The host committee of Maryland Association of the Deaf (MDAD) and Potomac Chapter Registry Interpreters of the Deaf 2007 Conference are very excited to bring the first and largest conference in the same location at Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland. As the theme, “Together. Stronger” implies, we can develop a stronger relationship between the two organizations. The conference begins with the MDAD Opening Night Reception on Thursday, November 29, 2007, and the weekend culminates with a full day of PCRID professional development workshops on Sunday, December 2, 2007. Located in Rockville MD, the conference promises to be FOUR days of not only educational, but also networking opportunities. Join us for this history making event as members of the Deaf community and ASL/English sign language interpreters learn, grow and become stronger, together. We anticipate at least 500 participants to attend.

MDAD, since 1956, has been serving more than 575,000 Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the state of Maryland. Growing deaf/hard of hearing populations is quickly changing the face of the communities’ demographics and will transform the arena of politics, business and services in the decades to come. This special population has its own specific communication and cultural issues due to its severity of hearing loss, environmental surroundings, and other factors.

The MDAD 2007 Conference theme is "Together. Stronger”

The purposes of this theme are:

• Show how to improve the livelihood of deaf/hard of hearing people through better services.
• Develop stronger relationship between Deaf/Hard of Hearing community and ASL/English sign language interpreters.
• Increase the recognition that anything is possible through and technology.
• Provide unique opportunities.

The Conference will bring the most revolutionary events ever presented! We will have diversity of seminars for conference participants; large exhibitions ranging from cultural arts to the latest technology; Miss MDAD pageant; Awards Luncheon; and entertainment. Come one, come all to have a great time!