Indiana Association of the Deaf

11/18/2025

12 more days left til the deadline for you to submit your accommodations requests! Looking forward to seeing you at our general meeting on Sunday, December 7!

11/14/2025

IAD was everywhere last weekend. Literally.
We split into two teams so we could show up for our community in full force.

One team spent the day at NIDAC’s DeafJAM Festival, connecting with families and celebrating Deaf culture. The other team held down our Books & Brews Fundraiser, raising support and engaging with community members in a relaxed, welcoming space.

Two events. One mission.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, chatted with us, or showed support. Moments like these remind us what we can accomplish together.



IMAGE DESCRIPTIONS

Image 1:
A group of six adults stand behind an Indiana Association of the Deaf (IAD) table at an indoor event. The table is covered with a navy tablecloth featuring the yellow-and-blue IAD logo. On the table are brochures, buttons, pens, and water bottles. One person kneels in front, wearing a light blue IAD shirt. Behind them is a gym-like space with metal paneling and large windows. Everyone is smiling toward the camera.

Image 2:
Five adults sit and stand behind an IAD table inside a board-game café or hobby shop. Shelves of colorful board games cover the walls behind them. The table has a navy IAD tablecloth, flyers, pens, and a donation box with the IAD logo. People in the background are talking and enjoying the space. Everyone at the table is smiling warmly at the camera.

11/11/2025

Our last General Meeting of 2025 is coming up soon! Join us as we share updates, discuss current initiatives, and plan together for the future of the Deaf community in Indiana.

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM ET
Location: Indiana School for the Deaf (MPR), Indianapolis
Format: Hybrid (In-person + Zoom)

The meeting will be ASL-first. If you need voice interpretation or other accommodations, please complete the form by November 30 here: https://forms.gle/2KFfjMUpHxMH93jHA

Light refreshments provided for in-person attendees. Zoom link and agenda coming soon.

VD: A white, bald man in a black polo shirt with IAD logo standing in front of a black background.

Transcript: Hello! We are hosting our next, but last, general meeting of the year! Where? Indianapolis, IN! Where exactly? Indiana School for the Deaf - MPR. When? Sunday, December 7 from 10 AM to 2 PM EST. We will provide light refreshments! If you need accommodations, please contact us at info@iadhoosiers.org by November 30 at 11:59 PM EST.

11/11/2025

While SNAP benefits are disrupted during the government shutdown, use the following resources to help find emergency food assistance and other needs:
• Indianapolis Office of Public Health & Safety: Attend their public food distribution events – see their page for more event details.
• Indiana 211: Call 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit their website: https://in211.communityos.org/
• Community Compass: Download the free app or visit their website: https://www.communitycompass.app/home
• Findhelp: Download the free app or visit their website: https://www.facebook.com/itsfindhelp

Stay informed: Several of these tools rely on community members to stay up to date. Follow their page or visit their website as new information comes and locations are updated.

11/10/2025

SNAP and WIC funding is still uncertain, and many families are starting to feel the impact. If you rely on these programs, please reach out for support — you are not alone.

Visit findhelp.org or feedingamerica.org to locate nearby food pantries and meal programs. Local food banks and community centers can also help.

IAD will keep monitoring updates and continue advocating for food access in our Deaf community.



https://youtu.be/WUsSWWnJ0TM
VD: A white man with black glasses, beard, and dirty blonde hair pulled back while wearing a black polo shirt with IAD logo. He's sitting in front of grey background

[Transcript]

Hello, I’m Geoffrey Bignell, the Director of Advocacy for the Indiana Association of the Deaf.

As of today, the federal government still hasn’t renewed funding for SNAP and WIC programs. Many families across the country are starting to feel the effects, and we know this can cause a lot of uncertainty and worry.

SNAP and WIC help families afford groceries and basic nutrition. If your benefits have been delayed or reduced, please reach out for support — you are not alone.

Local food banks, churches, and community organizations are stepping up to help. You can visit findhelp.org or feedingamerica.org to find food pantries and meal programs in your area.

IAD is closely monitoring this situation and will share updates as soon as new information becomes available. We remain committed to advocating for your access to food security and supporting you through this difficult time.

VD: A white man with dirty blonde long hair sitting in front of a blue/gray background. He's wearing a black polo shirt with IAD logo on it. Transcript: Hell...

11/10/2025

The federal government is moving to shift the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from the Department of Education to Health and Human Services, a move that could turn disability rights into medical issues instead of civil rights in education.

NAD joined families, educators, and advocates nationwide to oppose this change and protect IDEA.

Take action today using NAD’s toolkit:

https://www.nad.org/2025/11/10/nad-update-moving-idea-from-dept-of-ed-to-dhhs/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN_JKFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCTjRvN0o1ZHRiSUFrckxuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkr33LDeK53TnZ0bRA6ZhWVrJa2_fzHAwe2CE7A0a6e92rPcWLFLFZotK2w8_aem__51mO_U91XoTrE3FJJaM9w

11/07/2025

🍂 Raise a glass for a cause! 🍻
Join us tomorrow, Saturday, November 8 at Books & Brews – Brownsburg from 11 AM to MIDNIGHT (ET) for IAD’s Fall Fundraiser!

Enjoy great food, local beer, and live music — with interpreters and a live band from 7–9 PM — all while supporting the Deaf community. 🎶

15% of all sales go directly to the Indiana Association of the Deaf, helping us continue our work statewide.

Bring your friends, enjoy the music, and make an impact — one pint at a time! 🍺

📍 Books & Brews | 1551 N Green St, Suite I, Brownsburg, IN 46112


VD: A white woman with long brown hair in a black IAD polo shirt standing in the front of the black background.

Transcript:

Hey! What are you doing this Saturday, Nov 8? Have no plans?? No worries! We have a plan for you! Come to Books and Brews event! Time? 11 AM to 12 PM EST. The event is our IAD fundraiser event where we get 15% of the sales. We will have a live band! Bring your friends and support IAD!

11/07/2025

Let’s support Indiana School for the Deaf and donate food to ensure that 10-20 families have food on their table!

This season, we are collecting food to help families in need. Every can, box, or jar you bring in helps put meals on tables in our community.

Please drop off donations to the Willard Hall front office by November 17.

Together, we can make a difference - one meal at a time.

11/07/2025

Our President, Jeffrey Spinale, Jr., with 3 other state associations leaders were interviewed by The Daily Moth. The full interview clip can be viewed here.

11/02/2025

Here’s the latest update from President Stephanie Hakulin!

10/31/2025

Here’s the Day 2 Recap featuring our President Jeffrey Spinale, Jr and our Director of Membership, Felicia Hubbard. Stay tuned for more recaps!