Who was the first president of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)?

The first president of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) was George Veditz. He served in this role from the association's founding in 1880 and continued to be a prominent figure in advocating for the rights and education of deaf people. Veditz is particularly known for his passionate support of sign language and his influential role in the early deaf rights movement. His leadership during the initial years of the NAD helped shape its mission and promote Deaf Culture and identity.

The other individuals listed, while significant in the landscape of disability rights or public awareness, did not serve as the first president of the NAD. Helen Keller was an iconic advocate for people with disabilities but was not directly connected to the NAD in the same leadership capacity. Marlee Matlin is a well-known actress and advocate for the deaf community but came after Veditz's time. Thomas Gallaudet was instrumental in establishing the first school for the deaf in America but was not involved in the formation of the NAD.