The collection of the National Association of the Deaf consists of 79 document boxes and 2 oversize boxes for a total of 43.5 linear feet and approximately 67,150 pages. The materials within the collection range from 1915 to 1993. The earliest documents are reproductions-most of the collection is made up of materials from the 1970s. The bulk of the papers are convention materials, correspondence, organizational documents, and publications. The strongest component of the collection is correspondence-19 boxes compose the correspondence series. Of particular interest are letters with the NAD and other countries around the world. Since the NAD is the representative organization for the United States with the World Federation of the Deaf, the NAD remained in close contact with other nations in regards to equality for the deaf on the international front, sharing and trading information so as best to assist the deaf globally. Furthermore, cooperation among the numerous deaf organizations within the US comprises a large portion of this collection.

The weakest part of the collection is manuscripts. Most written material was published, used in speeches during conventions, or in correspondence. The manuscripts in the collection are generally drafts. There are also very few minutes from the numerous national and international congresses. There are many materials about, for, and from these events, but the collection of minutes and reports is fairly small.

Also in the compilation are photographs (Box 79) and objects (OV 2). The photographs are primarily random and correlate with the activities of the NAD during the 1970s, such as the signing of propositions, various portraits of individuals, and other topics related to deafness that appeared in the mainstream. The objects are gifts from various countries that were most likely given during world congresses.