Starting in 2012, Deafhood Foundation began to provide classes and workshops all over the United States which had a tremendous impact on Deaf people and communities. As a result, Deafhood Foundation as an incorporated organization with a clear mission and goals was formed in 2009. This group of passionate individuals, filled with expertise in economics, social justice, organizational development, Deaf culture, and American Sign Language, continued to work together through weekend retreats to expand on principles and dreams of a better world for Deaf people.

This group took the time to examine and re-frame the political, economic, and ideological powers surrounding the Deaf communities, after being educated about structures of systemic oppression. They were inspired by a book first published in Bristol, England: “Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood” by Dr. He was added to the Roll of Honour of the British Deaf Association for “Outstanding Contributions to the Deaf Community in Deaf Education” (2007).The idea of Deafhood Foundation was sparked in 2007 when a group of concerned Deaf activists met in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ladd authored the book, Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood. He was also the founder of the Glastonbury Festival Sign Zone. For a period, he toured with the Grateful Dead as their on stage interpreter. Ladd's contribution to the Deaf world has not only been academic. His works have received international recognition. in Deaf Culture at Bristol University in 1998 and has written, edited and contributed to numerous publications in the field. Doctor Chair in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, Washington DC. He has been a core campaigner for Deaf rights since the 80s, and was involved in the National Union of the Deaf, one of the earliest British Deaf activist organisations. Ladd was one of the first presenters of BBC's See Hear and presented the earliest programmes from 1984 in both sign and speech.

Despite considerable international pressure, the centre was wound down as the MSc was closed in 2009, the undergrad programme taught out from 2010 to 2013, and the centre finally closed in the July of that year. Ladd was a lecturer and MSc Coordinator (MSc in Deaf Studies to approx 2007, then after a brief pause, MSc in Deafhood Studies 2009) at the Centre for Deaf Studies at the University of Bristol. Paddy Ladd (born February 11, 1952) is an English deaf scholar, author, activist and researcher of deaf culture.

Paddy ladd deafhood