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MWADB's History
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Brief
History of MWADB
In the mid-1970’s, Gallaudet
College established a community education program for Deaf-Blind adults, under
the direction of Art Roehrig.
Several Deaf-Blind individuals participated in the courses over the next
several years, and the idea of a Deaf-Blind Community gathering came up
repeatedly, though there was no information on where or how to initiate such a
forum. Deaf-Blind
individuals continued to meet at the Gallaudet classes, and in each other’s
homes, generating ideas and opinions.
On September 25, 1982, Rod Macdonald who was then the President of the
American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) and his wife, Ele, invited a group
of dynamic Deaf-Blind folks, their families and their friends who became support
service providers (SSP) for a potluck dinner at their home.
To our amazement, we shared similar isolation and frustrating
experiences. After
our delicious dinner, Rod gave an impressive talk on how to start a Deaf-Blind
social club in the metro area.
Everyone loved the idea, which sparked the beginning of our unique social
group. Each
Deaf-Blind individual took a turn in hosting a potluck dinner in his or her home
on the third Saturday of each month.
On April 19, 1984, the social gathering at the home of
Reverend Jay and Frances Croft grew and grew.
And the group decided to officially have the organization called Metro
Washington Club for the Deaf-Blind (MWCDB).
The election took place and Jack Wright was the first president, Debbie
Falek was vice president and secretary was Earlene Duncan and Ann Black as
treasurer.
During
the three-year term, the officers established the by-laws.
Also, we hosted a reception for the 1986 AADB convention on the campus of
Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C.
In June 1986, the organization’s name changed to Metropolitan
Washington Association of the Deaf-Blind (MWADB).
Then in November of 1987 elections officially took place and from that
time on every two years elections are held.
Various activities: popular Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, picnic, camping
and various recreational activities, guest speakers, SSP training, deaf-blind
support group meetings and fund raising.
MWADB
has grown throughout the years and will have a twenty-year celebration in 2004.
We hope you will join us to learn more about our organization.
MWADB
WELCOMES YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT AS WELL AS A VOLUNTEER.
By The History Committee, November 2003
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