Sessions at 51st Biennial National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Conference on Friday 6th July in KICC 210 NAD Conference

A diverse workforce in a company allows for a broader view of the world and the ability to identify issues that really matter. Unique perspectives enable creative approaches and innovative solutions for employees, customers and community. A panel of deaf and hard of hearing employees from Fortune 500 companies will discuss corporate best practices including accessibility and accommodations from the deaf and hard of hearing employees' perspective.

Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has been working with some self-advocates in the community plus the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (US DOT FMCSA) to push for deaf and hard of hearing individuals’ rights to drive trucks. Currently, if a deaf candidate meets the hearing and speaking requirements, he/she will receive a waiver. In this workshop, a panel of Truck Driver Groups and Deaf Truckers will discuss their issues and concerns. Please join us to learn all sides of the issues on why deaf people are struggling to receive their CDL A License.

Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Panel

Deafness is a competitive advantage in the business world as well as other sectors. Why competitive advantage? The answer: “visual/design thinking”. Design thinking is innate to the deaf community and we are seeing a seismic shift. More people are entering the “non-traditional” fields i.e. acting, medicine, entrepreneurship, and management despite their “disability”.

Deaf Professionals do not see our deafness as a disadvantage but rather a strength allowing us to think differently, get around obstacles, and introduce new concepts to the world. This shift will lead to a more powerful transformation of the deaf community – market power.

Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation