Deaf Interfaith: Theological Advocacy Service was organized in 1977 and it was incorporated on May 29, 1979. Before the founding of the Deaf Interfaith, there was a group of hearing and deaf persons representing from various religious background concerned that the theological education opportunities were not available to deaf people. Deaf people who received their degrees in religious fields were neglected by the religious community. The group began to discuss these concerns in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 1977.

The result of the meeting was the formation of “Deaf Interfaith: Theological Advocacy Service” The members of Deaf Interfaith created goals to provide for the needs of Deaf religious patrons. After they achieved their goals, they made a presentation to the Board of Directors of the Washington Theological Consortium in the fall of 1978, requesting that the member schools of the consortium accept qualified deaf applicants with the purpose and goals of the Deaf Interfaith.

On May 29, 1979, Deaf Interfaith was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. It was managed by a volunteer, working Board of Directors, and an Advisory Board of persons who were knowledgeable in the fields of education, deafness, ministry, and theological education. At that time, the officers of the Board of Directors were run by President Tom Mather, Vice President Fran Kenyon, Secretary Sister Alverna Hollis, and Treasurer Rev. Kathy Black.