Who We Are

Driven by compassion, guided by integrity, and focused on results.

Our History

Founded in 2002 by Jennifer Cho and Candice Hsu, the Metropolitan Asian Deaf Association (MADA) started with a modest group of 30+ deaf members. Since then, under the leadership of Clement So and a dedicated team with strong professional backgrounds, MADA has grown significantly. With over 600+ members and followers, it has expanded its reach to cover not only the Greater New York Metropolitan Area but also areas like Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Boston.

MADA gained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2009. MADA’s Deaf Asian Community has made significant contributions to improving the lives of the Deaf Asian NYC residents by increasing self-awareness about themselves with confidence, pride, self-esteem, and strong community support, building good community relationships with other local NYC organizations, regional, and national communities, and creating more safe space for Deaf Asian American community.

MADA community members gathered together

Our Mission

Creating sustainable change through community-driven initiatives.

We believe that true change comes from within the community by providing resources, education, and support.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Metropolitan Asian Deaf Association (MADA) is to empower and preserve Asian cultural values within the Deaf community in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area and beyond.

MADA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the Asian Deaf Community through support services, cultural preservation, community engagement, and civic engagement.

We aim to foster an environment where Deaf Asian American individuals can thrive with confidence, pride, self-esteem, and robust community support, ensuring they have access to resources, advocacy, and support needed to thrive.

Why Our Work Is Important?

For many in the Asian Deaf community, navigating daily life involves overcoming a dual barrier: the challenge of communication and the nuances of cultural identity. Standard accessibility services often overlook the specific linguistic and cultural needs of Asian Deaf individuals, leading to isolation and limited opportunities.

Our work bridges this gap. We provide not just interpretation, but cultural advocacy. We create spaces where sign language and heritage coexist. By empowering individuals with resources, education, and a sense of belonging, we transform isolation into leadership, ensuring that every voice —signed or spoken— is heard and valued.

Meet Our Team

MADA is led by community members, board volunteers, program organizers, and accessibility advocates. Individual bios can be added here as approved headshots and role details become available.

Leadership & Board

Governance and mission stewardship

Programs Team

Workshops, cultural events, and community support

Outreach Team

Community connection and partnerships

Youth & Camp

Youth leadership and family-centered programs

Accessibility Advocates

ASL access and culturally responsive resources

Volunteers

Event support and community care

Partners and Sponsors

We work with Deaf community organizations, Asian American community groups, schools, civic agencies, cultural institutions, interpreters, volunteers, and local supporters.

  • Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community organizations
  • Asian American community groups
  • Schools and youth-serving programs
  • Cultural and heritage organizations
  • Accessibility and language access advocates
  • Local civic agencies and public-service partners
  • Volunteer networks and community organizers
  • Small businesses and neighborhood supporters