Dr. Paddy Ladd is a scholar, author, activist and researcher of Deaf culture

Deaf culture

Deaf culture describes the social beliefs, behaviors, art, literary traditions, history, values and shared institutions of communities that are affected by deafness and which use sign languages as the main means of communication. When used as a cultural label, the word deaf is often written with a...

 . He is currently a lecturer and MSC Coordinator at the Centre for Deaf Studies at the University of Bristol

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. One of the so-called "red brick" universities, it received its Royal Charter in 1909, although its predecessor institution, University College, Bristol, had been in existence since 1876.The University is...

 . He held the Powrie V. Doctor Chair in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is a federally-chartered university for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing, located in the District of Columbia, U.S...

, Washington DC . He completed his Ph.D. in Deaf Culture at Bristol University in 1998 and has written, edited and contributed to numerous publications in the field. His works have received international recognition.

Dr. Ladd authored the book, "Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood ." He was added to the Roll of Honour of the British Deaf Association

British Deaf Association

British Deaf Association is a deaf-led British charity that campaigns and advocates for deaf people who use British Sign Language.It was originally formed in 1890 by Francis Maginn, who was deaf himself...

 for “Outstanding Contributions to the Deaf Community in Deaf Education” (2007).

Awards received

• Francis Maginn Award “For Lifetime Achievement for the Deaf Community” from the British Deaf Association (2004)
• The E.M. Gallaudet Award for “International Leadership in Promoting the Well-Being of Deaf People of the World” from Gallaudet University (2009)
• The Deaf Lifetime Achievement Award from the Federation of Deaf People for activities which have extended the possibilities for Deaf communities in the UK and worldwide (1998).