Since 1968: Uniting Future Leaders at Our Biennial Jr. NAD Conference!
This is one of the must-to-go events that Deaf Youth experience!
Jr. NAD National Conference is a biennial conference hosted by Jr. NAD Chapters. This special conference will provide delegates, observers and advisors many opportunities to hone their leadership skills, to network with others from all over the United States, and bring back tips, tools and ideas to their home chapters in order to continue the ideals of Jr NAD: Scholarship, Leadership, and Citizenship. The participants will have a great opportunity to meet with many Deaf leaders who are excellent role models for the Deaf Youth.
The Jr. NAD offers deaf and hard of hearing students in 7th through 12th grade opportunities to develop leadership skills, learn and demonstrate citizenship, and meet and interact with students from other schools and states. Jr. NAD chapters focus on advocacy, attitude, awareness, commitment, cooperation, friendship, information exchange, involvement and leadership skills. Chapters have meetings and participate in many activities such as community events and fundraisers. Skills and values obtained by chapter members during these meetings and events will help them to become future leaders and advocates in the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Exciting Announcement: New Mexico School for the Deaf to Host the 30th Biennial Conference!
We are thrilled to announce that the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD) will be hosting the 30th Biennial Jr. NAD Conference! This year’s conference promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering participants amazing field trip opportunities with breathtaking sights, engaging workshops, and immersive experiences in New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
Get ready to explore, learn, and connect with fellow Deaf youth while enjoying the beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture of New Mexico. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of this landmark event!
$400 per advisor and student member. Each chapter can send up to two advisors and four student members.
Registration Deadline: September 5th, 2025
Special Project
These special projects, including the ASL Entertainment Project, George W. Veditz Video Project, Youth Ambassador Competition, and the Frederick C. Schreiber Roundtable, are designed to empower and engage Deaf youth in leadership, advocacy, and creativity. They provide platforms for participants to develop essential skills, preserve Deaf history, promote cultural awareness, and inspire social change. By offering hands-on opportunities for learning and collaboration, these projects foster a strong sense of community and equip the next generation of Deaf leaders with the tools to make a positive impact.
ASL Entertainment
A creative initiative that showcases Deaf talent through storytelling, performances, and artistic expression in American Sign Language (ASL), inspiring youth to embrace their identity and creativity.
George W. Veditz Video
A tribute to George W. Veditz, a pioneering advocate for ASL and Deaf rights, highlighting his legacy through a video project that educates and empowers Deaf youth about the importance of language preservation and advocacy.
Youth Ambassador Compeition
a leadership competition hosted during the Jr. NAD Conference for high school students, providing them with an opportunity to develop public speaking, advocacy, and leadership skills. Participants engage in various challenges, including interviews and presentations, to showcase their ability to inspire and lead. The winners serve as Youth Ambassadors, representing Jr. NAD and promoting initiatives that empower Deaf youth nationwide.
The Frederick C. Schreiber Rountable
in honor of Frederick C. Schreiber, a visionary leader and the first executive director of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). This roundtable provides Deaf youth with a platform to engage in meaningful conversations about important issues impacting the Deaf community. Participants collaborate, share ideas, and develop action plans to promote advocacy, leadership, and social change, continuing Schreiber’s legacy of empowerment and progress for the General Assembly.
See what our attendees did at the Jr. NAD Conference
Our happy members have a lot to say about their experiences and share what they wanted you to see!
Past Conferences
| 1st Biennial May 8 – 14, 1968 | Gallaudet College | Washington, D.C. |
| 2nd Biennial April 15 – 19, 1970 | Gallaudet College | Washington, D.C. |
| 3rd Biennial June 11 – 14, 1972 | National Technical Insitute for the Deaf | Rochester, NY |
| 4th Biennial April 20 – 27, 1974 | Gallaudet College | Washington, D.C. |
| 5th Biennial June 7 – 12, 1976 | North Carolina School for the Deaf | Morganton, NC |
| 6th Biennial August 8 – 14, 1978 | Swan Lake Lodge | Pengilly, MN |
| 7th Biennial June 30 – July 5, 1980 | NAD Centennial Convention | Cincinnati, OH |
| 8th Biennial June 2 – 7, 1982 | NYC Chapter of Junior NAD National Technical Insitute of the Deaf | Rochester, NY |
| 9th Biennial June 10 – 17, 1984 | Florida School for the Deaf | St. Augustine, FL |
| 10th Biennial June 3 – 7, 1986 | Model Secondary School for the Deaf | Washington, D.C. |
| 11th Biennial March 25 – 30, 1988 | California School for the Deaf, Fremont | Fremont, CA |
| 12th Biennial June 5 – 10, 1990 | Indiana School for the Deaf | Indianapolis, IN |
| 13th Biennial April 11 – 17, 1992 | Louisiana for the Deaf | Baton Rouge, LA |
| 14th Biennial May 12 – 16, 1994 | Rochester School for the Deaf | Rochester, NY |
| 15th Biennial November 12 – 17, 1996 | North Carolina School for the Deaf Brown’s Summit Conference Center | Greensboro, NC |
| 16th Biennial July 24 – 29, 1998 | California School for the Deaf, Fremont | Fremont, CA |
| 17th Biennial October 31 – November 14, 2000 | Rochester School for the Deaf | Rochester, NY |
| 18th Biennial November 13 – 18, 2001 | Ohio School for the Deaf | Columbus, OH |
| 19th Biennial November 4 – 9, 2003 | Model Secondary School for the Deaf | Washington, DC |
| 20th Biennial November 1 – 6, 2005 | Indiana School for the Deaf | Indianapolis, IN |
| 21st Biennial October 16 – 21, 2007 | Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind | Tuscon, AZ |
| 22nd Biennial November 4 – 8, 2009 | Texas School for the Deaf | Austin, TX |
| 23rd Biennial November 18 – 22, 2011 | California School for the Deaf, Riverside | Riverside, CA |
| 24th Biennial November 5 – 10, 2013 | Model Secondary School for the Deaf | Washington, D.C. |
| 25th Biennial November 17 – 22, 2015 | Florida School for the Deaf and Blind | St. Augustine, FL |
| 26th Biennial November 7 – 12, 2017 | Nebraska Association of the Deaf Caroly Joy Holling Camp | Ashland, NE |
| 27th Biennial November 6 – 10, 2019 | Rochester School for the Deaf | Rochester, NY |
| 28th Biennial March 16, 2022 | California School for the Deaf, Riverside | Virtual |
| 29th Biennial November 8 – 12, 2023 | Maryland School for the Deaf, Frederick | Frederick, MD |