a committee of people who have experience in mental health. She got the ball rolling.

An earthquake in Magna jolted. Indeed, I have had an earthquake disaster experience in Guatemala back in 1974. It was a 7.2 earthquake. A 5.2 earthquake was strong enough to cause a disaster. A 7.2 one is a different story. A live Facebook video stream was made to help the whole Deaf community to stay calm and follow the authorities for further instruction. I was on the Frontrunner train at that time and wondered why the train stopped. Martin was with me. My adult children texted me. Boy, it was a crazy moment!

Then, a few days later, COVID struck Utah and the pandemic began. This has turn the world upside down! This caused a lot of goals to be put on hold. Mental health took a toll on us. Within the short period of time between the earthquake and COVID, McKenzie Smith was appointed to chair the Health Preparedness and Safety. She was insightful in sharing the health tips on self care and following the state health department suggested.

After a few months into my presidency and the trying times, UAD board experienced 5 resignations of board members. This didn’t stop me at all as the president of UAD. It took a while to find replacements. However, I would like to thank those who resigned for their willingness to serve on the UAD board and thank you for those who were replaced to serve the remaining term. UAD is still strong!

During the pandemic, UAD took the opportunity to work on revamping the website. Hope you all like the new version. There are more areas to work on as the new technologies/upgrades came in for us to learn how to use them. Not many of us are experts in some areas. This is a hint for you out there to jump in and volunteer to serve in one of the committees - wink!

As the health department eased up the restrictions, UAD jumped into an opportunity to set up town halls quickly as much as possible before the conference started. We visited 5 towns and hosted a virtual event. All the information the community shared was very valuable! UAD acted on a similar approach as NAD with their priorities. The issues the community shared are dealt with and will be dealt with by the new board members. One of the top issues is the DSDHH. UAD stepped in and worked out with DSDHH administrators on resolving the issues. It’s a work in progress.

Now, here we are at the conference. UAD is the only organization in the western region (NAD Region 4) that hosts an in-person conference! How awesome is that! The theme of the conference is quite fitting! Hope this conference brings you the best experience with 3 special guest speakers from out of state, and our beloved 4 local speakers!

Best wishes to the next new board members!

This is the end of the president’s report. Stay safe and prosperous with the new normal during the pandemic! Go UAD!

The UAD's New Logo Is Unveiled

As the UAD Board had noticed and received reports, the previous logo was not print-friendly. Furthermore, many people had difficulty reading the organization's name. As a result, the board of directors redesigned the logo. After months of discussion, the board voted on the final logo, which was unveiled at the conference.

The UAD's Board of Directors for the Years 2021-2023

2021-2023 UAD Board Members.Left to right: Kim Lucas, President; Mistie Owens, Secretary; Ryan Layton, Treasurer; Martin Price, Board Member; Susan Stokes, Board Member; Alan Donaldson, Board Member; Ashli-Marie Grant, Vice-President

Two UAD Female Presidential Officers

Utah Association of the Deaf has two female presidential officers for the first time since 1909, with Kim Lucas as president and Ashli-Marie Grant Mayo as vice president.

Ashli-Marie Grant Mayo

Personal Communication

Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009.

Valerie Kinney, personal communication, February 19, 2012.

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​History of the ​Utah Association of the Deaf

History of the
Utah Association of the Deaf