The latter was taken ill and died rather suddenly from complications following surgery. It was a contributing influence on Roberts decision to assume the office of Grand President in 1931. The Society holds conventions quadrennially, the last convention having been held in Orlando, Florida in 1999. At the 1991 convention, held in Denver, re-organization of the NFSD took effect. The official organ of the NFSD is known as The Frat , which is published quarterly.
Members receive the publication free of charge.
Others pay a minimal subscription price. Besides containing important business and social announcements pertaining to the Society, editorials relating to the deaf community in general frequently appear. Fraternal benefit societies are identified as being involved in community activities, both on a local and national scale. The NFSD is no exception and undertakes a wide range of activities that, in many cases, are difficult to evaluate in terms of money alone. On a national level, All-America awards have been presented to athletes in schools for the deaf since 1950.