Our History

JULY 5, 1880

Michigan Deaf Association has its beginning as a reunion for Michigan School for the Deaf Alumni in Detroit. 

JUNE 1887

MDA adopts its constitution and by-laws at the Second Alumni Reunion at the Michigan School for the Deaf.

E. Morris Bristol, the Deaf school’s teacher, was elected the first president.

1898

The name of the Association, “Alumni Association” is changed to Michigan Association of the Deaf (M.A.D.) to include Deaf people living in Michigan, regardless of where they graduated.

1981

The name of the organization changes again to Michigan Association of Deaf Citizens (M.A.D.C.)

1987

The MADC celebrates its 100th Anniversary in Livonia to reflect the year when the organization’s constitution and by-laws were adopted. 

1995

The organization changes its name once again to Michigan Deaf Association (MDA) to reflect its community’s identity and cultural awareness.