MSS 129

Washington Metropolitan Deaf Alliance, est. 1978
Collection of Washington Metropolitan Deaf Alliance, 1978-1986

Gallaudet University Archives.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 129
Creator:
Title: Collection of Washington Metropolitan Deaf Alliance, 1978-1986.
Quantity: 1.0 Linear Feet (2 document boxes)
Abstract:
Note: This document last updated 2006 January 11.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The Washington Metropolitan Deaf Alliance collection was given to the Gallaudet University Archives by Nancy Abbott and Sheila Conlon-Mentowski.  The gift was made in 1986.
Processed by: Sara Robinson. 2004 October 18.
Processing Note:
Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Historical Sketch

The Washington Metropolitan Deaf Alliance (WMDA) was founded in 1978 as an alliance to promote and maintain the welfare of deaf citizens in the Washington Metropolitan area. They functioned as a lobbying organization, keeping in touch with local, state, and national elected representatives. They promoted several bills for telecommunications access, closed-captioning, legislative access, and housing services. The Alliance’s aim was to become the liaison between the various Deaf associations and organizations in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia to better represent the Deaf citizens of the Washington Metropolitan area. Voting membership was limited to member organizations and individuals were limited to associate membership. The WMDA was dissolved in 1986 due to lack of interest and support originating in 1980. With increased accessibility for the deaf in telecommunications, the legislative process, and in closed-captioning, there was little need for WMDA and its services. The remaining funds, $1,200, in their treasury were split amongst various deaf organizations.

Scope and Content

The collection contains meeting agendas, newspaper clippings, correspondence, financial reports, meeting minutes of the board and general meetings, memorandums, officer’s reports, objectives, press releases, and newsletters. The collection dates from 1978 to 1985 with the bulk of the papers dating from 1978 to 1982. The collection has numerous gaps due to the organization’s periodic inactivity. The bulk of the collection is correspondence regarding various bills for the deaf community and the dissolution of the WMDA.  The correspondence includes letters to Senator Barbara Mikulski and other legislators. The collection contains 26 folders in one box and is arranged by subject matter. The information is useful for research concerning deaf people’s accessibility and rights in Washington, DC during the late 1970s. Another box contains organization proposals, an officer's manual, a leather bound binder with an official seal dossier, and certificates of membership.

Series Descriptions and Folder Lists

No Series.