The Association of Late-Deafened Adults is about communication and acceptance of every deafened individual. Some people lip-read, some sign, some use hearing aids, some have cochlear implants, and some need to have others write down what they are saying - and at ALDA all the above is okay! ALDAs official communication philosophy is "Whatever works!"
What is most important about ALDA is that there are no membership restrictions, no ties to a specific mode of communication. ALDA reaches out to deafened individuals regardless of age of onset who are seeking their place as a deafened person. ALDA gives late-deafened adults a chance to mingle without being uncomfortable about their deafness and - perhaps for the first time - a chance to confront and accept their deafness (Deaf Life, May 1991). ALDA also provides a place for deaf/hearing couples to socialize with other couples who are facing similar communication issues. While many couples stop socializing when one spouse loses their hearing, couples find a comfortable place at ALDA to socialize where communication is easier. (ALDAcon 2006 Proceedings/Bill Graham).
