The Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf (MSAD) was founded in 1975 in Framingham as a cooperative chapter under the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). MSAD was established for the same reason as NAD: to advocate for the rights and needs of Deaf and hard of hearing people. The founding members worked hard to organize MSAD:
After three attempts, the new members of MSAD finally hosted their first state convention at the Deaf Community Center in Framingham, Massachusetts in September 1975. Carolyn Ball was elected, MSAD’s first President, and MSAD’s first agenda was a legislative one. Members agreed to fight to improve services for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals because the many incessantly faced unnecessary barriers imposed by governmental structure. Over time MSAD has created a growing service agenda to complement its advocacy’ work. But initially, the organization did not have the capacity to deliver services directly to members across the Commonwealth.
On November 1, 1977, MSAD, in cooperation with the National Association of the Deaf, established the Developmental Evaluation and Adjustment Facilities, Inc. (D.E.A.F., Inc.) which is a private, nonprofit independent living center serving Deaf persons and their families. In 1983, MSAD became the parent organization of D.E.A.F., Inc. and annually appointed members to its Board of Directors. The close cooperation between these two organizations ensured coordination and effectiveness.
At the end of 1985, MSAD hired Phil Cave as a Special Assistant to research the need for a Home Office and Staff for MSAD. Then in January 1986, MSAD hired its first Executive Director – Steve Nover. Steve set up a Deaf camp, bookstore, and other social programs. Within six months, the organization moved from its one-room office at D.E.A.F., Inc. to larger quarters in the Brighton Marine Health Center building and reorganized and expanded its programs and services.
MSAD has been a central force in promoting many pieces of legislation which contain important provisions for Deaf and hard of hearing people. The leadership of MSAD worked closely with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Taskforce on Deafness in January 1985 to examine the condition and needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing population of the Commonwealth and to create an action plan for positive, constructive change. As a result of this initiative, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) was established on July l, 1986. Barbara Jean ‘BJ’ Wood was appointed as the first Commissioner.
In 1991, Thomas Boudrow replaced Dr. Richard Thompson as the Executive Director of MSAD. Tom was employed by MSAD for more than 10 years. He and the Board successfully bought a building for the office in 1995 and one year later, secured rented office space in Springfield, Massachusetts for the daily operations of the organization. MSAD became the first state association in the United States to purchase an office building. The staff expanded programs such as the Family Sign Language Program, ASL classes, MassRelay Outreach program and the Equipment Distribution program. In 2003, the Board laid off Tom due to the loss of a major contract that destroyed MSAD’s budget
Jax Levesque took the role as Interim Executive Director during the summer and fall of 2004 working to rebuild its budget. John Pirone replaced Jax and then was hired as the third Executive Director in July, 2005. He and the Board began working on a 5-year plan to broaden MSAD’s range of services, raise funds for new programming, and increase the organization’s presence in the social and political aspect of the community.
On October 17, 2007, MSAD sold its home office and moved to a new office in Melrose in part of the rebuilding effort to reach out to the community as well as expanding its services to include a Youth Leadership Program.