My iPad is deactivated

It's probably just been disabled because someone entered in the wrong passcode too many times. See this article: If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled - Apple Support

At worst, contact Apple Support or see the Genius Bar.

Hmmm... I've never heard of that. You could try connecting it to iTunes and restoring it that way (see previous article). At the bottom of the article, it suggests contacting Apple Support if those don't work, so that's what I would probably do:

If you can't update or restore your device using recovery mode, or you can't use recovery mode because of broken or stuck buttons, contact Apple Support. Then follow the steps to set up service for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.