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MISSION

GWADA is a non-profit organization that advocates the interests of the Asian Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community of Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. GWADA serves supports and enhances the social charitable, educational and cultural needs of its membership. We had 10 the anniversary gala and picnic in honor of GWADA's establishment.

 

OBJECTIVES.

 
  • Be a resource for education, social justice, civil advocac, human rights of Asian/Pacific Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons and their families.
  • Promote educational programs, workshops and seminars for Asian Deaf/Hard of Hearing infants/children, their hearing parents, new Asian immigrants and the helping professionals who work with them.
  • Conduct and facilitate leadership/assertiveness training programs and self-esteem seminars for Asian Deaf/Hard of Hearing adults and their family members.
  • Educate the general public with the Asian cultural heritage as well as Asian Deaf culture.
  • To serve as an information clearinghouse on information about Asian Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing people.
  • Enhance recognition and achievements of Asian Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing people, promoting ethnic/cultural identity and pride.
  • Award scholarships and stipends to outstanding Asian Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students
  • Promote efficient fund-raising activities to accomplish the above-mentioned mission

HISTORY

In March 1994, two deaf Asians from the Washington, D.C. area meet at Access Silent Conference (the Deaf Asians Experience) in San francisco, California.  They were surprised that it took them 3,000 miles tomeet up with one other and agreed to host a picnic in Washington for all local deaf/hard of hearing Asians to interact with one other. Despite the rainstorms, the group remained with the picnic BUDDY ATTICK PARK GREENBELT, Maryland on June 11, 1994. It was a fund and delicious potluck picnic which everyone enjoyed. The idea of formalizing an association for deaf and hard of hearing Asians were brought up at thsi picnic adn later on the Metropolitan Washington Association of Asian Deaf Americans (MWAADA) was officially establishment along with elected Ad HOC officers.
 
Later on, MWAADA were renamed to the Greater Washington Asian Deaf Association (GWADA)
 

 
The officers of GWADA support and work with the members of GWADA to ensure the organization's standing in Washington, DC area. They take great pleasure to work with the social committee to arrange special events, activities, projects, workshop and tour.  Their efforts also focus on improving a special events and ensuring succession in the events. The events included Christmas party, Lunar New Year party, Annual picnic and other social events.
 
 
GWADA Officers:
Anni Tao, President
Peck Choo-Kim, Vice-President
Elaine Estrella, Secretary
Hong Xu, Treasurer
Betty Suidzinski, Board member
Steve Chough, Board member
Hung Yee, Board member