backMiss Deaf America Pageant History
The Miss Deaf America Pageant (MDAP) offers young women between the ages of 18 and 28 an opportunity to develop self-confidence as they compete to become a goodwill ambassador and spokeswoman of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). The goal is to encourage and foster future leaders and is part of the youth programs of the NAD. The MDAP takes place during biennial NAD conferences.
The MDAP began as the vision of the late Douglas J. Burke. In 1966, Burke established a National Cultural Program within the NAD for the purpose of finding the hidden talents of deaf people in the visual arts. Witnessing the phenomenal growth of state contests within the structure of the Cultural Program, Burke still felt there was something missing. There was one aspect of the arts that had yet to be explored- the world of drama. Dr. Burke visualized the need of a "way to recognize deaf actresses at an early age" and, with the blessings of the NAD, the Miss Deaf America Talent Pageant, was created as a part of the National Cultural Program.
The main objective of the Miss Deaf America Talent Pageant was"…a new concept to help us elevate the image and self-concept of deaf ladies throughout the United States. This is not an ordinary contest…beauty, poise, gracefulness are desirable qualities, but the biggest point is one’s cultural talent performance."
Miami beach, Florida was the site of the first pageant during the 1972 NAD Convention. This first pageant only had five contestants, but it was powerful drawing card for conventioneers, and still is to this day.
Since 1972, the Pageant has undergone many changes. In 1976, the word "talent" was removed and it simply became known as the Miss Deaf America Pageant, following closely the structure of the Miss Deaf America Pageant. Before reaching national level competition, participants compete at the local and state level, thus enabling a large number of women an opportunity to test their public-speaking and stage presence, poise and grace "under fire", and their ability to "think on their feet." Talent is no longer "the only thing"; the women are judged across a broad spectrum of categories including community service, academics, current events, knowledge of deaf culture, and more.
At the 1998 Pageant in San Antonio, Texas, for the first time, the contestants were required to make a three-minute presentation. This then becomes the Miss Deaf America Platform.
In 2000, there were 25 contestants at Norfolk, Virginia. The theme was "Charting New Waters." Amy Wong of California relinquished her crown to Lauren Teruel of Illinois.
The National Association of the Deaf, established in 1880, is the largest constituency organization safeguarding the accessibility and civil rights of 28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans in education, employment, health care, and telecommunications. A private, non-profit organization, the NAD is a dynamic federation of 51 state associations affiliates including the District of Columbia, organizational affiliates, and direct members. Primary areas of focus include grassroots advocacy and empowerment, captioned media, certification of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies professionals; deaf-related information and publications, legal assistance, policy development and research, public awareness, sign language interpreter certification, and youth leadership development. In addition to the MDAP, the NAD has three other youth-related programs, the NAD Youth Leadership Camp, the Junior NAD and the Collegiate NAD.