Michigan Deaf Association
Organization profile from the Accessibility.com spotlight series. Written in 2020 to 2021 and kept as an archive, so details such as services and contact information may have changed.
Mission
The mission of the Michigan Deaf Association is to preserve the rights and quality of life of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the State of Michigan.
- Language Deprivation in Children (ASL)
- Interpreters - Michigan has strict Interpreter Certification Requirements compared to many other states. (Some states don’t require certification at all!)
- Legislation is moving forward with times (digital esp.) - Children - all 50 states not just Michigan
Services Provided
Everything comes back to its work in advocacy. Michigan Deaf Association collaborate with other organizations and create workshops and viral videos to help ensure our community knows their rights, and how to stand up for them.
MDA offers scholarships for Deaf college students and maintain relationships with national Deaf youth leadership organizations to prepare the next generation of leaders.
How Many People Reached
Whole community of deaf - 1.4 million deaf/hard hearing in Michigan. Potential hearing impaired advocate. 100+ members per year; but more with non members.
How Donations Are Used
Fundraising goes directly to sponsorship program, scholarships, PPE grants and operations.
Project Spotlight
- T-shirt Store- Half goes to MDA, half goes to another Deaf Organization in Michigan.
- PPE for poll-workers - clear mask Detroit Bill of Rights - Office of Disability Affairs
- National Association of the Deaf Council of Representatives Voter Information / Census
Interesting Facts
MDA has an Annual Deaf Civil Rights 5K Event every summer. This year it went virtual and brought in over $1,500 for the Michigan Deaf community.
Where To Donate
Donate here .
Get Involved
Find out how .