Hello, The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is aware of the situation at the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB).
This challenge is not limited to one state—financial instability in Deaf Education can impact Deaf schools across the country.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) affirms that Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened children have a fundamental right to a fully accessible education from day one.
Language access is essential to learning, well-being, and identity.
When Deaf children are provided with accessible language and education, they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Accessible Deaf education preserves Deaf culture and language, ensures accountability within educational systems, and provides qualified services, programs, and supports.
These elements are critical to protecting Deaf children’s right to communicate, feel safe, and succeed.
When language access is denied, Deaf children face a serious risk of language deprivation, which can have lifelong consequences.
This harm is preventable. Ensuring early, consistent, and accessible education is a shared responsibility of schools, institutions, and policymakers.
Education. Accessibility. Accountability. Language Access.
The National Association of the Deaf urges state and local agencies, school leaders, legislators, and community partners to take immediate and sustained action to protect Deaf education.
We call on policymakers to examine existing structures, address systemic gaps, and commit to long-term solutions that center Deaf children’s language, culture, and well-being.
Communities, families, and allies are encouraged to stay informed, speak out, and advocate for policies that uphold full accessibility and educational equity.
Protecting Deaf Education is not optional. It is a civil and human rights obligation.