How are our signs different from ASL?
Generally speaking, there are documentation of several Asian sign languages in either Deaf Clubs or Schools of the Deaf in China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. Sources regarding Deaf Culture issues in these countries are limited or are not available.

What year did NADC start?
1997; NADC became incorporated in December 1998.

Who founded NADC?
Don Chan, Raine Cheng, Dr. Steven Chough, Sharon Gough, Sin Yi Ko, Mark Tao, Poh Teh, William Wong, Dr. Cheryl Wu, and John TC Yeh.

Why was NADC formed?
Having experienced years of hardships and denied opportunities in education and employment, the Founders were ready to accept the challenge of creating a powerful group to make a stand. They knew a lot of work needed to be done first and they were determined to make a difference. For more information, please refer to our webpage: NADC's Birth

What is NADC’s current function?
Our objectives are:

• To advocate and provide a network of resources on political, social, human rights and other concerns of the Asian Deaf and Hard of Hearing community;

• To provide training opportunities for employment, education, and leadership;

• To promote collaborative relationships and alliances among Asian Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, communities, organizations and professionals;

• To empower the individual, family and community by encouraging positive self esteem, communication and professionalism;

• To establish a national clearinghouse of information and research;

• To provide immigration and acculturation assistance, support and technical / communication assistance.

What is NADC’s contact information?

General Information, Referral and Business:
Karen Wilson, President
P.O. Box 17583
San Diego, CA 92177

Membership and Billing
George Sing, Jr., Treasurer
P.O. Box 210451
San Francisco, CA 94121

What is NADC’s Mission Statement?
NADC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to define and address the cultural, political and social issues experienced by Asians who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. NADC is strengthened by the diversity of its members and organizations that represent various geographic regions, languages, religions, cultures and generations. NADC will also strive to provide education, empowerment, and leadership for its respective members and organizations.

What are the NADC Chapters contact information?
Please refer to our webpage: NADC Chapters

What are the dates of past NADC Conferences?
Please refer to our webpage: History of NADC’s Conferences

How do I apply to be a member of NADC?
Please refer to our webpage: Membership (under construction)

Are there any organizations for Asian Sign Language Interpreters?
At the present, we are not aware of any nonprofit organizations formed yet with the intent to focus solely on the needs of Interpreters and Deaf Consumers of Asian descent. However, there are 3 sources to be considered for referral:

• The National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers (NCIEC) has an ongoing project, Linguistic and Cultural Diversity, which builds and promotes effective practices in interpreting education and NCIEC’s goal is to increase the number of qualified interpreters and advance the field of interpreting education.

• The Registry of Interpreters (RID) has a Member Section (MS), Interpreters and Transliterators of Color, which provide a relationship-building forum for RID members to share common interests, goals and concerns that are also consistent with RID’s mission and values.

• The NADC has a Liaison Representative who represents our organization at Interpreter-related conferences and initiatives. Mentoring opportunities for Asian interpreters are available in the San Diego area.

Where is NADC incorporated at?
San Diego, California