Aloha
State Association of the Deaf (ASAD),
originally known as the Deaf Action Group (DAG), was founded
in 1971 by Reverend Bill Aulenbach. He and his wife Ann are
the parents of a deaf-blind daughter who was attending the Hawaii
School for the Deaf and the Blind at that time. The major accomplishments
of DAG were:
• Conducted a two-year statewide study of the Deaf and
Hard-of-Hearing in order to receive a three-year federal grant.
• Established an advisory council on deafness. As a result
of the grant, the Information and Referral Center (IRC), which
is now the Hawaii Services on Deafness (HSOD), was established
in late 1974.
In 1981 ASAD became an affiliate of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and a non-profit State Association. Through the dedicated efforts and commitment of the late Mrs. Georgia Morikawa since the 1950s, ASAD strived to and continues to meet its objectives in serving the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing in the State of Hawaii with a variety of programs and activities. As of today, more than 4,000 deaf and hard-of-hearing people are served throughout the State of Hawaii.
The ASAD sponsors programs such as the Sign Language Festival, Kuli Senior Citizens Club, Youth/Adult Leadership programs and the Miss Deaf Hawaii Pageant.
A biennial conference is held in odd-numbered years. The main objectives are to provide workshops, have exhibits, and to conduct official decision-making business on the following: (a) discussing major issues, concerns and needs; (b) electing new officers and board members; and (c) revising the By-Laws. An Awards Luncheon is also held to recognize people in the following categories: Golden Hand Award, Legislator of the Year, Deaf Youth Leadership, Interpreter of the Year, and Community Service. A new Miss Deaf Hawaii, who goes on to compete for the national title, is also selected. In even-numbered years ASAD sends two (2) delegates to the NAD conferences.
Other objectives of ASAD include:
• Advocating the educational and civil rights of Deaf
and Hard-of-Hearing citizens of the State of Hawaii
• Developing a positive image of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
people.
• Improving the quality and standard of living for all
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people.
• Promoting better public services for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
people which include:
• Deaf information
and referral services
• Legislative issues
• Public relations
• Representation of
the Deaf Community in the State of Hawaii
• Tourism information
for deaf visitors
• Workshop on special
topics
• Town hall meetings
The ASAD's official bi-publication keeps the members informed about events, issues, etc. In January 1990, the name was changed from Hawaiian Aloha Needs Deaf Spirits (H.A.N.D.S.) to Ka Kuli O Hawai'i which means "The Deaf People of Hawai'i".
If you have any comments or feedback about this web page, please email Scott at webhead@asadhawaii.org