Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance Announces Inactive Status

As of January 13, 2009, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance (DHHA) announced its intent to become temporarily inactive and will continue to pause until further notice. The decision to become inactive was unanimous and is due to following reasons:

• The president, Dan Houlihan, has resigned.
• Lack of initiative or support needed from the deaf community.
• A new strategic plan is required.

For the past four years, DHHA served as a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. Its mission was to promote leadership in the signing community through mentoring opportunities in addition to promoting the preservation of American Sign Language and Deaf culture. In an effort to support this cause, DHHA sponsored various events such as “Deaf Comedy Club” and “Inspired: Art of ASL.”

In support of DHHA’s mission, members and volunteers have gotten involved over the years and have contributed toward several programs and activities in the signing community. Their reasons for getting involved were for social and personal development. If it were not for the support of these members and volunteers, these programs would not have made such an impact and have been as successful. These programs have allowed youth to socialize and learn with their peers, adults to experience entertainment in sign language and a place for families with a variety of language needs to participate in a linguistically accessible environment. One of the best attributes of DHHA is their full inclusion of all individuals at whatever fluency level they bring to the organization.

After having served his four-year tenure as President, Dan Houlihan announced his decision to resign. He has expressed an interest to remain on the Board of Directors to work with the new president on an as-needed basis. While Dan wishes to pursue other personal interests, it is his hope that his decision to pass on the opportunity will evoke new ideas and further growth for DHHA’s future.

This brings about a new opportunity for new leadership for DHHA and for the deaf community. There is much potential for a tremendous amount of support and commitment from the signing community. Anyone wishing to serve as President or to participate as a member of the Board is encouraged to inquire. Further details of the open position will be announced in the near future and all applications are being accepted until June 1, 2009.

DHHA will remain inactive until July 2009. At this time, the remaining members of the Board will determine next steps based on the response from the community and the number of applicants received.