Mission
Our mission is to facilitate excellence in human service delivery with individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind. This mission is accomplished by enhancing the professional competencies of the membership, expanding opportunities for networking among ADARA colleagues and supporting positive public policies for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind. In achieving the mission, ADARA members are committed to: full access for members to all aspects of the organization's business, including Board matters, conference planning, presentations and journal publications, recognizing and affirming the ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity of the membership, and fostering an inclusive language community through the use of American Sign Language, signed communication, and other communication strategies used by all members at ADARA events in order to strive for barrier-free communication.
Strategic Intent |
ADARA strives to be the leader among professional organizations in transforming the paradigm of rehabilitation to enhance the quality of life with people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind. This intent will be achieved through a balanced approach of consumerism and professionalism and will require the organization to continually examine the fundamental philosophies and attitudes that manifest themselves in the image of the organization and the configuration of the membership.
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Our History |
ADARA was founded on May 25, 1966 (originally as Professionals Rehabilitation Workers with the Adult Deaf [PRWAD]). The name change from PRWAD to the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (ADARA) took place at the San Antonio meeting in 1977. Click here for more information on ADARA's history.
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Logo Origin |
The new ADARA logo unveiled in July 2020 emphasizes the networking and partnership opportunities for our community. These professionals in vocational rehabilitation, behavioral health, research, independent living services, education/school, interpreting services, transition services, community-based/social services, and any support services in the helping professions that serve deaf, deafblind, late-deafened, and hard of hearing individuals. The new logo abstractly represents ‘partnerships’ in ASL with hands put together in the form of solidarity. Finally, the circle in the logo also represents that we are all in this together in the endless circle of life.
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