Who are we?

Boston Access Advocates for the Deaf (BAAD) is an information-sharing, advocacy, and mentoring network consisting of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing individuals with a vested interest in inter-modal communication.

We operate on several levels as community organizers, higher education and professional liaisons, and equal-access advocates.

Our Mission:

To organize and mobilize deaf students and professionals in order to develop an information-sharing network that facilitates broad/comprehensive communication and social access within organizations and venues of interest in the metropolitan Boston area.

Our History:

BAAD was founded in 2003 with the desire to create a social network, to empower members with equal access, and to present a clear message representing the Deaf community. Previous BAAD events and advocacy efforts include:

• conducting community research
• hosting social events
• ensuring accessibility at restaurants and cultural events
• organizing a Deaf Poetry Jam
• providing support for the recognition of ASL as a foreign language at Boston University
• vouching for the admission of deaf students at Northeastern University.

Our Driving Goals:

• To share information within an organic network
• To promote access and awareness of the ASL and the Deaf communities.
• To organize and promote social events in the metropolitan Boston area.