MDA History Timeline
JULY 5, 1880
Michigan Deaf Association began as a reunion of Michigan School for the Deaf alumni in Detroit.
JUNE 1887
At the Second Alumni Reunion at the Michigan School for the Deaf, the organization adopted its constitution and by-laws.
E. Morris Bristol, the Deaf school’s teacher, was elected the first president.
1898
The association changed its name from “Alumni Association” 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.