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Mission
USA Deaf Sports Federation's mission is to empower Deaflympians and Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes to continuously reach their highest competitive potential.

 

USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) is the national governing body of Deaf sports in the United States. USADSF is a member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Affiliate Organizations Council and a member of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as an International Federation with Olympic Standing. USADSF is also a member of the Pan American Deaf Sports Organization (PANAMDES), a regional confederation of the ICSD. USADSF is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.

 

USADSF oversees National Sport Organizations and National Sport Committees in twenty-five sports and is responsible for coordinating the United States delegation to the Deaflympics, Deaf World Championships, and Pan American Games for the Deaf. Athletes with a hearing loss of greater than 55dB in the better ear are eligible to compete in ICSD-sanctioned events.

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USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) serves thousands of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans by promoting accessible and inclusive sports environments and experiences for Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes and ensuring that the athletes’ unique communication needs are met.

 

Since its founding in 1945 as the American Athletic Association for the Deaf (AAAD), USADSF has produced hundreds of Deaflympic, Paralympic, and Olympic champions. â€‹

Vision

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans shall thrive in all aspects of sport and society with the full provision of equal access and barrier-free participation. The United States Deaflympic and Deaf National Teams shall serve as an exemplary model of equity, inclusion, and excellence.

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Core Principles

We recognize that thriving in sports and society requires sound mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Our core values adhere to the highest principles of Olympism and aim to forge a resilient and empowering sporting movement capable of inspiring all Americans.

In working to achieve our mission and vision, we:

 

  • Prioritize inclusive sports environments and athlete well-being.

  • Champion gender, racial, and disability equity and practice zero tolerance for discrimination on the basis of race, class, or sexual orientation.

  • Engage as a global leader to advance the Deaflympic movement.

  • Work to unlock structural barriers and build pathways to excellence for Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes.

  • Advocate for the equitable representation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes.

  • Hold ourselves and our affiliated organizations accountable to a high bar of excellence.

  • Honor the diversity, intersectionality, and cultural authenticity of our athletes.

  • Uphold the integrity of sport, including clean sport and fair play.

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