The Maine Association of the Deaf, Inc.
Serving and Empowering the Deaf Community Since 1877
Our Mission
The Maine Association of the Deaf, Inc. is dedicated to promoting the social, recreational, educational, civic, and economic welfare of all Deaf citizens within the State of Maine. We also collaborate with other associations to advance the cause of the Deaf community on a national scale.
Our History
Established in 1877 and incorporated in 1906, MeAD is one of the oldest organizations in the nation serving the Deaf community. Our journey began with a small group of Deaf individuals in East Belfast, ME, and has grown to include significant milestones such as the creation of Maine Deaf Mute Mission, the incorporation of Maine Mission for the Deaf, and our centennial celebration in 1977 which saw the renaming to Maine Association of the Deaf, Inc.
Key Milestones
A group of six deaf people attending a bible study with a preacher from Massachusetts discussed the need for a statewide organization for the deaf on the evening of December 31.
First meeting of fifty deaf people was held at a home in Biddeford, ME. They voted to form the first organization, Maine Deaf Mute Mission and elected officers.
Incorporation of the organization with the assistance of a Portland lawyer after the revision of the constitution and by-laws for the renamed Maine Mission for the Deaf, Inc on January 30th. The incorporation officers were elected to serve until the 27th convention in Sanford during the weekend of August 23 – 27. The membership elected officers after voted in favor of the revised constitution and by-laws, including the new name for the organization.
The centennial celebration of the organization was held in Portland. The membership approved the revision of the constitution and by-laws and the new name: Maine Association of the Deaf, Inc. (MeAD) It became a cooperating member of the National Association of the Deaf.
Maine Sign Language Interpreting Committee applied for MeAD to become the RID Certification Management Program (CMP) Sponsor. That application was approved on January 4th, 2024, a historic moment as MeAD is the first Deaf Association in the nation to earn the designation.
Maine Sign Language Interpreting Committee
Dedicated Leaders Driving Our Mission
