Ladd was a lecturer and Master of Science Coordinator (Master of Science in Deaf Studies to approx 2007, then after a brief pause, Master of Science in Deafhood Studies 2009) at the Centre for Deaf Studies at the University of Bristol. Despite considerable international pressure, the centre was wound down as the Master of Science 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 one of the first presenters of British Broadcasting Corporation"s See Hear and presented the earliest programmes from 1984 in both sign and speech. 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. He held the Powrie V. Doctor Chair in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, Washington District of Columbia. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Deaf Culture at Bristol University in 1998 and has written, edited and contributed to numerous publications in the field
Ladd"s contribution to the Deaf world has not only been academic.
Foreign a period, he toured with the Grateful Dead as their on stage sign translator. Doctor Ladd authored the book, Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood.
He was added to the Roll of Honour of the British Deaf Association for “Outstanding Contributions to the Deaf Community in Deaf Education” (2007).
Francis Maginn Award “Foreign 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 United Kingdom and worldwide (1998).
