MeAD is Maine’s only Deaf-led advocacy organization — and 2025 has been one of our busiest years yet. Here is a look at what we have been working on, what is coming up, and how you can plug in.
Advocacy & Policy
Emergency Communications Reform
MeAD has been active at both the state and federal level pushing for Deaf-accessible emergency alerts. The FCC’s recent adoption of ASL Wireless Emergency Alert templates and silent notification options for active shooter situations represents a significant step forward — one that MeAD helped advocate for through our work with the National Association of the Deaf. Read more about these wins → (link to your FCC blog post)
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
MeAD is collaborating with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy to develop Deaf-awareness training for law enforcement officers statewide. Better-trained officers mean safer interactions for Deaf Mainers.
ASL Interpreter Licensure
MeAD submitted a position statement on Maine LD 2087, which addresses licensure requirements for sign language interpreters. Interpreter quality directly affects the safety, legal rights, and wellbeing of every Deaf person in Maine.
Interpreter Workforce Development
Qualified interpreters are the infrastructure of Deaf access. MeAD is working on multiple fronts:
- Legal Interpreter Training — Developing curriculum and training pathways for interpreters working in Maine’s courts and legal system
- Deaf Language Mentor (DLM) Program — Supporting training for Deaf mentors who work with emerging interpreters
- MeSLIC Collaboration — Ongoing partnership with the Maine Sign Language Interpreter Coalition on workforce issues
Community Programs
988 and 911 Resources
MeAD produced a series of ASL videos explaining how Deaf and Hard of Hearing people can access 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) and 911 (including Text to 911). These are free and available on our YouTube channel. Watch them here → (link to your 988/911 blog post)
Community Vendor Fair
MeAD is hosting a community vendor fair later this year — a fully accessible, ASL-friendly event open to small businesses, artisans, and nonprofits. Learn more and reserve your table →
Advisory Board
MeAD’s advisory board plays a critical role in guiding our work and connecting us to the broader Deaf and disability services community. We are actively expanding our board and looking for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mainers who want to help shape the direction of the organization.
Interested in serving? Contact us.
MeAD at the 2026 NAD Biennial Conference
MeAD is sending 6 people to the 58th NAD Biennial Conference in San Francisco this month — making Maine the second largest state delegation in the country, behind only Pennsylvania with 7.
Our delegation includes 3 delegates, 2 alternates, and 1 observer. For a one-staff organization representing a small state, that level of participation is a statement. Maine’s Deaf community shows up on the national stage.
Stay Connected
The best way to stay up to date with MeAD is to:
- Subscribe to our newsletter (link to newsletter signup)
- Follow us on Facebook (link to Facebook)
- Watch our YouTube channel at youtube.com/@DeafMaine
We are one staff member running statewide operations. Your support — whether as a volunteer, advisor, donor, or advocate — makes everything possible.
Maine Association of the Deaf (MeAD) is Maine’s only Deaf-led advocacy organization. Learn more at deafmaine.org.