About Us

North Carolina Deaf- Blind Associates NCDBA is an incorporated, nonprofit consumer organization whose purpose is the advancement of the economic, education, and social welfare of deaf-blind people. NCDBA sponsors an annual convention.

Mission Statement

The mission of the NCDBA is to seek ways that will help the North Carolina citizens who are deaf-blind, to be informed, empowered and supported in their decision about their life. Together with various agencies in this state, we are committed to assisting any citizen who is deaf-blind, in any way possible, to achieve full participation in their home, place of employment and society

Brief summary

A planning committee was set up in 1983 to organize a deaf-blind consumer organization. John Washington along with Sue Etheridge's support organized this planning committee.

The first convention was held in Winston Salem in 1984. Conventions are now held in various cities throughout the state. For many years the main speaker was a deaf-blind person from another state. John Washington and Launa Autry were also key speakers during those years. During the convention officers from the NCDBA, representatives for DSDHH and others went to lobby in Raleigh to support the expanded deaf-blind program proposed by DSB and DSDHH. As a result the expanded deaf-blind program was started in 1995.