Washington Metropolitan Deaf Alliance

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.