Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness

The mission of the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD) is to ensure equal access of the deaf and hard of hearing community to the same opportunities afforded their hearing counterparts. The organization’s general purposes and powers are directed around the promotion of the social, recreational, cultural, educational, and vocational well-being of its deaf and hard of hearing constituents.

GLAD’s specific and primary purpose is to act as a coordinating agency that addresses the broad social service needs of deaf and hard of hearing people through direct service provision, advocacy, research and dissemination of information regarding deafness to parents, professionals and consumers.

GLAD has been improving the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing since its creation as a volunteer organization in 1969. GLAD is committed to the philosophy “…of, by, for and with the deaf and hard of hearing.”

In accordance with Chapter 1193, Statutes of 1980, GLAD includes deaf and hard of hearing individuals at all levels of the organization. GLAD is dedicated to improving the overall well being of the deaf and hard of hearing community, whereby the Executive Director and 51% of the Board and/or staff are deaf or hard of hearing. Recognizing the diversity of the community, GLAD believes firmly in the concept of personal choice. All persons, regardless of hearing loss or communication mode, as well as race, sex or creed, are welcome at GLAD.