Hearing CEO of NAD? NO!

The links I cover are:

Jamie Berke’s article

NAD’s CEO Profile and Position Description

Translation:

Hello, I’m Adrean Clark. This vlog is about the possibility of having a hearing CEO for NAD. About a week ago, Jamie Berke wrote a blog post at About.com Deafness. She said, since Gallaudet has a deaf president, why not turn things around and have a hearing CEO for NAD? My reaction was a strong NO!

I’ve had a week to think about why I reacted. NAD is an advocacy organization. The organization wants to see Deaf people succeed, to show that Deaf people can do many things. If NAD hires a hearing CEO, it shows Deaf people can’t.

Some people might say but but but a hearing person can sign, has experience, etc. Still, that person is hearing. NAD’s credibility will be shot.

The deadline for applications is coming up on March 1st. I didn’t want to sit and say nothing, only to see the candidates be all hearing, or a decision made because someone didn’t say anything.

So I’m warning NAD, it’s important that an organization serving deaf people also hire deaf people. We want to show the best — to put our “best face forward,” so to sign. It’s important. We never know who’s watching, who’s getting a message. Especially kids, they’re very receptive to subliminal messages.

Please make sure the next CEO of NAD is Deaf, that s/he signs fluently above and beyond. The guidelines on the NAD website are good, legally credible, but as for the committee who decides the final hire — please choose the person who best represents NAD and the deaf/signing community.

Thanks for watching!