2022
DeafLEAD is selected as a National Chat and Text backup center for the NSPL transitioning to 988
Our History
Since DeafLEAD began, we have proudly been under the leadership of Deaf individuals. Originally named Youth L.E.A.D. Foundation, we went through a few iterations before becoming the DeafLEAD of today.
In nearly 30 years, our services have expanded, but our ability as a Deaf-led agency to provide crisis services to Deaf and hearing individuals remains unique.
A Timeline of Our Progress
Timeline
About Dr. Logan
Dr. Stephanie Logan was a student at the University of Georgia when she lost her hearing to meningitis. It was a life-altering event.
Dr. Logan had never met a Deaf person before losing her hearing, but was fortunate to receive support and guidance from the Deaf community almost immediately. That privilege shaped the development of her Deaf-identity early on.
She also received other support, vocational services, and went to study American Sign Language at Gallaudet University. It was there that she developed enough ASL skills to return to the University of Georgia and complete her degree in psychology using interpreters.
After college, Dr. Logan began working at the University of Georgia, learning how to write grants and develop programs and services for students with disabilities.
After a few years, she started looking for a new position, searching for opportunities that would accept Deaf applicants, and found two – a Deaf advocate position in Alaska, and an Executive Director of a new nonprofit being created to serve Deaf individuals in Missouri.
Interviewing for both positions, she was offered and accepted the position in Missouri, as the leader of what would become DeafLEAD. The early years were not without their challenges, but they created the foundation that would today support six crisis lines, many volunteers and interns, over 200 employees in 29 states, and an array of services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind and DeafDisabled victims of crime.
Over the years, it has been Dr. Logan’s mission to give back what had been given to her through service for others in the Deaf community.