Association of Late-Deafened Adults

Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA) is an organization for people who became deaf as adults. ALDA was founded in 1987 by Bill Graham of Chicago, Illinois. Within a few years, the organization had chapters in over 15 regions across the United States. The primary growth vehicle was ALDA News, a monthly newsletter.

By 1989 ALDA had begun holding annual conventions, known as ALDAcons. People from throughout the world have attended these conventions, which feature workshops, an exhibit hall, and social activities. The climax of the conventions is a Saturday night party featuring karaoke. I. King Jordan, president of Gallaudet University, is the most famous ALDAn and has spoken frequently at the conventions.