DHHIG National Training Conference

Conference Keynote Speakers

Dr. Robert Davila has dedicated his career to advocacy for persons with disabilities. He is the first and only deaf person to have served as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. From 1978 to 1989, he held several positions at Gallaudet University. He went on to serve as the first deaf headmaster in the 180-year history of New York School for the Deaf and then to Rochester Institute Technology in 1996. Dr. Davila retired from RIT and currently is the Senior Vice President for National Programs at Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD). He also is a member of the National Council on Disability, where he advises President George W. Bush on matters related to disability issues.

Other Featured Keynote Speakers:

Barbara Jean “BJ” Wood, Executive Director of the Colorado Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Yvonne M. Dunkle, Director of Maryland Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Both are responsible for improving efficiency and accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens in Colorado and Maryland.

Dexter Brooks, Acting Director of Federal Sector Programs in U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Office of Federal Operations (OFO). Prior to his acting assignment, Mr. Brooks served as the Federal Training and Outreach Coordinator and an Attorney Advisor in OFO.