History of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

History of the Robert G. Sanderson
Community Center of the
Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney

Published in 2012
Updated in 2024

Author’s Note

I've had the pleasure of documenting the history of our Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which is a treasured community hub for the Utah Deaf community. My family and I are regulars at the community center, and we consider it our second home. The center has been the source of countless cherished memories, and its absence would leave a void in our lives. I am deeply grateful to the leaders such as Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, W. David Mortensen, and others, who, as part of the Utah Association for the Deaf, dedicated 40 years from 1962 to 1992 to establish this community center through legislation. Their unwavering commitment has transformed our lives and significantly enhanced our quality of life through the activities, services, and training they have provided.

This webpage is not intended to duplicate Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's "A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" book. This history aims to fill in the gaps, including the Utah Deaf community's battles with state authorities' decision-making process regarding the community center for the deaf, Dr. Grant B. Bitter's objections to the services provided by the community center for the deaf, and W. David Mortensen's strong advocacy for the community center. This post aims to help readers better understand how Deaf leaders overcome obstacles to establish the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

When writing about individuals for our history website, I choose to use their first name to acknowledge all individuals who contribute to and advocate for our community's causes. Our patriarchal culture often expects to recognize women's advocacy, contributions, and achievements using their husbands' last names instead of their own. However, in the spirit of inclusivity, equality, and recognizing each individual's unique identity, I have decided to use their first names throughout the website. This decision reaffirms our commitment to these values and highlights the significant role of women's advocacy in our community.

Our organization, previously known as the Utah Association for the Deaf, changed its name to the Utah Association of the Deaf in 2012. The association was known as the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1962. The association changed its name to the Utah Association for the Deaf in 1963. Finally, in 2012, the association reverted to its previous name, the Utah Association of the Deaf. When writing the history website, I use both "of" and "for" to reflect the different eras of the association's history.

Thank you for taking an interest in reading our 'History of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing' webpage.

Enjoy!
Jodi Becker Kinner

Acknowledgement

I am grateful to Eleanor McCowan for making me work on the Utah Deaf History project, which I gladly accepted. None of this would have happened if it hadn't been for her request.

We incorporated further information from Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's "A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" book. Thank you, Dr. Sanderson, for making my job a lot easier.

Eugene W. Petersen deserves credit for writing and publishing articles about establishing services for Deaf adults and supporting its mission.

Thanks to Marilyn T. Call for taking the time to review this material.

I sincerely appreciate W. David Mortensen's enthusiastic support while working on this project.

Valerie G. Kinney's invaluable assistance in editing and providing consultation direction while preparing this paper is recognized and gratefully appreciated.

Finally, I am indebted to my spouse, Duane Kinner, and my children, Joshua and Danielle, for their unwavering support and patience while I worked to complete this project.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's A Brief History of the Origins of the 'Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing' book

A Gathering Place of their Own

The history of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing traces back to 1946, when Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, also known as 'Sandie' and 'Bob' to his friends, proposed the idea of a gathering place for the Utah Deaf community. In his book 'A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,' Dr. Sanderson details how the Utah Association of the Deaf first discussed the idea of a Deaf meeting place at the 1946 convention. At that time, Dr. Sanderson, who lived in Nevada, attended a convention where he observed Deaf individuals debating the establishment of their own 'Club for the Deaf' to set their own rules and meet at their convenience. The Utah Deaf community, noting the presence of deaf clubs in most major cities, questioned why such a club did not exist in Utah, particularly in Salt Lake City and Ogden. The book's author, Sandie, was unconcerned with their ideas because he was living in Nevada at the time (Sanderson, 2004, p. 1-2). Nonetheless, his book sheds light on these early discussions and the eventual realization of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Sandie also mentioned that the Deaf community in Utah had been coming together for years for socials, parties, sporting events, and other activities. People often ask, "Why do we always beg for time and space?" They had to make do with whatever time, date, and place were available, not necessarily the ones they preferred. They would book various locations, such as a hotel ballroom, a local auditorium, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind gymnasium, and the Murray B. Allen Center for the Blind. Strict rules were imposed, such as "in by seven, leave by nine" and having to pay the janitor extra if they stayed later. While the Utah Deaf community would have preferred their own gathering place, they were grateful for the cooperation of the Blind individuals and their leaders in using their facility (Sanderson, 2004, 1-2).

Robert G. Sanderson

Possible Factors that Prevented Activism

In light of this, Dr. Sanderson proposed the theory that four potential factors prevented the Deaf community from accessing the "club for the Deaf."

The Deaf adult population was unable to maintain a financially independent facility.
The dominant religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, actively discouraged the use of alcohol among the Deaf adult population. To support the club, activists in other states would sell alcohol.
To make a living and maintain a family, many Deaf people had an "eight to five" production job, leaving them little time to interact with high-level professionals in education, community agencies, or the legislature. Many couldn't afford to lose their jobs to get into politics. Only a small percentage of Deaf professionals received compensation for their participation in non-work-related community activities.
There was a lack of trained Deaf leaders who could communicate Deaf people's needs to the hearing majority with the authority and money to make things happen (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Sanderson also recognized the potential of Deaf people to lead in various Deaf organizations, including the Utah Association of the Deaf, local divisions of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf, and others. However, he noted that they could benefit from more specific training to enhance their leadership skills, overcome their fears, and effectively communicate with the leaders of the hearing power structure (Sanderson, 2004).

Trained Utah Deaf Leaders

Things were about to change when Utah Deaf leaders, including Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who moved to Utah from Nevada in 1947, observed two national Deaf leaders, Gallaudet College graduates Dr. Boyce R. Williams and Dr. Malcolm Norwood, being able to communicate with hearing leaders of the power structure. Dr. Sanderson, a respected advocate for the Deaf community, played a crucial role in facilitating this communication and ensuring that the concerns of the Deaf community were heard. As the Director of the Office of Deafness in the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration under the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Dr. Williams, a good friend of Robert Sanderson, reached the administration's highest levels with a convincing message. He also brought public attention to the concerns of Deaf and hard of hearing people, who had received little attention for years, whereas other people with disabilities in the United States received more attention. Dr. Norwood, Director of the Office of Deaf Captioned Films, went above and beyond to educate top-level officials in the Department of Education about the importance of captioned films for Deaf people (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Williams and Dr. Norwood, in their tireless efforts to meet the accessibility needs of the general Deaf population, particularly the Utah Deaf community, not only inspired but also empowered Utah Deaf leaders. They encouraged these leaders to expand their legislative leadership and communication skills, enabling them to better serve the needs of the Deaf adult population. This is a significant part of the history of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where Dr. Williams and Dr. Norwood served as beacons of inspiration for Utah Deaf leaders. They conducted workshops on various aspects of deaf issues at the local, regional, and national levels. Many Utah residents seized the opportunity to learn more about themselves and their personal needs (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Boyce Williams @ Gallaudet University Archives

Dr. Boyce R. Williams' letter, 1964

Boyce R. Williams (center) received the first Daniel T. Cloud Memorial Award for Leadership in a special ceremony in conjunction with commencement exercises at San Fernando Valley State College. Dr. Ray L. Jones, (left) Director of the Leadership Training Program in the Area of the Deaf which sponsors the award, made the presentation. Robert Sanderson (right) president of the National Association of the Deaf, was present for the ceremony. The Utah Eagle, November 1968

The National Leadership Training Program in the Area of the Deaf, which symbolized inclusivity, was established at San Fernando Valley State College (later renamed California State University at Northridge) in California in 1962. The program received funding from the Rehabilitation Services Administration and aimed to address the social, educational, and economic issues faced by Deaf individuals by providing comprehensive training and support. The college made history as the first in the United States to hire full-time sign language interpreters in a graduate program. Many Deaf and hard of hearing individuals applied to the program, with a balanced representation of five Deaf and ten hearing individuals. The selection process for the LTP Class of 1965 was rigorous, requiring applicants to demonstrate a strong commitment to the Deaf community and a clear vision for their future involvement. One of the Deaf applicants, Robert G. Sanderson from Utah, met these criteria and joined the program (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964; Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Malcolm Norwood, Director of the Office of Captioned Films for the Deaf

Observation of the National Deaf Club

At that time, the Deaf community was trying to create a Deaf club. However, a lack of leadership experience and resources made progress difficult. They wanted to establish a Deaf club and service agency to help address the social, educational, and economic issues Deaf individuals face, similar to existing clubs in larger cities. This struggle highlighted the challenges that the Deaf community was dealing with.

Dr. Sanderson, during his tenure as president of the National Association of the Deaf, visited various clubs that catered to the social interaction needs of Deaf individuals. These clubs offered activities such as cards, captioned movies, sports, chatting, and parties, serving as crucial social and recreational outlets for the Deaf community. The primary sources of revenue for these clubs were liquor and food sales, and some had purchased their own run-down structures. Dr. Sanderson noted that many club members expressed concerns about lacking employment opportunities, mental health services, and other essential needs. He observed that the club leaders lacked the necessary training to address the needs of the Deaf individuals they served directly. Additionally, Dr. Sanderson highlighted the absence of comprehensive Deaf centers in newsletters and publications across the country.

On a more positive note, professional publications actively advocated for the need for psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who were fluent in sign language and could effectively communicate with Deaf people. Dr. Sanderson partnered with Dr. Boyce Williams through the Rehabilitation Services Administration to organize and fund a series of workshops addressing these pressing issues. The ultimate goal was to establish a nationwide deaf rehabilitation program in each state, a significant step towards a more inclusive future for the Deaf community.

Utah Association of the Deaf
Officers Becomes Activists

During a period of national change, the Deaf Utahns, in a display of proactive initiative, launched a lobbying effort to secure rehabilitative programs for themselves. This group of advocates, which included Robert G. Sanderson, Eugene W. Petersen, and G. Leon Curtis, officers of the Utah Association of the Deaf, were not content to wait for change; they were determined to make it happen (Sanderson, 2004).

The three Utah Association of the Deaf officials, Sandie, Eugene, and Leon, demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment in spearheading the planning process. Their efforts, which began in 1962, aimed to establish a full-time office to serve the Deaf people of Utah. Their primary concern was Deaf adults' inability to access necessary services, and their goal was to ensure Utah's state provided more adequate and accessible social services. The communication barriers made it practically impossible for Deaf adults to receive the services they needed (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965).

Eugene W. Petersen. The Utah Eagle, April 1955

In Utah, Deaf leaders requested that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation develop services for Deaf adults. They proposed that personnel should split their time between vocational rehabilitation and social services, focused on the accessibility needs of the Deaf community. Their vision for social services included counseling, interpreting, and support in legal, personal, social, emotional, marriage and family, financial, and educational matters. They emphasized the importance of having qualified personnel proficient in sign language and understanding Deaf culture, who could effectively communicate with and assist Deaf adults in addressing issues and deprivations faced by the Utah Deaf community, such as language deprivations and education and employment issues. Furthermore, the leaders stressed that the proposed agency would only intervene in personal problems if requested and if the issues were beyond individuals' ability to handle independently. They clarified that they did not intend to replace, duplicate, or interfere with the activities of existing Utah Deaf community organizations (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965).

G. Leon Curtis. UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964

The Utah Association of the Deaf initiated a campaign to comprehensively research the issues faced by Deaf adults in the social service system. They emphasized the importance of documenting the need for services for Deaf adults and conducting a thorough examination to efficiently and cost-effectively provide these services. Sandie, Eugene, and Leon quickly developed a strategy to seek assistance from the Salt Lake Area United Fund in establishing social services for the Deaf. Meanwhile, Sandie was preparing to leave Utah for the National Leadership Training Program in the Deaf Area of California, and he entrusted Eugene and Leon with getting the ball rolling (Sanderson, 2004).

Did You Know?

By 1963, most Deaf adults who were born deaf had used hearing aids, learned to read lips, and learned how to speak before acquiring the language. The obstacle they faced was the 'mental starvation' resulting from language deprivation. They also struggled with their speech and language. They sought services to help them live effectively with their hearing loss. However, they rarely responded to those kinds of vocational rehabilitation services. Instead, they needed more help transitioning into life, like personal adjustment services, vocational training, counseling, and job placement. It's crucial to understand that deaf adults were not interested in hearing and speech services. This distinction is often misunderstood, with many professionals and laypeople mistakenly including the oral Deaf people with the millions of hard of hearing people. Those who were hard of hearing mainly communicated 'through their ears.' Those who gradually lost their hearing were not a clear group. With the assistance of hearing aids, they had to learn to talk and understand the language. The most common treatments they looked for were hearing aids, lip reading, speech correction, and training to improve their hearing (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963, p. 3).

A Study Committee Under the
Community Services Council Forms

The Utah Association for the Deaf requested admission to the Salt Lake Area United Fund as a participating member to highlight the lack of accessible services that affect Deaf adults. The United Fund staff were very interested in the issues brought up by the Deaf leaders. The Fund's admissions committee discussed and favored pursuing more research into the problems, including the association's request to record the number of Deaf adults needing services and thoroughly assess the most cost-effective and efficient ways to meet their needs. As a result, the committee developed the study and made recommendations. The United Fund's admissions committee referred the study task to the Community Services Council, the fund's organizer, for further investigation. In March 1963, the Community Services Council agreed to propose a project, which they presented in December of the same year. A study committee under the Community Services Council also accepted the task of looking into all community agencies and seeing if they could provide the needed services for Deaf adults in the state of Utah (Petersen, The Silent Worker, December 1963; The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963).

Furthermore, the Community Services Council, in a display of collective commitment, coordinated 87 public and volunteer organizations to address the health, welfare, and recreation needs of Utah's half-million people. The chair of the Study Committee, Dr. Lawrence D. Schroder, delivered the study's conclusion, which included recommendations for establishing a service within an existing public or volunteer program to meet the needs of Deaf people. This conclusion was the result of several organizations working together to make the new services more accessible to Deaf adults (Petersen, The Silent Worker, December 1963).

Darell J. Vorwaller, an assistant executive of the Community Services Council, formed a Study Committee consisting of fourteen Deaf and hearing individuals to investigate the challenges faced by Deaf adults and explore potential integration into an existing organization that represents a diverse range of community interests. The committee selected Larry W. Blake, personnel manager for Ajax Pressing Machine Co., one of the area's largest employers of Deaf workers, as its chairman. Members of the committee included G. Harold Bradley, Adult Evening School; Philip R. Clinger, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Marguerite Davis, Salt Lake County Department of Public Welfare; Clarence O. Fingerle, Salt Lake Country General Hospital; Vera Gee, Utah State Department of Health; Madeleine Helfrey, Department of Special Education, University of Utah; C. Russell Neale, Community Mental Health Center; R. Elwood Pace, State Department of Public Instruction; Ray G. Wenger (Hard of Hearing), Governor's Advisory Council of the Utah School for the Deaf; Brigham E. Roberts, Harvey S. Eugene W. Petersen (Deaf), and Jerry Westberg (Deaf) represented the Utah Association for the Deaf. Eula Pusey served as an interpreter (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963; Petersen, The Silent Worker, December 1963; The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1964; Sanderson, 2004).

Ray G. Wenger, member of the Community Services Council committee

During the year of 1963, the Study Committee met on a weekly basis. They spent a significant amount of time studying the challenges Deaf adults faced. The publication of a detailed 22-page report on "Services to Adult Deaf, Salt Lake Area" was a significant step toward realizing efforts to provide services, which were a recognized aspect of life in a metropolis, particularly for Deaf adults in the Salt Lake area (Petersen, The Silent Worker, December 1963). The committee report gained widespread attention, and around 100 copies were requested for a national workshop for social workers held in Berkeley, California, on November 18–22, 1963 (Sanderson, 2004).

Jerry Westberg, member of the Community Services Council committee

Study Results in Recommendations
for Community Services
in the Salt Lake Area for Deaf Adults

Eugene W. Petersen, a member of the Study Committee and a board member of the Utah Association for the Deaf, advocated for deaf social services. Eugene highlighted the main reason the Utah Association for the Deaf sought assistance in the December 1963 issue of The Silent Worker: the inaccessibility of services for Deaf adults. The goal was to ensure that community services were accessible and free of communication barriers for Deaf adults. The committee collected data from Deaf adults and health and welfare agencies to identify the needs of the approximately 300 Deaf adults in the area. The findings revealed that Deaf adults faced significant challenges in accessing community services due to communication barriers, despite expressing a significant need for them.

It was evident that the majority of services for Deaf adults were only available to children or at speech and hearing centers. This inequality in services provided to Deaf adults and children was unjust. The focus on speech and hearing services, which were not very beneficial for Deaf adults, exacerbated the issue. The counseling service was deemed ineffective due to a lack of convenient and accessible communication (Petersen, The Silent Worker, December 1963).

Eugene W. Petersen's article in The Silent Worker from December 1963, as quoted in the section below, provides a comprehensive summary of the committee's findings, conclusions, and recommendations. It's important to note that language and vocabulary used to be different in the 1960s, and "Adult Deaf" was the term used by Utah Deaf leaders to refer to deaf adults. Keep in mind that language and vocabulary were different in the 1960s, and "Adult Deaf" was the term used by Utah Deaf leaders to refer to Deaf adults today.

Services for Adult Deaf Urged. The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963

Eugene W. Petersen's
Summary of Findings and Conclusions
for Deaf Adult Services

"Adult deaf persons represent a group for whom community services, although available, cannot be readily rendered. The barrier obstructing the provision of such services on an equitable basis with that of the hearing population is the inability of the persons requesting the services to communicate with those who offer the services. This is particularly true of casework and psychological or psychiatric services, which are dependent upon the flow of free and spontaneous communication between client and worker or therapist. Because of the communication barrier afflicting the deaf handicapped person, he is more prone to the development of social and emotional problems than are hearing persons, and this difficulty is intensified by the inability of professional persons to render needed services. Although the number of persons who would use these services in Salt Lake County in any one year cannot be documented, it would be a sizable proportion of the 296 estimated adult deaf persons residing in the county.
In the process of seeking professional help with social and emotional problems, deaf persons realize little success in finding the desired services, either from community health and welfare agencies or from speech and hearing services as presently constituted. In a survey of deaf persons, it was disclosed that while over half of the persons represented in the survey are concerned with personal, social and emotional problems for which they desire professional help, one-third actually seek professional services, and only one-fifth receive a limited degree of satisfaction in the services rendered. Speech and hearing services are designed primarily to meet the needs of hard of hearing children and adults and deaf children, and fall short of meeting the need for social and emotional adjustment services for the adult deaf.
Of the nine agencies and departments designated as carrying some responsibility for serving the deaf and hard of hearing, none, with the exception of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, reported the provision of social and emotional adjustment services. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation services are oriented to the gainful employment of those persons accepted as clients, and therefore, cannot serve deaf persons unless there is an indicated feasibility of gainful employment resulting from services rendered. Six of these nine agencies and departments limit their services to children.
Other problems revealed by the survey to be of primary concern to the adult deaf, were management of finances and legal matters. These were followed by employment difficulties and health problems, with emotional problems often complicating the picture. Again, the basic problem is that of com-munication. The agencies reporting indicated that the accessibility of services to the adult deaf was conditional upon the extent to which communication did not significantly interfere with the rendering of services effectively. Nearly all of the 27 agencies indicated that services are available on this basis. Ten agencies not identical with those referred to in the preceding paragraph, indicated that contacts had been made by adult deaf in search of services.
The Salt Lake County Department of Public Welfare rendered the largest number of services to adult deaf in 1962, the majority of whom had become deaf in later years. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation served the next largest number of adult deaf. The other agencies reporting served from one to five persons on an irregular basis.
Adult deaf persons were nearly unanimous regarding the felt need for Adult Education courses, provided that appropriate arrangements could be made to overcome the communication barrier. Adult Education courses for adult deaf have a great potential in serving as one of the approaches in assisting the deaf to acquire a better understanding of themselves, their families, and the community, thus enhancing better social and emotional adjustment" (Petersen, The Silent Worker, December 1963, p. 3-4).

Petersen, The Silent Worker, December 1963

Eugene W. Petersen's
Summary of Recommendations
for Deaf Adult Services

It is recommended:

"That a service be established as a part of an existing public or voluntary agency in the Salt Lake area to render personal, social and emotional adjustment services to the adult deaf. The Family Service Society, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the University of Utah Rehabilitation Center were considered as agencies which might logically provide such services. To meet manifest needs, the service should be designed to provide counseling or casework services in matters related to family, child behavior, personal, marital, budgeting, legal, employment relations and related problems, with provision for referral to sources of other services, when needed. An advisory committee, consisting of deaf and hearing persons, should be appointed by the agency in which the service is lodged, in order to assist in giving direction to the program.
That a person be emploved by the designated agency who would be capable of communicating manually and orally with the deaf. Immediate needs suggest that the services of a skilled interpreter be employed in this position on a temporary basis until the ultimate objective of a professional social worker, skilled in communication with the deaf, can be achieved.
That the broad obiective of the service be that of bringing about in the community an adequate social and emotional adjustment of the deaf, to enhance an integration of persons with this handicap into the total community.
That services be clearly identified as a service for the deaf, for the purpose of enabling the development of public understanding of the service and of problems of the deaf.
That the Graduate School of Social Work of the University of Utah be encouraged to recruit a student skilled in communication with the deaf by virtue of his background, such as the child of deaf parents, and that an appropriate stipend be awarded to underwrite the cost of training.
That the State Division of Adult Education cooperate with the Utah Association for the Deaf in developing, on an experimental basis, classes for adult deaf, including such subjects as English, money management, mathematics, arts and crafts, vocational training, business and commercial courses, etc.
That all health, welfare, and leisure time service agencies make effort to make appropriate services more accessible to the deaf. To this end, agencies should become better acquainted with the problems of deafness and develop special provisions needed in order to make services available to the deaf" (Petersen, The Silent Worker, December 1963, p. 3-4).

The Community Services Council
Highlights the Challenges Faced by Deaf Adults

The Community Services Council in Utah highlighted several significant concerns regarding support for Deaf adults, which are as follows:

Communicating with family, friends, and professionals can be difficult for a Deaf individual.
A Deaf individual has difficulty understanding information about arrangements and plans of action.
It is challenging to train a Deaf person due to communication barriers.
Counseling services are entirely verbal understandings. The success of which is dependent on freedom of communication. This presents challenges while working with Deaf people.
The lack of accessible communication is a concern. In recent years, several Deaf consumers known to agencies have not been in therapy for long. This could be due to a lack of experience dealing with Deaf adults or to the Deaf person's inability to be introspective or to participate in a casework relationship.
The communication barrier limits Deaf people's ability to engage in social activities.
Training people who are deaf in lipreading is difficult.
It is challenging to obtain family health information in the cases found by public health nurses.
Deaf parents struggle with teaching their hearing children to speak. Discipline issues emerge due to a breakdown in communication between the parent and the child.
The communication barrier makes it difficult to give hearing evaluations.
Deaf people lack knowledge of using community resources that provide health and social services. (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963, p. 4).

According to twenty-seven agencies, a report acknowledged that while the Deaf population has access to a wide range of services, communication barriers significantly hampered the quality and variety of these services (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963).

The Utah Association for the Deaf noted that the main challenge of being deaf is not the inability to hear or speak, but the lack of language. Every aspect of deaf education focuses on developing a functional vocabulary. Learning to speak and read lips takes time, and regardless of the educational methods employed, Deaf children lag behind their hearing peers by three to four years. The absence of auditory access to language in various aspects of life exacerbates this language deprivation into adulthood, as described by the Utah Association for the Deaf. Consequently, language deprivation significantly impacts the average Deaf adult, affecting their ability to comprehend social, economic, political, cultural, and humanitarian aspects of modern society (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963).

Larry W. Blake, left, received the first UAD Award from President G. Leon Curtis at the 21st Biennial Convention of the Utah Association for the Deaf. Miss Dixie Lee Nastfell served as the ceremony's interpreter. The award, a beautifully engraved silver tray, was awarded to Larry W. Blake in appreciation for his efforts on behalf of the Utah Deaf community. UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965

The study, completed in 1965, determined that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation was the most suitable organization to lead the implementation of adequate services for the deaf. This division, operating through local district offices, offers comprehensive statewide services and has a diverse team of specialized professionals with a proven track record in working with individuals with disabilities (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965).

After two months of consideration, the Community Services Council presented its findings to the Utah State Board of Education. Although necessary, the budget request would significantly expand services for deaf adults in Utah, addressing a pressing need in our community. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Administration, recognizing the urgency of the situation, enthusiastically supported the plan (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965).

Did You Know?

The 1963 listing of agency services for Deaf adults did not include the Utah Association for the Deaf because it was a membership organization, not an agency that provides professional services to specific consumers. The association also operated a public awareness campaign to raise awareness of hearing loss, and it served many of the social and recreational needs of Deaf people through its membership activities (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1963, 3).

Lobbying the 1965 Utah State Legislature
for Services to the Deaf Adults

Recognizing the financial was not feasible for establishing an ideal 'deaf club,' some local Deaf leaders made a significant shift in their focus. They began working with the Utah legislature, aiming to secure funding to create deaf services under the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. During the 1965 Utah State Legislature session, these leaders, including UAD President G. Leon Curtis, made personal sacrifices that were not to be overlooked. They took time off from work without pay, accompanying Curtis to the Utah State Capitol. Their aim was to meet with Governor Calvin L. Rampton and lobby the legislature for funding. Eugene W. Petersen, Joseph B. Burnett, Ned C. Wheeler, and interpreter Eula Pusey were among these dedicated advocates for the Utah Deaf community (Curtis, The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965; Sanderson, 2004).

Joseph B. Burnett

Nonetheless, the Legislative Budget Committee received excessive budget requests, causing the state to be unable to fulfill all requests. The committee had to make some cuts, resulting in the unfortunate elimination of funding for deaf services (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965).

The Utah Association for the Deaf showed unwavering determination in their advocacy efforts. They tirelessly met with members of the State Legislature, including Representatives Della L. Loveridge (D-Salt Lake), Nathaniel D. Clark (D-Ogden), and Earl H. Whittaker (R-Circleville), who prepared and introduced a bill. Governor Rampton and several legislators and senators were present. Additionally, many Deaf individuals wrote letters to their local legislators, urging for the financing of services (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965).

Despite the bill not being voted on the Utah Association for the Deaf's strategic approach proved successful when the influential Joint Appropriations Committee reevaluated and approved the funding request for deaf services (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965).

Ned C. Wheeler

To follow through, the influential Joint Appropriations Committee allocated $10,000 to the Department of Public Instruction for "straight" social services for Deaf adults. This was a significant step forward, marking the government's acknowledgment of the need for specialized services for the Deaf community (UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965; Sanderson, 2004). It was a significant amount of money at the time, and the federal government would match it with $26,713 to build a new office for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966).

Finally, the Utah Association for the Deaf successfully lobbied for improved Deaf adult services. The Utah Association for the Deaf collaborated with the Salt Lake Area United Fund, the Community Services Council, and the State Legislature to achieve this success. This collaboration was a testament to the broad support and recognition of the importance of deaf services. Along the way, UAD also gained friends in the hearing community, further strengthening their advocacy efforts.

In light of this, the Utah Association for the Deaf clarified that they did not want special consideration for the Utah Deaf community. They wanted equal consideration for equal contributions. This wasn't about asking for more, but about giving Deaf people the same opportunities and support as hearing people. Deaf individuals would have more disadvantages and need support in a complicated and competitive society (UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965).

Legislature Okehs Funds for Services for the Adult Deaf. The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965

Robert G. Sanderson Appoints
as the First State Coordinator of Services
to Deaf People in Utah and the United States

When funds became available on July 30, 1965, the Utah Merit System Council announced the creation of a new position in the Department of Public Instruction, named Coordinator, Adult Deaf Services. At the time, Dr. Vaughn Hall was the state administrator of the Division of Rehabilitation (Sanderson, 2004).

Robert G. Sanderson. UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who was still the president of the National Association of the Deaf and has recently completed his master's degree in educational administration in California, was an excellent choice for the newly created position of Coordinator of Adult Deaf Services. When the position opened up, Dr. Sanderson applied and was hired with strong support from the Utah Deaf community. Reflecting on his appointment, he said, 'I saw this as an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the Deaf community in Utah.' He became the first state coordinator of services to Deaf adults at the Atlas Building, 36 West Second South in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 15, 1965 (Sanderson, 2004). In this position, he spearheaded advocacy efforts to establish a community center for the deaf and a specialized rehabilitation unit for the Deaf and hard of hearing, a testament to his commitment to the cause.

Program for Better Services to the Adult Deaf Becomes Reality. The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965

Social services for the deaf were established in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation under the direction of Robert G. Sanderson. Dr. Boyce Williams, Dr. Mary Switzer, and others in Washington, DC, recognized the effectiveness of Utah's approach to rehabilitating Deaf individuals. As a result, other state rehabilitation departments quickly adopted Utah's methods as a model, demonstrating Utah's pioneering role in this field (Sanderson, 2004).

Program for Better Services to the Adult Deaf, January 1965

One-Year Anniversary of
Services to Deaf Adults

In the fall of 1966, the Services for Deaf Adults marked their first anniversary. Dr. Sanderson and his team, including secretary Mildred Richardson, were overwhelmed by the work. Previously, the Utah Division of Vocational Rehabilitation handled approximately eleven deaf and hard of hearing people per year. When Dr. Sanderson started working, word spread that he spoke their language, and he soon had 94 clients. Many Deaf and hard of hearing people have been denied the assistance they need due to communication barriers. After Dr. Sanderson resolved the matter, he had a lot of work ahead of him (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966). He served in two capacities: social services and rehabilitative services. His new job was demanding. He worked in rehabilitation, counseling, training, job placement, adult education, sign language workshops, and advocating for captioned films (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966). The Services for Deaf Adults also provided support for families of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, including counseling and educational resources.

Despite the numerous challenges and setbacks he encountered, Dr. Sanderson found his position to be the most rewarding of his career. In the Fall 1966 issue of the UAD Bulletin, he expressed his admiration for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, stating, "I enjoy working with these people. The vast majority are capable, self-reliant, and a credit to the community. Some of them need guidance and some additional training; others may need only a chance; they all need more understanding. The one thing they don't need or want is sympathy. The office is here to work with deaf adults and to help when needed. But it was not and never was intended to be done for them" (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966).

Robert G. Sanderson (center), mid 1960s

The Growth in Rehabilitation Service

Eugene W. Petersen, president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, noted the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services has been a beacon of hope for Deaf adults in Utah over the past two years, from 1965 to 1967. The number of new consumers receiving rehabilitation treatment has soared to 135, with 15 or 16 more eagerly awaiting their turn. This positive impact has not gone unnoticed, with the Utah State Legislature approving funding for a second counselor and an office assistant. The legislature also took a significant step by passing legislation to provide interpreters for Deaf people in court, relieving Dr. Sanderson of the burden of searching for an interpreter in court as a service coordinator (The UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1967).

The Utah Association for the Deaf has been a welcoming home for the majority of Deaf consumers who were new to the community. These individuals, who had no exposure to sign language and little chance of becoming part of the Utah Deaf community, found a place where they were understood and their needs were met. They finally had the assistance they needed (The UAD Bulletin, Spring–Summer 1967). At the time, many of these Deaf people had multiple disabilities. The Utah School for the Deaf had over a third of its students with various disabilities (The UAD Bulletin, Spring–Summer 1967). Furthermore, the number of young Deaf adults seeking rehabilitative services has grown. Training, counseling, and placement proved challenging (UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966).

Robert G. Sanderson, Coordinator of the Deaf Services. UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

It was assumed that UAD would not be needed and that the state would care for Deaf individuals. However, this was a misconception. Dr. Sanderson argued that anyone who believes the "state will take care of us" is mistaken. It was expected to "give them all they desired" and "do more to help deaf people." The rehabilitation philosophy was to work with people rather than against them (The UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1967). Dr. Sanderson also mentioned that people willing to work hard for themselves got the most out of their help. Learning a trade or attending school may take a long time and be challenging for Deaf people. Those unable to find fitting employment usually gave up or dropped out; those who successfully obtained employment in the selected trade stayed with the job and earned the necessary skills and abilities. He stressed that the services provided in the deaf rehabilitation program, such as vocational training and educational support, would not result in dependency. The goal was to enable Deaf people to develop independence and share community resources more equitably. For example, community-sponsored adult education programs tried to assist Deaf adults in overcoming educational limitations that turned them dependent. The rehabilitation program provided them with the skills they needed to become self-sufficient. Utah was not alone in this situation; other states faced similar challenges (The UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer 1967).

Dr. Sanderson also emphasized the need for the National Association of the Deaf and the Utah Association for the Deaf to continue to work proactively to support those members of the Utah Deaf community who cannot always help themselves, particularly those with multiple disabilities. The number of individuals with various disabilities was on the rise, and it was crucial for volunteer organizations to continue to bring their special needs to the attention of government agencies. The Utah School for the Deaf recognized the challenges confronting these exceptional students and a collaboration was developed between USD and rehabilitation services to provide the necessary support (The UAD Bulletin, Spring-Summer, 1967).

Did You Know?

In 1965, the number of Deaf children with multiple disabilities was increasing. Whether educational authorities liked it or not, the day would come when these children would take over numerous residential schools. This may be true for Deaf children with multiple disabilities. It also means that Deaf children with average minds and skills were pushed into oral day schools, where their educational rights were often lost for the sake of integration (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965).

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell’s
New Role in the Deaf Section

In 1967, Dr. Sanderson and his secretary, Linda Campbell, were the only two employees in the deaf unit (Stewart, DSDHH, April 2012). Three years later, in 1970, a significant addition was made to the team. Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, a woman of remarkable contributions, joined the Division of Adult Education and Training as a rehabilitation assistant in the Services to the Deaf Section. She started working in 1969 after a resolution was passed at the convention by the Utah Association for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her employment was a result of a request for a female counselor to handle consumers who preferred to communicate with a woman (UAD Bulletin, Fall-Winter 1970–71).

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Beth Ann, with her unwavering dedication, served as an assistant to Dr. Sanderson and Jack White, a son of Deaf parents Jack and Vida White and Provo Rehabilitation Counselor. Her responsibilities included consumer intake, interpretation, job placement, case reporting, follow-up, and work adjustment counseling (UAD Bulletin, Fall-Winter 1970-71).

Beth Ann, a well-known figure in the Utah Deaf community, was the daughter of Arnold and Zelma Moon, who were also deaf (UAD Bulletin, Fall-Winter 1970-71). Her interpreting responsibilities grew significantly throughout the years while she worked at the rehabilitation office (Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, personal communication, September 20, 2012).

President Nixon's Rehab Act Veto. UAD Bulletin, March 1973

Feasibility Study for a
Community Center for the Deaf

Robert G. Sanderson, a dedicated and passionate individual, while employed at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, envisioned a community center for the deaf. He spearheaded the effort to make this vision a reality, engaging in in-depth conversations for several years about what such a center should look like and what services it should provide.

Dr. Sanderson's unwavering perseverance paid off in June 1975 when the initial notion of a community center emerged. Dr. Walter D. Talbot, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Utah State Office of Education, established a committee to investigate the feasibility and desirability of creating a community center for the deaf in Utah, similar to the Murray B. Allen Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Dr. Sanderson, appointed as chairman, led the committee, which included Dr. Harvey Hirschi, Administrator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Dr. Jay J. Campbell, Deputy Superintendent, Utah State Office of Education; Dr. Charles C. Schmitt, Facilities Coordinator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; and four Deaf members, W. David Mortensen, Lloyd H. Perkins, Dora B. Laramie, and Ned C. Wheeler (UAD Bulletin, December 1975; Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Walter D. Talbot

On December 1, 1975, Dr. Walter Talbot, the State Superintendent of Instruction, received a comprehensive 47-page feasibility report with recommendations (UAD Bulletin, December 1975). Governor Calvin L. Rampton and various national and local organizations, such as the National Association of the Deaf, the Utah Association for the Deaf, the Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf, and the Parent-Teacher-Student Association of the Utah School for the Deaf, expressed their endorsement for the community center, extending its support beyond the local level (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Jay J. Campbell. UAD Bulletin, June 1973

Deaf Members of the Feasibility Study
for a Community Center for the Deaf Committee

W. David Mortensen

Lloyd H. Perkins

Dora B. Laramie

Ned C. Wheeler. The Utah Eagle, Feb 1972

Dr. Talbot, along with Dr. Sanderson, and his interpreter, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, made multiple visits to the capital funding legislative committee during the legislative process. Governor Rampton's support for the process proved to be invaluable (Sanderson, 2004).

Utah Governor Calvin L. Rampton Source: Wikipedia

All of the legislative committees had finally approved a bill. At the end of the regular legislative session in February 1977, Governor Rampton had the bill on his desk at midnight. He was about to sign it when he noticed that the term "deaf" had been mistyped as "blind"! This seemingly small error had significant consequences. He couldn't fix it because the legislature had closed at midnight (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Sanderson was informed by the Legislative Research Staff that bills and resolutions that 'failed' or did not pass may not have been filed or archived. In other words, the bill did not successfully navigate the legislative process. No one had informed him of the status of such legislation, and he received no personal explanation as to how the mix-up occurred. He believed it was a Freudian slip on the part of some bill sponsor or legislator who was thinking about blind people because they were more visible than the deaf. In any case, Dr. Sanderson could not locate any evidence to support the story. The emotional toll on the Deaf leaders was immense when they learned that the bill had failed due to an erroneous oversight. They had dedicated weeks to testifying on behalf of the Utah Deaf Community Center in several parliamentary committees (Sanderson, 2004).

Last but not least, Dr. Sanderson pointed out the alarming absence of the Utah State Board of Education minutes from 1975, 1976, 1977, 1980, and 1981, which included studies, resolutions, and bills for the legislature. These crucial documents were nowhere to be found! Moreover, a center was not included in State Superintendent Talbot's 1976 budget. Perhaps the Deaf leaders overlooked anything because the yearly minutes' books were so thick! Nonetheless, the UAD Bulletin and Silent Spotlight have proven valuable tools for tracking the center's progress over time (Sanderson, 2004).

Report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction from the Committee to Study the Feasibility of a Comprehensive Community Center for the Deaf. Utah State Board of Education, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

Utah State Board of Education
Adopts a Policy on Deaf

Following a lengthy debate, the Utah State Board of Education agreed on June 15, 1976, to establish a policy statement that resulted in the decentralization of counselors for Deaf vocational rehabilitation consumers. The new policy relocated counselors from the state school office to the vocational rehabilitation offices in Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Provo. Consumers at those offices might choose between 'total communication' and 'oralist' counselors. Dr. Vaughan Hall, the associate state superintendent, made the change in response to oralists' complaints about not having a clear choice in selecting their counselors. Additionally, numerous oralists testified that they hesitated to visit the state school's vocational rehabilitation office [Utah School for the Deaf] for fear of not receiving the desired services. Totalists, on the other hand, were opposed to the new policy and expressed fear that it would weaken the services provided to consumers seeking vocational rehabilitation. Dr. Vaughan, however, provided reassurance that the new approach would not reduce services; instead, he believed it would give consumers more options and allow counselors to adapt offerings of better services to meet their needs, instilling confidence in the new policy (The Salt Lake Tribune, June 16, 1976).

On June 16, 1976, W. David Mortensen, a respected figure in the Utah Deaf community and president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, issued an article discussing his thoughts on the Board of Education's recent decision. He stated the following:

Dr. Vaughan Hall. UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

Board Adopts Policy on Deaf. The Salt Lake Tribune, June 16, 1978

Won’t Listen

“The Board of Education is making a serious mistake in listening to the wrong people in its plan to “decentralize” services to deaf people. Never once did they invite the input of the deaf people of the community itself. They listened only to people who do not understand the implications of deafness. People who do not know nor understand what it means to live in deafness everyday. They listened to people into their ivorytowers who are far removed from the reality of life.

Never once did the Board of Education or personnel connected with it ask the deaf community nor make a survey of the services provided to the deaf to see if the present organization was satisfactory. The deaf community asked for services years ago and has been happy with the services rendered. Why change without asking the consumer if he likes what he’s getting?

The deaf people are tired of paternalism, of being told by hearing people and educators that all we need is more speech and lip reading. We express to them – that such concepts deny deafness – and mislead people who have deaf children who will one day be as we are – deaf adults!

Apparently, the Board of Education is turning its back on deaf people, upon the mass of experience, and is listening only to those who have axes to grind. It was the deaf community that forced the board to take a hard look at its educational programs at the deaf school; to take another look at the conditions in school dormitories and to evaluate them.

If it were not for the alertness of the deaf people then parents of deaf children would continue to receive a less than adequate program for their children. When deaf people speak, we speak with knowledge and experience, and perception that no hearing person can experience.

We believe the Board of Education should retain its Unit of Services to the Deaf as it is presently made up, and if needed, add another counselor to work exclusively with those deaf who are, by personal choice, oral in philosophy. We support the desires of such deaf people when they express themselves but no when others paternalistic step in and try to do for them” (Mortensen, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, June 16, 1976).

It was speculated that Dr. Grant B. Bitter, an active and vocal oral advocate and then professor of the University of Utah's Oral Training Program, as well as coordinator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Deaf Seminary for the State of Utah, would be involved in the new changes.

W. David Mortensen. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

W. David Mortensen. "Won't Listen." Ogden Standard-Examiner, June 16, 1978

Restructure the Office
of Services to the Deaf

On June 15, 1978, the Utah State Board of Education decided to restructure the Office of Services to the Deaf. The Utah Association for the Deaf expressed concern and outrage over the impending implementation of the reorganization. Since the community had not received the latest policy statement or the new organizational chart, uncertainty loomed regarding the impact of this change on various Deaf services (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

Dr. Walter Talbot, the State Superintendent of Education, sought to reassure the Utah Deaf community by stating that the State Board of Education's action aimed to protect the rights of Deaf consumers to choose a counselor who could sign or not sign. Consequently, the State Board of Education assigned Dr. Sanderson additional responsibilities, which included overseeing the entire Rehabilitation Services to the Deaf Program and providing training to all counselors and supervisors working with Deaf consumers. Additionally, the decision paved the way for the inclusion of a Deaf counselor in the Salt Lake area (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

Break Up Deaf Services? The Deseret News, June 27, 1973

Since its establishment in 1965 by the Utah State Board of Education, the Services to the Deaf Office in Salt Lake City, Utah, had expanded. To respond to the growth of deaf services, the Utah State Board of Education approved a significant restructuring of the Office of Services to the Deaf in 1978. This restructuring involved the creation of three separate offices with a director, four counselors, supervisors in each district, and an interpreter for the deaf. The offices were strategically located in different areas to ensure accessibility for the Deaf community across the state. The counselors were Norman Roberts of Ogden, Gene Stewart of North Salt Lake, Jim Hilber of Central Salt Lake, and Jack White of Provo. Bob Sanderson, who was the director, continued to oversee all deaf unit activities, ensuring that all Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, regardless of their educational background, received the same level of respect and care (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

The counselors in the three offices, acting as goodwill ambassadors, played a pivotal role in transforming the employment landscape for the Deaf community. Their tireless efforts, combined with the sign language classes provided by various entities, led to a significant increase in job opportunities. This transformative change meant that previously inaccessible occupations became within reach, breaking down barriers that had confined the community to low-paying jobs. The counselors also took the initiative to address civic groups, raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Deaf community and fostering hope for a more inclusive future (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

The counselors, with their deep understanding of deaf issues and respectfully addressing their needs, fostered a culture of inclusivity. They were adept at communicating using voice, sign language, or, in rare cases, fundamental gestures, ensuring that all Deaf individuals could access the necessary services. This initiative aimed to make services accessible to meet the identified needs of the Utah Deaf community. The impact of these services was profound, providing a wide range of support, including financial assistance, evaluations of hearing aids, marriage counseling, sign language education, speech therapy, career training, and more (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

Jim Hilber, Counselor of the Central Salt Lake area. UAD Bulletin, November 1973

To show respect for Deaf and hard of hearing consumers, the district supervisor reviewed all incoming applicants so that everyone could choose counselors. They could pick between a counselor who did not use sign language but communicated through speech and one who could communicate with consumers in any way they preferred—whether through sign language, speaking, writing notes, and so on (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

However, W. David Mortensen, who served as the president of the Utah Association for the Deaf since 1971, expressed concerns that district supervisors lacked the knowledge, training, and ability to address the issues of Deaf adults. He was also concerned that counselors trained to serve the Deaf population would no longer provide suitable services to Deaf adults. In contrast, he felt that these counselors' years of experience and knowledge would be disregarded (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

Gene Stewart, Counselor of the North Salt Lake area. UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

Several other states acknowledged Utah Services to the Deaf Office as an effective service model for Deaf individuals. Despite a few criticisms, the number of people who benefitted from the accessible services far outweighed them. The Utah Association for the Deaf understood that a few complaints would not result in the model being discontinued. They also recognized the hesitancy of Deaf individuals whose primary form of communication was speech. UAD indicated that various general counselors could work with these individuals who preferred communication through speech (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

The Utah Association for the Deaf also stated that dismantling the deaf unit would not be beneficial. It could potentially harm Deaf individuals and parents seeking help for their Deaf children, leading to understandable frustration. The association had not seen any evidence that such a restructuring would improve the delivery of services to Deaf children and adults with unique needs (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978). The Utah State Board of Education, as per UAD, should have avoided stepping backward. The Utah Association for the Deaf requested that each board member engage with Deaf individuals and gather their opinions on the Deaf Office's services. It emphasized that Deaf taxpayers would be the most impacted by this decision, as they also participate in elections (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

John A. (Jack) White, counselor of the Provo area. UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

W. David Mortensen as a Spokesman
at the Utah State Capitol

In June 1978, the Utah State Board of Education proposed a budget for the next legislature to establish a community center for the deaf to meet their needs. Accepting the proposal would provide a wide range of programs for all Deaf people in the community, including those who are hard of hearing and those who use the Division of Rehabilitation Services. The Utah Association for the Deaf anticipated that the future center's services would exemplify inclusivity and equality, benefiting both oral Deaf and hard of hearing individuals through speech and hearing conservation services (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978).

During the same month, W. David Mortensen appealed for support in constructing a comprehensive community center for the deaf and establishing a state commission for the deaf with the Joint House-Senate Committee on Social Services at the Utah State Capitol. In his presentation, he emphasized the pressing need for change, pointing out the negative impact of the policy set by Dr. Vaughn Hall of the Division of Rehabilitation in conjunction with the Utah State Board of Education, which exclusively limited services to deaf rehabilitation. This policy resulted in the elimination of many services previously provided to the Utah Deaf community over the past thirteen years. Dave delivered a compelling statement to the committee, stressing the urgency for a deaf center and commission to serve all deaf individuals, not only rehabilitation consumers (The Silent Spotlight, June 1978; Sanderson, 2004).

W. David Mortensen. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Back to Square One

The leaders of the Utah Deaf community faced the challenge of obtaining funds for a new community center. During the legislative process, W. David Mortensen, the unbeaten record president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, and Dr. Sanderson, a prominent figure at Services to Deaf Adults, formed a strong partnership. Initially attending Dr. Sanderson's legislative meetings, Dave quickly grasped the complexities of the legislative process. Over the following years, their combined efforts, with Dave tirelessly lobbying legislators, ultimately led to successfully acquiring funding for the Deaf community center (Sanderson, 2004).

In 1979, two years after the unsuccessful bill of 1977, Dr. Sanderson worked at the Services to Deaf Adults while UAD President Mortensen continued to pursue another bill, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the cause. Despite the bill taking another two years to reach the legislature, their persistence paid off when the legislature granted Dave's request for assistance in establishing a community center in 1979. The next hurdle was to secure a suitable facility.

Lobbying the 1980 Utah
State Legislature for a Building
for the Community Center for the Deaf

In September 1979, the Utah State Board of Education approved $2.5 million from a $15.1 million budget for the construction and remodeling of the Deaf Center, making it a top priority for funding. The board intended to propose this request to the State Building Board, the entity responsible for approving and allocating funds for state construction projects, and the 1980 Legislature, the legislative body that ultimately approves the state budget. (UAD Bulletin, September 1979).

In January 1980, during the legislative process, Utah Governor Scott Matheson moved the community center for the deaf from 6th to 11th place on the building appropriations list. This decision put the Utah Deaf community center at risk. However, the Utah Deaf community, led by UAD President Mortensen, showed remarkable resilience and urged people to support the center by reaching out to their local legislators and members of the appropriations subcommittee. Despite these efforts, the center did not reach the top priority list (UAD Bulletin, January 1980).

Despite the setback, in May 1980, an architectural firm in Ogden, Utah, submitted preliminary drawings to the State Building Board. This showed that efforts to prioritize the construction of the center for the deaf were still ongoing. However, the estimated cost of $3.4 million for the land and building had increased due to inflation, presenting a new challenge (UAD Bulletin, May 1980).

Utah Governor Scott M. Matheson @ historytogo.utah.gov

The Social Services Committee, a significant decision-making body, held a meeting at the Utah State Capitol in late July 1980. During the meeting, they expressed their support for the deaf center. Representative Charles Doane, R-Salt Lake City, recommended that the State Building Board and the Appropriations Committee prioritize funding for the deaf center. This suggestion received overwhelming support, with only one vote against it. This backing from the Social Services Committee marked a crucial milestone in securing funding for the center. Notably, the deaf center was the most critical item in the Utah State Board of Education's budget and was scheduled for discussion at the legislature session in January 1981 (The UAD Bulletin, August 1980).

The Utah Association for the Deaf played a pivotal role in advocating for the deaf community center. They encouraged the local Deaf community in Utah to reach out to their legislators and request support for funding the center. They emphasized the center's vital role and argued that locating it in Salt Lake City, where most Deaf people lived, would be the most practical choice. They intended the center to serve as a statewide facility, ensuring that individuals residing outside of Salt Lake City would find it worthwhile to travel there. The UAD made extensive efforts, including lobbying, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement, to secure legislative funding for the deaf community center (UAD Bulletin, August 1980).

In September 1980, UAD President Mortensen informed the Utah Deaf community that state committees would discuss proposals for a deaf community center. He encouraged the community to contact their local legislators and request their assistance in funding the center. However, he was aware that some Deaf people opposed the center, but the reasons for their opposition were unclear. These individuals wanted a clubhouse with a private membership club and a bar. Dave explained that the deaf center would have everything a Deaf person could want except alcohol. He emphasized the importance of working together and addressing concerns within the Deaf community, focusing on one task at a time. He underscored the need to understand and address the concerns of all members of the Deaf community, including those who opposed the center, to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met (UAD Bulletin, September 1980).

On October 11, 1980, the Utah Association for the Deaf extended invitations to several state legislators to the UAD October Funfest at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden. This event was not just a fun gathering, but also a strategic opportunity for the Deaf community to interact with legislators and advocate for the deaf community center. It underscored the crucial role of their participation in such events (UAD Bulletin, October 1980).

In November 1980, the Utah Association for the Deaf advised the Utah Deaf community not to vote for Initiatives A and B. The purpose was to ensure that the deaf center would receive sufficient tax funding for its projects. The approval of these initiatives would reduce the funds available for projects and the deaf center. This highlights the significant impact of voting decisions on funding for the deaf center and emphasizes the importance of making informed choices (UAD Bulletin, November 1980).

Deaf leaders played a key role in helping the Utah State Board of Education secure funding for a comprehensive community center for the deaf in December 1980. Their efforts were vital in advancing the cause and emphasized the ongoing need for community support (UAD Bulletin, December 1980).

Regrettably, the proposed deaf community center did not secure funding in April 1981. This decision had a profound impact on the center despite the tireless efforts of the Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) to motivate the local deaf community to contact their legislators. Not all community members did so, and the Republican-controlled legislature prioritized the construction of a dairy barn at Utah State University over the needs of the Utah Deaf community. The dairy barn's funding surpassed that of the community center, and the legislature even prioritized the purchase of the Utah State Board of Education building before its option expired in December 1980. Dr. Walter D. Talbot, state superintendent, was a staunch advocate for the center. In July 1981, the Utah Association for the Deaf issued a resolution to support the center, underlining the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action (UAD Bulletin, March 1981; UAD Bulletin, April 1981; Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson working in his office

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Appointed to Dr. Powrie V. Doctor Chair

Gallaudet College made a significant announcement in July 1981, proudly announcing the selection of Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the esteemed Director of Services to the Deaf Office in Utah, to hold the prestigious Dr. Powrie V. Doctor Chair for the academic year 1981–82. This represented a major achievement in his career, as he became the fourth recipient of this esteemed honor (UAD Bulletin, July 1981; Sanderson, 2004).

On August 24, 1981, Dr. Sanderson and his wife Mary began a new chapter after leaving Utah for his new job. From then until the end of May 1982, he took an educational leave of absence from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to further his knowledge and expertise. Mary also took a one-year leave of absence from the United States Forest Service to support her husband's career transition (UAD Bulletin, July 1981).

During his time in office, Dr. Sanderson's research had a significant impact on the field of Deaf services. He shifted his focus from vocational rehabilitation to the vital area of social rehabilitation for Deaf individuals. Alongside his academic pursuits, he taught one or two counseling classes and conducted field visits to other rehabilitation agencies to collect data. In June 1982, Dr. Sanderson and Mary returned to their respective work, enriched by their experiences (UAD Bulletin, July 1981).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, Gallaudet Powrie V. Doctor Chair of Deaf Studies. On The Green, November 23, 1981

Utahn to Chair Deaf Studies. Deseret News, July 27-28, 1981

During Dr. Sanderson's absence, UAD President Mortensen requested a meeting with Utah Governor Scott M. Matheson. When the governor was unavailable, he sent his aide, Tony Mitchell, to meet with Dave Mortensen, Valerie G. Kinney (UAD secretary), and Alden Broomhead (a UAD board of directors member). They discussed their concerns about the legislature's previous failures to pass funding for a deaf community center and the rejection of the "cows before deaf people" proposal. Recognizing the importance of this issue, Tony Mitchell instructed his assistant, Boren, to find $500,000 from the Division of Rehabilitation budget and start looking for a location (Sanderson, 2004).

Valerie G. Kinney. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Resignation of Dr. Walter D. Talbot
Takes Utah Deaf community by Surprise

On January 15, 1982, a significant event unfolded in the Utah Deaf community. Dr. Walter D. Talbot, the Superintendent of Utah Public Education, unexpectedly announced his resignation. This news, which he delivered during a Utah State Board of Education meeting, would take effect on June 30. Dr. Talbot, a longstanding advocate for the Utah Deaf community and the deaf community center, left a void that required filling (UAD Bulletin, February 1982).

Lobbying the 1982 Utah State Legislature for the Community Center for the Deaf

Following Dr. Talbot's resignation announcement, the Utah Association of the Deaf demonstrated their commitment and efficiency. They swiftly organized a meeting with Dr. Walter Talbot to address the impending changes, including the appointment of a director, the formation of an administrative board, and renovation plans (UAD Bulletin, March 1982).

Progress on the
Community Center for the Deaf

On January 14, 1982, the Public Education Appropriations Committee at the Utah State Capitol suggested that a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Midvale be transformed into a deaf center. The purchase price for the building was $110,000, with an additional $30,000 allocated for remodeling. The used church building, which was constructed in 1929, was appraised by the State Building Board. The negotiations for the final purchase price were conducted with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before presenting the proposal to a legislative committee during the current legislative session (UAD Bulletin, February 1982).

Funding for the Center for the Deaf Approved

The Utah Association for the Deaf, after years of persistent lobbying, achieved a breakthrough during the final days of the 1982 Utah Legislature. A measure was passed specifying the funded projects under the State Building Board, which included a line item for a deaf center worth $200,000. This was a significant victory for the association and a promising step towards the establishment of the center (UAD Bulletin, March 1982).

Many questions arose for the Utah Association for the Deaf, including selecting a director, forming an administrative board, and remodeling plans. These challenges, however, were swiftly and efficiently resolved within a month. Meanwhile, UAD officials and members met with the public education superintendent, Dr. Walter Talbot, to start the process (UAD Bulletin, March 1982). On March 19, 1982, the Utah State Board of Education put the community center for the deaf on the agenda, and a list of Deaf residents was approved to create a committee to oversee the center, which was to be located in the former Latter-day Saints Ward in Midvale, Utah. The center immediately began advertising for the positions of director and secretary (UAD Bulletin, April 1982).

The committee overseeing the center was a testament to its inclusive nature, with a diverse representation of Deaf members. George Gavros, Peter Green, Dennis Platt, Fred Bass, Robert Welsh, Dora Laramie, Richard Snow, Janny Scheeline, William Sevy, Celia May Laramie Baldwin, Lynn Losee, and Dave Mortensen were among the committee's Deaf members, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table (UAD Bulletin, April 1982).

Deaf Members of the
Community Center for the Deaf Committee

Pete Green. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Dennis Platt

Robert Welsh. The Utah Eagle, April 1955

Dora B. Laramie. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Richard Snow

Lynn Losee

Celia May Laramie Baldwin. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Search for a New Location

The first step was to search for a suitable location. The initial plan was to find a site in Midvale, Utah, but this proved challenging due to parking issues. Despite this setback, the team's perseverance and commitment led to discovering a potential location in an abandoned city dump (Sanderson, 2004).

Midvale had a historic church owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although the structure was small and lacked a much-needed gymnasium, Dr. Sanderson, Gene Stewart, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, Norman Williams, and Robert Lunnen all agreed it would suffice as a starting point for some remodeling. The 1982 Legislature appropriated $200,000 to purchase a chapel for use as a deaf center (Sanderson, 2004).

The process of transforming the chosen location into a functional deaf center was a collaborative effort. The Division of Facilities Construction and Management, as the building manager for all state-owned facilities, played a crucial role. They began planning with an architect, ensuring that the design met the needs of the Utah Deaf community. Rehabilitation Services, the Utah State Board of Education, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reached a deal, reflecting their shared commitment to this project.

Before the construction and remodeling of the Midvale building began in October 1982, Dora Laramie, a teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf, and her husband, George, both long-time members of the Utah Deaf community, shared an exciting discovery with Dr. Sanderson. They informed him about a large church in Bountiful, Utah, that had been vacant for a while. With its gym and several meeting spaces, they believed it could better meet the local community's needs. The church only required minor repairs, offering the potential for immediate use (Sanderson, 2004).

George Laramie

After Dora and George Laramie brought it to his attention, Dr. Sanderson, a trusted figure in the community, discussed the Bountiful church with his supervisor, Dr. Harvey Hirschi, Acting Administrator of Rehabilitation Services. He immediately requested the halt of the Midvale proceedings and strongly supported the building, providing a strong foundation for the decision. As word of the center's relocation from Midvale to Bountiful spread, the Utah Deaf community and the Division of Rehabilitation Services expressed interest. Dr. Talbot's successor, State Superintendent Kim R. Burningham, a respected leader, informed the Utah State Board of Education that the center would now relocate from the Midvale facility to a much nicer and larger empty church in Bountiful, a decision that was met with confidence and support. The board of directors approved the change (Sanderson, 2004).

State Superintendent Kim R. Burningham @ The Salt Lake Tribune

Eventually, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sold the Bountiful church building in exchange for the Midvale church building. The anticipated cost of purchasing and renovating the Midvale building was $525,000. On the other hand, the overall cost of the Bountiful building, including purchase, renovation, real estate charges, and architect fees, was $333,000. The decision to create a more suitable building resulted in savings of $191,000 (Sanderson, 2004).

Deaf Dedicates "Home of Their Own"

After a long period of anticipation and hard work since the 1975 Feasibility Study for a Community Center for the Deaf, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (UCCD) was a significant achievement when it officially opened in January 1983 at the Bountiful 33rd LDS Ward Chapel at 388 North 400 South (Sanderson, 2004). This milestone was a testament to the unwavering dedication and resilience of the Deaf community and their supporters. "The study identified the unique and specific needs of the deaf people of Utah," remarked W. David Mortensen, president of the Utah Association for the Deaf and the state's only Deaf social worker (The Salt Lake Tribune, May 29, 1983).

On June 9, 1983, the Utah Deaf community held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the dedication of the renovated UCCD, which they now considered their own "home." Dr. Sanderson and Dave Mortensen emphasized the significance of communication at the event. Dr. Sanderson highlighted the importance of accessible and straightforward communication between deaf and hard of hearing individuals and the professionals and paraprofessionals who serve them. He pointed out that the form of communication should be based on the individual's preference, and the supporting professionals should fulfill these preferences. Dave added that deaf individuals need a reliable place to receive understanding and assistance whenever needed. They also require confidence and trust in the people they seek help from, especially when communication barriers hinder successful understanding at their language comprehension level (The Salt Lake Tribune, May 29, 1983).

The UCCD was not only a physical space but also a beacon of hope and support for the 78,000 Deaf and hard of hearing people in Utah at the time. Around 10,000 of them were estimated to be deaf for communication purposes (The Salt Lake Tribune, May 29, 1983). The center aimed to address the challenges faced by the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf people with multiple disabilities by offering a range of social and recreational activities (The Salt Lake Tribune, May 29, 1983). Dr. Sanderson expressed his gratitude, saying, "It was a dream of many years come true, with much appreciation to the Utah State Board of Education, Rehabilitation Services, and the Utah State Legislature" (Sanderson, 2004).

Dedication Program at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, June 8, 1983

Home of the First Utah
Community Center for the Deaf

The Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, was opened in 1981, with Dr. Robert G. Sanderson appointed as its first director by Dr. Harvey Hirschi. In 1982, three staff members—Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, Norman Williams, and Robert Lunnen—were hired (UAD Bulletin, July 1982; Sanderson, 2004).

The Utah Community Center for the Deaf provided a wide range of services to support the Utah Deaf community. These services include vocational rehabilitation to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed for employment. The center also offered specific counseling services, such as mental health counseling and career counseling, to address the emotional and psychological needs of the community. Additionally, the center provided interpreting, telecommunications, information and referral, a library, training programs, volunteer services, peer support, and classes (Sanderson, 2004).

To assist Deaf individuals in finding employment opportunities, the UCCD gathered the best books and research papers on Deaf subjects, as well as equipment, photographs, and a printing lab (The Salt Lake Tribune, May 29, 1983). On December 5, 1983, Robert J. Welsh, a Deaf photographer with a successful color separation and photography business, taught a class to help Deaf people find work. The UCCD not only provided the space for this class, but also committed to supporting and promoting the entrepreneurial spirit within the Utah Deaf community. It set aside its laboratory and furniture in one of the upper-level rooms for entrepreneurial use (Sanderson, 2004).

Robert J. Welsh. The Deaf American, January 1965

The UCCD is more than just a center; it's a community and friendship hub. It served as the focal point for social activities like rehabilitation, adult education, and retraining, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. This 22,000-square-foot facility offered opportunities for physical recreation, socializing, and various other activities, allowing people to build memories and connections. It hosted parties and events, including basketball, archery, volleyball, and movie screenings, creating a vibrant and inclusive community (Sanderson, 2004).

Following the renovation, the Utah Association for the Deaf and several community organizations for the deaf and hard of hearing, including Self Help for the Hard of Hearing, were able to use the office space. This collaborative effort not only allowed them to finally store their items but also to continue their organizations' activities, reinforcing the shared purpose and unity within the Utah Deaf community. The renovation also included the addition of new facilities and the upgrading of existing ones, enhancing the services and activities provided by the UCCD (Sanderson, 2004).

Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful Utah, 1983. Pencil drawing by Robert Winkelkotter

The Deaf individuals from the Ogden and Salt Lake communities volunteered to transform the UCCD into a more welcoming space. This center, now a vital meeting place for the community, was once just a dream. It hosted events and activities previously scattered across different locations. The establishment of the UCCD was a significant milestone in the history of the Utah Deaf community, demonstrating their determination for greater inclusivity and self-determination. It became a platform for the community to unite, share experiences, and provide mutual support, fostering a sense of hope and progress. This journey began at the Utah Association of the Deaf Conference in 1946, where the Deaf members first voiced their need for a space they could call their own.

Dream Becomes a Nightmare

Unfortunately, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, like any other establishment, soon faced its share of challenges. As the director, Dr. Sanderson had to address issues such as a neighbor's sprinkler system causing a flood on the east side of the building, overcrowded parking lots during parties and events, inadequate air conditioning on the upper floor in the summer, and an outdated coal-fired heater catching fire in the winter. Following a break-in and theft, security became a concern, necessitating the rekeying of all the doors. Due to the need for numerous repairs, maintenance costs skyrocketed. The initial excitement of the community waned as commuting from a distance became a challenge (Sanderson, 2004).

Even in the face of a natural disaster, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf stood strong. When the snow melted and caused massive mudslides in the mountains, it hit 400 North Street, turning the Deaf community's dream into a nightmare. The mudslide, about three feet deep, filled several homes' basements that were lower than the street level. Fortunately, the Utah Community Center building escaped unharmed. Its height on the south side of the street, as well as a four-foot retaining wall along the sidewalk, served as a shield. The 1983 mudslide, described as a 'one in a hundred year' event, was a testament to the center's resilience (Sanderson, 2004).

The Utah Community Center for the Deaf
Officially Dedicated

The Deaf Advisory Council of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, with the invaluable support of our community, had been tirelessly organizing the dedication for months. On November 5, 1983, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf received its dedication. According to the dedication chairperson, Celia May Baldwin, around 325 people from our close-knit community attended the amazing ceremony (UAD Bulletin, June 1983).

They were a group that presented a comical display of peculiar and unusual fashion styles. Participants in the show received payment for their performance and a bonus. The Utah Association for the Deaf was pleased and deeply moved by their generosity and timing, which was a complete surprise (UAD Bulletin, June 1983).

Utah Community Center for the Deaf Dedication Ceremony, November 5, 1983

The Utah Community Center for the Deaf
Continues to Thrive

During the following two years, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf buzzed with activity. A pivotal moment arrived when a significant achievement occurred when the Utah Association for the Deaf, demonstrating its forward-thinking approach, set up the nation's first official office for the Utah association for the Deaf. This significant move was complemented by the appointment of Valerie G. Kinney as a part-time business manager, signifying a new chapter for the Utah Deaf community (Sanderson, 2004).

Valerie G. Kinney

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, a Child of Deaf Adults and sign language interpreter, demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness. She successfully secured sponsorships and donations from local service clubs, providing the Utah Community Center of the Deaf with much-needed items that the state was unable to offer. Her efforts underscore the community's resilience and ability to find solutions (Sanderson, 2004).

The Text Teletype, commonly known as TTY, revolutionized communication within the Utah Deaf community prior to the establishment of Sorenson Communication, Inc. Instead of verbal exchanges, conversations were transcribed, enabling instant communication with anyone using a similar device. In 1964, Deaf physicist Robert Weitbrecht pioneered the first TTY. The TTY service at UCCD was in high demand, repairing outdated teleprinter equipment for Deaf customers. When Sorenson Communications Inc. introduced a videophone, it also offered a free video relay service. In 2003, Salt Lake City became the first city to adopt a video relay service (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Robert H. Weitbrecht @ Ultratec, Inc.

Robert Lunnen, who repaired teleprinter machines for the military during World War II, developed an affection for the antique equipment provided to the UCCD by Western Union, AT&T Mountain States Telephone, and other local businesses (Sanderson, 2004).

Norman Williams, a Deaf man, graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1962 and was a true pillar of the Utah Deaf community. With his technical skills, he played a vital role in maintaining the TTY machines, but his contributions extended far beyond that. Norman was a talented craftsman, builder, electrician, and mechanic, bringing his diverse skills to the community center and making a significant impact on the community (Sanderson, 2004).

Norman Williams, The Utah Eagle, 1962

Dr. Sanderson said supporting this mission was one of Utah's Rehabilitation Services' most significant accomplishments. It allowed all Deaf and hard of hearing people in the state to communicate. Before the invention of the TTY, rehabilitation counselors and social workers had limited communication options because they couldn't use a regular phone with Deaf people. They frequently had to drive to the consumers' homes, hoping to find them there. The TTY allowed counselors to speak with consumers more easily (Sanderson, 2004).

Did You Know?

Under the supervision of Beth Ann Stewart Campbell at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, Norman Williams took a proactive step. He ordered the circular tables in pieces for the conference room from the state prison for $2,000.00 in 1984. Norman, with his keen understanding, believed that deaf-friendly oval and round tables were the best choices. They not only provided a functional space but also fostered effective communication among Deaf and hard of hearing individuals (Norman Williams, personal communication, April 12, 2012). This procurement was a source of pride for Beth Ann, as she often boasted about her office, the tables made by state prison inmates, and the tables in the conference room, as shared by W. David Mortensen (personal communication, April 3, 2012).

Round tables made by prisoners in the Marilyn T. Call Conference room

Dr. Grant B. Bitter Criticizes
the Utah Community Center for the Deaf

On January 2, 1985, Dr. Grant B. Bitter, a staunch advocate for oral and mainstream education, provided a detailed critique of the services provided by the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (UCCD). He disapproved of the recreational activities offered, how UCCD counselors worked with the oral deaf population in rehabilitation services, and their connection with the Utah Association for the Deaf. His statement is as follows:

"No currently employed rehabilitation counselors for the deaf should be appointed as director for the Center for the Deaf…unless it is entirely separate from rehabilitation services; then the center should be supported by private funds and contributions as a "recreation center" for the Deaf community. Under those circumstances it should not be supported by public tax dollars. If the center is to be a place where all hearing impaired persons may go for appropriate services in meeting individual needs, then it must be divested from any relationship to UAD or any other organization of a special interest nature and be entirely free from these groups to pressure special interest decisions or control."

Dr. Grant B. Bitter. The Utah Egale, October 1962

Dr. Bitter's critique was not just a list of grievances but a call to action. He emphasized the urgent need to consider the actual needs of the Utah Deaf community and to tailor services to meet individual needs similar to those of oral Deaf people. He used uppercase letters in his writing to underscore the importance of this point.

“NO PROGRAMS FROM ANY OFFICE SHOULD MANIPULATE, PROMOTE, OR OTHERWISE INFLUENCE THINKING OF CLIENTS OR POTENTIAL CLIENT TOWARD EITHER SIGN LANGUAGE OR THE ORAL, AURAL/ORAL APPROACH. COUNSELORS ARE TO ASSIST IN PROVIDNG APPROPRIATE SUPPORT SYSTEMS, REASONABLY, IN ORDER THAT CLIENTS MIGHT BE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED REALISTICALLY AND PRODUCTIVELY, WITHOUT INTIMIDATION AND PRESSURE. COUNSELORS MUST NOTGIVE INFORMATION FALSELY IN AN EFFORT TO PROMOTE ONE’S OWN WAY OF THINKING. HERE ARE SOME THAT HAVE BEEN USED TO PROMOTE SIGN LANGUAGE:”

Learning sign language will not affect your use of spoken language. That statement must be qualified considerably. Which hearing impaired person will it not affect? Obviously, the “deafened” adult such as Dave Mortensen, Paul Chamberlain, Robert Sanderson, etc…persons who have developed oral language (spoken, written) before losing their hearing and who continue to use their spoken and written language daily in their work will retain that ability. However, most children who are prelingually hearing impaired if they have been educated orally and then learning sign language will lose a great deal of proficiency. Those who attempt to use a mix of sign language and oral language will use pre-dominantly the sign language modality. The phenomenon is demonstrated by research.
To use spoken language is to deny your deafness or to not use sign language is to deny your deafness, or if you don’t sign, you deny your deafness.
Deafness is your heritage.
Speechreading is impossible (“40% look alike sounds on the lips, etc). This is a myth…..some research indicates that hearing impaired person who are visual oral (speechreading) as their primary mode of communicating, will comprehend about 95% of the concepts).
Total communication really includes the oral approach. Such a statement is most commonly used and is not true. In reality don’t make of sign language something it is not and cannot do. It has its place for those who prefer that system of communication, but total communication is a philosophy not a method. It is a “supermarket” term. Sign language has many limitations. It isolates and segregates, creates dependency rather than functional independence and creates a psychological/emotional conditioning that is resistant to the concept of mainstreaming, etc…(“Mainstreaming denies deafness”).
Sign language appears to have some charismatic affect on hearing people; many hearing people, including interpreters, frequently use it as a vehicle of control rather than a means of assisting the consumer to become functionally independent, or facilitating the sending of accurate messages to the receiver only.

Dr. Bitter has made serious accusations against the Utah Association for the Deaf, rehabilitation counselors for the deaf, and sign language interpreters. He alleges that they have not shown respect for the educational and social programs available to the oral deaf population. Additionally, he argues that there is little evidence to suggest that they have worked together to maintain the integrity of alternative programs in Utah, as indicated in his 1985 report.

Ironically, Dr. Bitter held power and influence over the University of Utah, the Utah School for the Deaf, and the Deaf Seminary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, despite his belief that the Utah Association for the Deaf should sever its ties with the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. He had no idea that UAD wanted to build a community center for Deaf people, and they worked hard to make it a reality. Why did Dr. Bitter complain about how UCCD served the oral deaf community when they could choose between a "total communication" or "oralist" counselor, as established in 1976 and 1978?

Furthermore, we need to consider whether Deaf individuals have the same recreational opportunities as hearing individuals at their local recreation center. This unequal access to recreational facilities underscores the pressing need for equal opportunities, a concern that should be important to everyone.

Did You Know?

During a retreat for members of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Advisory Council on August 28, 2009, Superintendent Steven W. Noyce, a former University of Utah student of Dr. Grant B. Bitter from the oral training program, incorrectly stated that the Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing tended to focus only on Deaf people using American Sign Language. Marilyn T. Call, the director of the Sanderson Community Center and a member of the Advisory Council, pointed out that significant changes had occurred over the years. The administration of the Sanderson Center was similar to that of the former Deaf Center in Bountiful, Utah, but it operated under a new mandate. The state of Utah required the Sanderson Community Center to be neutral, providing a wide range of services to all Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Members of the Utah Deaf community at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, January 24, 1988. Top Row: Pete Green, Jerry Wesrbery, Art Valdez, Ilene Kinner, Kenneth Kinner, Shanna Mortensen, David Mortensen, Clara Kendall. Bottom Row: (L-R): Sally Green, Donna Lee Westberg, Eleanor Kay Kinner Curtis, Donna Mae Deyarmon, and Carol Wilson

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Announces Retirement

On November 15, 1985, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a true leader, announced his retirement from the state after thirty-seven years of service, with twenty of those years spent with the Utah Division of Rehabilitation (UAD Bulletin, February 1985). His personal dedication to the Deaf community is evident in the growth of Services to the Deaf, which has blossomed from a one-person operation in 1965 to a robust team spread across several Utah locations. When he first joined rehabilitation in 1965, there were only eleven Deaf individuals on the rolls and a single sign language counselor to assist them. Despite the challenges posed by limited resources, Dr. Sanderson's leadership and dedication paved the way for the growth and development of Services to the Deaf (UAD Bulletin, March 1985).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson

Dr. Sanderson was a driving force behind the ambition of the Utah Deaf community to "speak more." His efforts led to the establishment of around 500 telephone communication devices that were churning out 50–60 words per minute along the Wasatch Front. Seven hundred fifty thousand words per hour was a lot of words per hour. By then, the Utah Deaf community couldn't function without teletype machines, and they were grateful to Dr. Sanderson for providing them (UAD Bulletin, February 1985).

During Dr. Sanderson's tenure, one of the significant achievements was the establishment of a center for the deaf. This was a monumental project that took ten years of committee work and meetings to complete, a commitment he continued even while attending Gallaudet College for a year. His perseverance led to the establishment of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, a place where Deaf individuals could gather, work, and socialize (UAD Bulletin, February 1985).

By the time he retired in 1985, Dr. Sanderson had made a significant impact, assisting over 300 Deaf and hard of hearing people. His efforts led to the availability of several interpreters, including four counselors skilled in sign language, a full-time rehab interpreter, and two full-time UAD interpreters (UAD Bulletin, March 1985).

A $1,500 donation was made to the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, as a result of the Bountiful Soroptimist "Christmas Home Tour" fundraising. The award was given to Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, and Beth Ann Campbell, who was sitting. Elda Keddington, standing left, is the Soroptimist Club President, and Barabara Webb is the club's community service chairperson. Ogden Standard-Examiner, February 6, 1985

Did You Know?

In 1985, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf received over 9,000 signatures in their guest book (UAD Bulletin, March 1985).

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell
is Named the New Director

Following Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's retirement, Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire, Executive Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, appointed Beth Ann Stewart Campbell as Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. This decision was made in consultation with the Utah Deaf community. Beth Ann had over fifteen years of experience working with the Utah Division of Rehabilitation as a professional-level interpreter and aide, and she was very knowledgeable about deaf programs. As the child of Deaf Adults, she had strong support from the Utah Deaf community. Beth Ann used advocacy and activism to support Deaf individuals (Sanderson, 2004).

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell

Safety, Maintenance, Population Demographics
Issues Demand a Change in Location

The Bountiful building was constructed in 1941 and underwent a two-story expansion in 1956, which raised health and safety concerns. Correcting violations of fire, safety, and building codes would be expensive. Another code violation stemmed from the lack of disability accessibility. In addition, the building's condition deteriorated, making maintenance costly. The demographics of the population also presented a challenge. The Utah Community Center for the Deaf, located in Bountiful, was easily accessible from Ogden, other Davis County cities, and Salt Lake City via the I-15 freeway. However, the largest population of Deaf consumers lived south of Salt Lake City, leading to a gradual decline in Deaf consumer visits. Moving the center further south would inconvenience those in Davis and Weber counties, but it would be more convenient for the vast number of Deaf consumers in the Salt Lake Valley, favoring a more central position (Sanderson, 2004).

In 1985, Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire, a well-known advocate for the Deaf community and a prominent figure in the Office of Rehabilitation Services, along with Bernarr S. Furse, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, started sending letters and memos to the Director of the Division of Facilities Construction & Management. They suggested allocating more planning funds to establish a new center for the Deaf community instead of investing in the Bountiful Center, which faced long-term code violations and required maintenance. They recognized that continuing to invest in the existing facility would be a waste of money, especially as consumer usage had decreased due to its location. The Utah Deaf community's strong support for the proposed new center emphasizes the urgent need for a new facility (Sanderson, 2004).

Following an inspection of the Bountiful building in 1987, it was urgently recommended that a newer facility be purchased as soon as possible to serve Utah's Deaf and hard of hearing residents. The director and employees were faced with the daunting task of bringing the existing center up to health, building, fire, safety, and disability accessibility codes to make it a safe and usable state building. Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire, a staunch advocate for the Deaf community, strongly supported their need for a new facility. The outdated and insufficient nature of the current building has only intensified the resolve to establish a new community center through lobbying efforts (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire. The Salt Lake Tribune, August 22, 2011

An Unexpected Bill Passes
During the 1988 Legislative Session

When the Utah Community Center for the Deaf dealt with building issues, the 1988 legislature passed SB 218 to establish a separate Division of Services to the Hearing Impaired. Governor Norman H. Bangerter signed the bill into law on March 10, leaving the Utah Deaf community feeling excluded and unheard. W. David Mortensen, president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, expressed deep concern that the Utah Deaf community and its leaders had not been informed of the bill. He questioned why no one had sought their feedback or opinions. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and the need for the Utah Deaf community to be involved in anything related to their social, economic, and educational future (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, April 1988; Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, May 1988).

The legislation at issue was titled 'Division of Services to the Hearing Impaired,' a name that did not sit well with the Utah Deaf community. Jim Hilber, a graduate of the University of Utah's Hearing and Speech Department and a member of Dr. Sanderson's counseling team, was appointed as the administrator of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. Despite not having a deaf cultural background, his education and experience made him well-suited for the role. Jim's active lobbying led to the establishment of the 'Division of Services to the Hearing Impaired.' Dave Mortensen, the UAD President, questioned why the Utah Deaf community had not been involved or informed about the SB 218 bill, considering its impact on the deaf in Utah. He favored the term 'Deaf' over 'Hearing Impaired' and proposed a title change to 'Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.' The community experienced a significant impact upon the enactment of this change in 1988 (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, April 1988).

Utah Governor Norman H. Bangerter @ Wikipedia

The Utah Association for the Deaf opposed Jim Hilber's appointment as Director of the Division of Services to the Hearing Impaired. The Utah Deaf community was angered by being excluded from the SB 218 bill. A protest in early 1988 and demands for the appointment of a Deaf university president at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., prompted them to take control of their future. Gary Olsen, Executive Director of the National Association of the Deaf, stated that the "Deaf President Now" protest at Gallaudet University demonstrated that "deaf people want to decide their own destiny." Dr. Elisabeth Zinser, who was removed from her position as a hearing person, described the events as a civil rights movement for the Deaf community. President Mortensen of the Utah Association for the Deaf agreed with these statements and expressed that the Deaf community in Utah will advocate for more involvement in decisions and regulations affecting their way of life (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, April 1988).

Dr. Judy Buffmire, Executive Director of the Utah Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, extended a warm welcome to the Utah Deaf community and its leaders at the Utah State Office of Education on March 31, 1988. Their presence was not just acknowledged, but actively sought after, as they were invited to share their thoughts, ideas, and proposals on the new SB 218 bill. The room was filled with the voices of about 100 Deaf people, each expressing their unique perspective. The culmination of this engagement was the announcement that the position of Director of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing would be open for nationwide recruitment (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, May 1988). This was not just a minor triumph, but a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative future.

W. David Mortensen

In the May 1988 issue of the UAD Bulletin, President Mortensen issued the following President's Message:

“Historically speaking, for the past 75 years or more, programs for the deaf have always been proposed, developed, and administered by hearing people. There is only one exception that can be thought of when Dr. Robert G. Sanderson was placed in Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and remained for several years, leading deaf people and developing a variety of programs to serve them. Unfortunately, when he retired, he was not replaced by a deaf person. He was replaced by a hearing person. We feel there has been a deterioration or breaking up of some of these services that were of benefit to the Deaf community the past 4 years.

We believe it is time now to allow deaf people to have more say in matters that affect the quality of their life. We believe it is time now to select qualified deaf people to run programs or divisions. We are fast approaching the 21st century. We must control our destiny. We want to show you that we are no longer going to sit idly by and allow hearing people who do not understand us or our needs to continue to wreak our future.

Our educational needs suffered in the hands of hearing people who thought they were doing the best for us without even asking us (the consumer: the product: the result) what would have been a better way to give us an education that we could be proud of.

We are at a point where we must say that we need more control over the Division of Services to the Hearing Impaired/Deaf. We are asking once again that people in position of power ask us, the deaf, what we want. And when given an answer, follow through with it.

We need clarification on the meaning of hearing impaired and deaf.

For 75 years plus, educational and rehabilitation officials who could hear invested money into programs to try and improve and educate the deaf while making sure that none of the deaf who were in their programs would ever rise above their own positions. Now we, the deaf, want to prove that part of their investments were worthwhile to a degree by choosing a deaf person to run the Division of Services to the Hearing Impaired/Deaf” (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, May 1988, p. 2).

Did You Know?

The term "hearing impaired" is considered derogatory and offensive to the Deaf community as it implies a need for fixing. "Deaf and hard of hearing" is the more respectful term.

Deaf Vent Frustration
and Criticize the New Division

The Utah State Board of Education chamber was filled with members of the Utah Deaf community. They were not there to voice their concerns but to demand change. They vehemently expressed their dissatisfaction with the short- and long-term goals of the Division of Services for the Hearing Impaired. Several Deaf people spoke up, stating, "We must control our own destiny. We are no longer willing to sit idly by and watch how hearing people wreck our programs and control our future" (Campbell, Deseret News, April 1988).

Rodney Walker, president of the local Gallaudet alumni association, highlighted that the Utah Deaf community has been oppressed by hearing people. They shared the same feelings of oppression as their fellow Gallaudet University students (Campbell, Deseret News, April 1988).

Rodney W. Walker The Utah Eagle, April 1955

Lloyd H. Perkins stated, "Deafness has been treated like AIDS in Utah – a condition to be avoided." He also mentioned, "Deaf individuals in Utah have not been given the opportunity to be leaders, neither in the deaf school nor in rehabilitation." Lloyd quoted a statement from the Gallaudet protest, "When hearing individuals believe they must take care of the deaf, this reflects clear prejudice, discrimination, and ignorance" (Campbell, Deseret News, April 1988).

Lloyd H. Perkins

"The new division is a step in the right direction," said Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a former director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf with the State Office of Education, but he criticized the Office of Rehabilitation for not seeking advice from the Utah Deaf community before submitting the proposal to the Legislature. He emphasized the need for the division to be led by a trained and experienced Deaf professional, stating that a Deaf person with a profound understanding of Deaf people's needs and culture can recognize and address them effectively (Campbell, April 1988, Deseret News).

The Utah Deaf community felt hearing people were controlling them, said Jim Harper from Provo. "They may be deaf, but they are not mentally impaired" (Campbell, Deseret News, April 1988). Following a public outcry from the Deaf community, particularly UAD President Mortensen, the Utah State Board of Education decided to establish a new Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf to serve the Utah Deaf community better.

Jim Harper

First Division Director Appointed for
the Utah Community Center
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

After Jim Hilber resigned in 1988 to take a job as a Division of Rehabilitation Services Facilities Specialist, the position became available. He strongly supported the creation of a new deaf community center, and his efforts spanned years, involving collaboration with legislators, analysts, the Division of Facilities Construction and Management, and others. His collaboration with the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities was also instrumental in securing legislative financing for the deaf center. During this time, Marilyn T. Call, who is hard of hearing and later became the director of the center, served as the Executive Director of the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities, where she met Jim Hilber, Gene Stewart, and other Deaf advocates, as detailed later on this webpage (Sanderson, 2004).

The Utah Association for the Deaf and the Utah Deaf community, united in their cause, passionately advocated for a Deaf director. In his September 1988 UAD Bulletin: The President's Messages, UAD President Mortensen stated:"Should the director of the new Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing be deaf?" It seems most logical and wise. No matter how skilled and qualified a hearing person is in the field of deafness or in understanding the psychology of deafness, Utah will still lag behind. It will be a step backward to appoint a director with hearing to lead the deaf into new fields of advancement" (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, September 1988, p. 2).

In September 1988, an unexpected turn of events led to the selection of a Deaf individual as the next division director, who later declined for personal reasons. The unexpected turn of events placed Dr. Judy Buffmire and the screening committee in a challenging situation, as they had already informed the other applicants that someone else had won the position. They couldn't choose one of the applicants without violating the Equal Employment Laws (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, September 1988).

After consulting with members of the Utah Deaf community, Dr. Buffmire appointed Gene Stewart, a hearing vocational rehabilitation counselor, as the acting division director of the newly established Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH). This decision was taken in consideration of the unique circumstances and the urgent need for leadership (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, October 1988).

Kenneth C. Burdett of Ogden started a petition in the late spring of 1989 to support Gene Stewart as the DSDHH's permanent director. The petition received significant support, with over fifty Deaf individuals signing it. They presented it to Dr. Judy Buffmire, expressing their strong endorsement of Gene Stewart's leadership (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, October 1989; Darlene Stewart Cochran, interview with her brother, Gene Stewart, April 4, 2012).

Kenneth C. Burdett drafted a resolution endorsing Gene Stewart as the permanent Division Director of the DSDHH, which the Deaf members in attendance at the Utah Association for the Deaf convention in June 1989 approved. This resolution served as evidence of the community's strong belief in Gene Stewart's qualifications and his dedication to the Deaf community (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, October 1989; Darlene Stewart Cochran, interview with her brother, Gene Stewart, April 4, 2012).

Kenneth C. Burdett

On August 11, 1989, Gene Stewart was appointed as the Division Director of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by the Utah State Board of Education. Before this appointment, he had served as an acting director for over a year. Gene Stewart became the first Division Director of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, October 1989). The DSDHH expanded its services to Deaf consumers when it was created and housed the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in 1988. When the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) was established in 1988 and housed in the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (UCCD) in Bountiful, Utah, the DSDHH had two bosses: the Division Director and the Director. The administration divided responsibilities between the Division Director, who was responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the division, and the Director, who oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. Beth Ann Campbell was the director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf at that time. Her position and role as director remained unchanged under Gene's administration, and she reported to him while he reported to the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation.

Gene Stewart worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the Utah Division of Rehabilitation Services starting in 1967. His initial role was to provide vocational rehabilitation to the deaf community. As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) raised in a household with Deaf parents, Wayne Stewart and Georgia Mae, and Deaf siblings Keith and Darlene Cochran, Gene had a personal connection to the Utah Deaf community. His experiences and his work inspired him to further his education. Gene obtained a qualification as a professional interpreter, graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in speech pathology and a minor in German, and earned a master's degree in deaf education administration from California State University, Northridge. With this background, he was well-prepared to lead the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Utah Association for the Deaf was enthusiastic about his appointment. He aimed to establish a new Utah Community Center for the Deaf (Sanderson, 2004).

Gene Stewart

Working on Getting a New Community Center
for the Deaf Building in Another Location

At the biennial convention of the Utah Association for the Deaf on June 16, 1989, Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire, the Executive Director of the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, made a significant announcement. She revealed that after four years of relentless lobbying, she had successfully secured substantial planning funds from the legislature for a new center for the deaf. This financial support was a testament to the government's unwavering dedication to the Utah Association for the Deaf and the establishment of the community center (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Sanderson reported that the formation of the Ad Hoc Planning Committee for the new Utah Community Center for the Deaf was a significant step. The committee, which had its first meeting on July 5, 1989, with planning funds secured, was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the project. It included several Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, architects, and officials from the Utah State Division of Facilities Construction and Management. Notably, Shirley Platt, Lee Shepherd, John Peebler, Norman Williams, Lloyd Perkins, Keith Lauritzen, Don Jensen, Dave Mortensen, Robert Sanderson, and Robert Gillespie were among the Deaf members (Sanderson, 2004).

The Ad Hoc Planning Committee, in its meetings, delved into various issues, demonstrating its commitment to thorough planning and community input. They discussed the budget for purchasing land, the size of the land, the square footage and construction of the building, the building's inclusions, its capacity, and other relevant matters. This comprehensive approach ensured that the Utah Community Center for the Deaf would meet the specific needs of the Utah Deaf community (Sanderson, 2004).

The main priorities for the building were to have good lighting throughout the structure and to include fire alarms and other safety procedures that are friendly to Deaf individuals. The Utah Community Center for the Deaf, driven by a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities, recognized the importance of sports in the Deaf community. As a result, they planned to include a baseball diamond and a basketball court/gym with a stage. These facilities were intended to be used to build a strong community and provide recreational opportunities for Deaf youth. In the Utah Deaf community, sports have always been important. Deaf students across the country, like their hearing peers in public schools, enjoyed competing in sports with other Deaf peers. Graduates from the Utah School for the Deaf in the local Deaf community wanted mainstreamed students to have the same opportunity at the center (Sanderson, 2004).

Norman Williams, a Deaf member of the Ad Hoc Planning Committee, visited several gyms to prepare for the architect's sketch of the proposed building plans. Unfortunately, he couldn't find one that he liked. Eventually, he visited the Idaho School for the Deaf, which had a new, full-sized basketball court with bleachers. Impressed by the size of the gym, he recommended that the new center follow suit. As a result, a basketball court with movable bleachers was built within the gym (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, 2008; Norman Williams, personal communication, May 8, 2012).

On September 20, 1989, Dr. Buffmire reconstituted the State Advisory Committee and added seven new members. The committee played a crucial role in developing services and facilities for the Utah Deaf community. It was tasked with providing advice for a three-year period. Several members of the Utah community, including W. David Mortensen, who represented the Deaf, served on the committee (Sanderson, 2004).

In September 1989, Gene Stewart responded to a request from UAD President Mortensen to outline the responsibilities and staff of the new Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Gene emphasized the importance of involving the Utah Deaf community and worked as an ally for them. When he began his role in October 1988, he stressed the need for the Deaf community to be involved and informed. Gene achieved this through various channels, such as the UAD Bulletin, the Deaf Services Advisory Committee, participation in UAD Board meetings, and individual conversations (Sanderson, 2004).

Deaf Members of the Ad Hoc Planning Committee

Shirley Platt

Lee Shepherd

John Peebler. UAD Bulletin, July 2003

Norman Williams

Lloyd H. Perkins

Keith Lauritzen

Donald Jensen

W. David Mortensen

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson @ Gallaudet University Archives

Robert Gillespie

Did You Know?

While the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was searching for a new director, Mabel Bell, a columnist for the October 1989 UAD Bulletin, a pseudonym used by Ron Nelson, wrote the following:

“Let me ask you a question. Can hearing people make the best possible decisions for the Deaf community without any feedback or representation from them? Up until very recently, every program set up by legislators or state agencies that affected the Deaf community were administered and staffed entirely by hearing people. Is this fair representation?

…It is long past time that Gallaudet had a deaf president, as testimony that deaf people are capable of leading themselves.

…Why aren’t [State Board of Education, Voc Rehab, etc] selecting qualified deaf people to be administrators in those programs directly affecting the Deaf community of Utah?

…Deafness should not be the only criteria for the job, but if the deaf applying is an active member of the Deaf community, the deaf applicant has something that no hearing person will ever be able to develop – an intimate understanding of deafness and its culture.”

In the October 1989 UAD Bulletin, Ron Nelson explained that "I think Dr. Judy Buffmire did not ignore the Deaf community." At first, the Deaf community strongly supported the concept of having a deaf director, and a deaf person was selected. Several months later, the Deaf community changed their minds and decided they wanted a hearing person as director. Several other deaf groups related to deafness also supported the concept of a hearing person as director, including the DSDHH Advisory Council. A hearing person was selected as the new director.

Ron also said, "If the deaf community had remained steadfast in their support of the concept of a deaf person as the director, would events have been any different? We will never know" (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, October 1989).

Ron Nelson

Utah State Board of Education Gives
the New Utah Community Center for the
Deaf #1 Facility Priority

In January 1989, Gene Stewart, Division Director of the Division for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, together with UAD officers W. David Mortensen and Lloyd H. Perkins, along with the Utah Deaf community, initiated a collective mission. They urged the community to support their efforts in lobbying for a new community center for the deaf in a different location. This request encouraged deaf individuals in Utah to write letters to their local senators and representatives, a powerful demonstration of unity and shared purpose (Sanderson, 2004).

On September 8, 1989, the Utah State Board of Education acknowledged the importance of the new Utah Community Center for the Deaf. They prioritized its construction, understanding that it would be a game-changer for the Utah Deaf community. With this support, the Utah Deaf community was in a stronger position to convince the 1990 Legislature to fund the construction of the Division. The UAD officials were overjoyed, knowing they were one step closer to creating a space where the community could thrive and learn (UAD Bulletin, September 1989).

The architectural firm Frandsen-Chamberlain from Ogden, Utah, completed the blueprints for the planned structure on October 1, 1989. The document included an executive summary of the project, effectively a building request. The project floor plan featured a full-size basketball court in front of a large stage, essentially a multi-use auditorium. Dr. Sanderson stated, "Part of the justification for the new center was the estimated cost of maintaining the old Bountiful Center," calling attention to the fiscal unwise decision of allocating funds for maintenance and code compliance on an outdated building with a projected limited lifetime (Sanderson, 2004).

The state of Utah recognized the need to address the accessibility needs of the Deaf population. They noticed that Deaf people were undereducated, underemployed, underrepresented, and socially isolated, which had negative financial impacts on both the individuals and the community. To address these concerns, the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation created specialized services to increase the independence and productivity of Deaf adults while reducing reliance on public funds. These services include interpreter referral assistance, youth support, counseling, socialization, and independent living. The state determined that the best way to provide these specialized services was through a dedicated rehabilitation facility. Although the existing facility had a positive impact on the Utah Deaf community, the state acknowledged that building and location issues made it challenging to offer high-quality services. As a result, the Utah Deaf community was thrilled to learn that Governor Norman H. Bangerter supported their cause!

Governor Norman H. Bangerter Proposes
Funding for a New Center

In 1990, Utah Governor Norman H. Bangerter proposed funding for two projects aimed at benefiting the Utah Deaf community. However, the final decision on the funding rests with the Legislature. The proposed projects include a new community center for the deaf, valued at $3,359,100, and a consolidated Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, valued at $8,184,300. Gene Stewart and UAD President Mortensen encouraged members of the Utah Deaf community to attend legislative sessions to convey their concerns and show support for these projects. (UAD Bulletin, February 1990). Their active participation significantly influenced approval of these projects.

Success at Last!

The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation and the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing received budget approval from the Utah Legislature in 1990. Authorizations were granted for the following:

Monies for equipment and programs at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf through 6-30-90
Permanent annual funding for interpreter training and employment
Yearly permanent budget to increase/improve programming at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf
Building funds for a new Deaf Center (Sanderson, 2004).

It was a remarkable achievement! The search for a suitable plot of land for the new community center was quick and successful (Sanderson, 2004). Gene Stewart, Division Director, obtained a 100 percent agreement on a piece of property at 5770 South 1500 West after visiting the new location. "Isn't that a miracle!" he exclaimed with pride. A large group of Deaf and hearing people united in their vision and worked together to make this dream a reality (UAD Bulletin, March 1990).

In the March 1990 issue of the UAD Bulletin, Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire granted Gene Stewart permission to sign a document on March 13, 1990, allowing the purchase of property for a new deaf center (UAD Bulletin, March 1990).

Did You Know?

In 1990, Utah legislators saw a strong connection between two separate projects: the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind. This emphasized the unified purpose behind both initiatives, despite their distinct objectives.

With strong determination, the Deaf leadership and the USDB administration led a powerful lobbying effort. Their hard work paid off, as the Utah State Office of Education supported the cause, and legislators responded quickly (Sanderson, 2004).

Groundbreaking!

On June 10, 1991, on a sunny day, around 200 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Utah Community Center for the Deaf facility (UAD Bulletin, July 1991; Sanderson, 2004). Dr. Blaine Petersen of the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation welcomed the audience and introduced speakers as the program progressed (UAD Bulletin, July 1991).

Gene Stewart, Division Director of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, shared a touching childhood memory. He remembered a time when he was a young boy and really wanted a cap gun with an ivory handle. After persistent pleading, his father eventually granted his wish. However, Gene's excitement was short-lived as he ended up crying in the car, this time asking for a cap for his gun. His father got upset and returned the gun to Grand Central, so Gene never got his cap gun. He used this story as an analogy to describe how the Utah Deaf community, through their patience, eventually obtained their own community center (UAD Bulletin, July 1991).

At the event, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, assured the audience of her unwavering commitment. She assured the audience that she would meticulously record every step of the construction process, and Norman Williams, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, would ensure the precise placement of every nail. The team's dedication to completing the building plans and construction to the highest standards, as evidenced by this commitment, instilled confidence in the Deaf community in Utah.

Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire, the retired Executive Director of USOR, Lieutenant Governor Val Overson of Utah, and the architects all expressed a shared vision for the successful construction of the center. Their collective wish was a powerful testament to the unity and shared commitment towards this significant project, fostering a sense of solidarity among the audience (UAD Bulletin, July 1991).

W. David Mortensen, president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, shared the history of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. He explained that the idea for a deaf center first emerged in 1970. He described the challenges faced by UAD officers and the Utah Deaf community in their dealings with the legislature. The process involved lobbying and overcoming delays to establish the first center in Bountiful. After that, an eight-year struggle ensued to secure a new building to better serve the deaf population. The journey was marked by determination and perseverance (UAD Bulletin, July 1991; Sanderson, 2004).

W. David Mortensen UAD president briefly outlines the history of the UCCD

Dr. Sanderson, the Chairman of the Utah Association for the Deaf and retired USOR and UCCD Director, expressed deep gratitude and excitement, as the dream is coming true (UAD Bulletin, July 1991).

Dr. Robert Sanderson, UAD chairman and retired USOR state coordinator of services to the Deaf adults and UCCD director, spoke briefly, expressing deep gratitude to those who made it possible for the dream to come true for Deaf people in Utah

A ticket was drawn from the crowd to select a lucky Deaf individual to participate in the groundbreaking event. Larry Kinnett was the lucky winner of the ticket drawing. He joined Mary Guy-Sell, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire, Norman Williams, and Lt. Governor Val Overson in breaking ground on what would become a first-of-its-kind center for the deaf and hard of hearing in the country (UAD Bulletin, July 1991; Sanderson, 2004).

L-R: Norman Williams, Larry Kinnett, Mary Guy-Sell, Beth Ann Campbell, Lt. Governor Val Oveson and Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire host shovels and break ground

UAD President’s Message

Lyle G. Mortensen, President of the Utah Association for the Deaf, took the opportunity to thank Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and David Mortensen in the UAD Bulletin, which is as follows:

“To Robert Sanderson and David Mortensen…a TREMENDOUS THANKS…for a job well done from the UAD members and the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing of Utah. You’ve made outstanding accomplishments and done excellent teamwork in providing us with list: the UCCD, interpreting services, telephone relay, TDD’s and repair services, and the new building complex Center which is more centrally located and will provide increased space and better activities and attendance. Our hats are off to your excellent leadership and to the past UAD Board of Directors which served you so well” (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, August 1991, p. 3; Sanderson, 2004).

Lyle G. Mortensen

Construction Begins

During the construction of the new Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 1991–1992, the Bountiful Center continued to serve the Deaf and hard of hearing community, but its distance limited the programs' capacity to meet the community's growing needs. For example, the center could only offer basic classes and occasional social gatherings. Parking remained a major issue, limiting access to the facilities. Additionally, maintenance was kept to a minimum while building the new center. Everyone eagerly awaited the new center (Sanderson, 2004).

During the weeks of construction, community members, especially the Deaf, drove by the site with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Among them was Norman Williams, a dedicated maintenance man who grew intimately familiar with the structure and all that went into its construction. Norman's personal connection to the building was profound; he knew about every brick, how to care for it, and where everything was. His dedication and knowledge were a testament to the Utah Deaf community's pride in and ownership of the new center (Sanderson, 2004).

The new 25,000-square-foot building was completed and ready for use in September 1992. Gene Stewart and Beth Ann Stewart Campbell had delivered most of the furniture they had ordered. The director received the keys and assigned staff members to their respective offices. Utahns who are deaf or hard of hearing now have a dedicated building. The Utah Community Center for the Deaf added "hard of hearing" to its name, as in "Utah Community Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing," to reflect the community's growing number of individuals who were hard of hearing. The Division for Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was located at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Sanderson enthusiastically described the new community center and the wide range of events it hosted. From classes and social gatherings to sports events and conferences, the center was a bustling hub of activity. The facilities were top-notch, including a full-size gymnasium, a large kitchen, a weight and exercise room, a lounge and library, a bookstore, and an assistive technology demonstration room. This room was particularly significant as it allowed Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to test various communication devices, reflecting our community's progress and growth (Sanderson, 2004).

Gene Stewart noticed that the programs were expanding to meet the needs of Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents and adults. In June 1992, three months before the Utah Community Center for the Deaf relocated to Taylorsville, Utah, the increased workload led to the creation of the program director role. When Beth Ann Stewart Campbell stepped down as director, Marilyn T. Call, who is hard of hearing, applied for the position (Marilyn T. Call, personal communication, December 15, 2023). Beth Ann Stewart Campbell retired in March 1992, in the absence of her former boss, Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire, the retired Executive Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, due to a lack of college degrees and support from males in positions of authority (Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, personal communication, December 7, 2023). The position of Director was changed to Program Director after Beth Ann's retirement to clarify roles and responsibilities. Marilyn took on the program director role (Marilyn T. Call, personal communication, December 16, 2023). Prior to this, she was the Executive Director of the Legislative Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities, advocating for people with disabilities before the Utah State Legislature. Marilyn also had two Deaf children, one of whom, Ashley, was autistic, and the other, Camille, was deaf (Sanderson, 2004). Marilyn brought extensive experience and a deep understanding of the needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing communities.

Did You Know?

According to Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf was the first center in the United States to be built specifically for the deaf by a state and designed with deaf people in mind. Deaf people were actively involved in architectural planning (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, July 1991, p. 7).

The Dedication of the
Utah Community Center of the Deaf Building

In the spring of 1993, the new Utah Community Center for the Deaf was inaugurated, a testament to the dedication of the Utah Deaf community. Participants came together to plant flowers, share their thoughts, enjoy food and drinks, explore the center, and engage in conversations (Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, June 1993).

During the event, Grant Hurst, the chairman of the Utah State Board of Education, spoke about the tireless efforts of the Utah Association for the Deaf and reiterated the Board's unwavering support. Regional Rehabilitation Commissioner James Dixon, on behalf of the Regional Office, presented Blaine Petersen, the dedicated Executive Director of the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, and Gene Stewart, the esteemed Director of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, with heartfelt greetings and a well-deserved plaque in their honor (Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, June 1993).

The event also saw the active participation of several Deaf individuals, including Dr. Robert Sanderson, Lyle Mortensen, Norman Williams, and Lisa Cochran, the daughter of C. Roy and Darlene (Stewart) Cochran. They shared their personal journeys, current experiences, and vision for the future of the new deaf community center. Representative Judy Ann Buffmire and her husband, La Mar Buffmire, were also present, engaging in conversations with their Deaf friends. Kay McDonough, a dedicated member of the Utah State Board of Education, and her husband, Gene, were among the attendees who enjoyed the ceremony (Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, June 1993).

Lisa Cochran

Robert and Mary Sanderson's son, Gary Sanderson, captivated the audience with his insightful and engaging presentation about interpreters. Steve Zacharias composed a beautiful poem and Steve and Kristi Mortensen performed it in American Sign Language to accompany his talk (Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, June 1993).

Gary Sanderson

Steve Zakharias’s Poem

We meet to dedicate a building.
We meet a center to bless.
Through our presence
On this historic day.
A landmark – our success

We meet to dedicate this day
At this historic space
When we can proudly now proclaim
In the course of Utah’s deaf.
“This is, indeed, the Place.”

Within these walls a culture thrives
A culture of our own
With our own language.
Our design.
A place to call our home.

We bless this center with our hearts
That it may always be
The center place
To set the pace
For our own destiny.

We bless this center with our minds
That we may share our thought.
Our goals, our triumphs,
And ourselves
That which our hands wave wrought.

We bless this center with our eyes
So we may communicate clear
And teach those
Who don’t understand
The way to use that’s dear.

We bless this center with our time
For generations here.
And for those yet to come
May we make successes bold.
In these halls where eyes can hear.

For many years we sought the funds.
A center for us all.
A place, a home.
A space where friends can meet.
Not many heard our call.

Took 18 long years, but we prevailed!
A building, new, and strong.
Thanks to the people
Of our State.
A place where we belong.

While there be those who do not care
Or see as we’re not.
We’ll show the world
How it is done.
With equal access wrought.

We bless this building with our hands.
With which we work and speak.
May it remain
For many years.
Its shelter strong we seek.

We meet to dedicate a building.
We meet a center to bless.
Through our presence here
On this historic day.
A landmark – our success.

We meet to dedicate this day
At this historic space
When we can proudly now proclaim
In the course of Utah’s deaf.
“This is, indeed the Place.”

Copyright by Steve Zakharias
Signed by Kristi Mortensen
(Zakharias, DSDHH Newsletter, June 1993, p. 3)

Kristi Mortensen

Gene Stewart Retires

Gene Stewart retired in July 1996, leaving behind a fantastic team and a thriving, expanding the program for Deaf and hard of hearing people. After conducting a nationwide search, the succession process ensured that his successor was equally capable and dedicated (Sanderson, 2004).

A New Director Takes Over

On September 3, 1996, William "Rusty" Wales was appointed as the Director of the Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the division, including the successful expansion of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Prior to this role, he had ten years of experience as a rehabilitation counselor in Denver, Colorado, and three years of experience as a training supervisor at the Sprint Relay Center in Independence, Missouri (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, October 1996; Sanderson, 2004). The title of Wales' job changed from Division Director to Director before he was recruited. He was responsible for overseeing Marilyn T. Call, the Program Director.

Rusty Wales, a Deaf individual himself, was born deaf and received his early education at the John Tracy Clinic in California. His personal experiences as a deaf person have greatly influenced his career and his dedication to improving services for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Later, he transferred to the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, where he graduated. He obtained his bachelor's degree from Gallaudet College and his master's degree at California State University at Northridge while teaching and raising a family (Sanderson, 2004).

William "Rusty" Wales

The addition of a new wing to the south end of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing demonstrates Rusty's lasting impact as director. Dr. Sanderson, in 2004, noted that Rusty's initial years as director were marked by the necessity of expanding the facilities to accommodate the growing programs and to gain support from the Utah Deaf community and lawmakers. Despite facing challenges like a limited budget and the task of persuading stakeholders about the need for expansion, Rusty remained optimistic and dedicated, ensuring the project's success.

Due to budget constraints, Dr. Sanderson mentioned that the building was smaller than expected in 1992. Since then, consumer services had tripled, and office space became scarce, forcing employees to cram into a small workspace (Sanderson, 2004).

During the new center's first year of operation, between 1992 and 1993, it faced various challenges. The issue of fully booked public areas has only gotten worse over time. Due to high demand, it was challenging to schedule classrooms, which led to several community organizations having to plan programs and activities months in advance. They had to turn down numerous requests from public groups. The growing number of visitors and staff also caused parking problems, highlighting the need for further expansion (Sanderson, 2004).

In the blueprint of the new wing shown below, the addition is connected to the existing structure on the south side, increasing the building's size by approximately 6,500 square feet. The new wing was constructed using brick to match the exterior of the existing building. Its key features include a new lecture hall, a spacious office area with the capacity for 12–15 offices, a room to demonstrate assistive technology, two large classrooms with a movable divider in the middle, and two storage spaces. These facilities were specifically designed to meet the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Additionally, a new parking lot was built to the south of the wing to address parking concerns (Sanderson, 2004).

A blue Print of the new wing

After getting approval from the Superintendent of the Utah State Office of Education and the Utah State Board of Education, Dr. Blaine Petersen, Executive Director of Rehabilitation Services, recognized the need and submitted a formal request to the legislature (Sanderson, 2004).

Rusty, with the support of many members of the Utah Deaf community and officials from the Utah Association for the Deaf, Utah State Office of Education and Rehabilitation Services, lobbied the capital facilities subcommittee together, which ultimately led to success (Sanderson, 2004).

As a state agency, the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing had to persuade a capital facilities subcommittee of the need for the building and space. Upon receiving the request, the State Building Board prioritized the various proposals from state departments and postsecondary institutions. The board assessed the availability of funds appropriated by the legislature for capital facility construction, repairs, and other needs. Based on their findings, the board established a priority list. The DSDHH was among the top ten listed agencies. There was a possibility of politics affecting the funding for the DSDHH and Utah Association for the Deaf, necessitating close monitoring. Therefore, priorities could change as the legislature's work progressed. Dr. Sanderson emphasized the need for constant vigilance (Sanderson, 2004).

New Wing for Division of Services
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Approved!

The new wing, a testament to Rusty Wales's efforts and the Utah Association for the Deaf's full cooperation, is a state-of-the-art facility. It was made possible with the backing of the Utah State Board of Education and the Office of Rehabilitation Services administrators, and, most importantly, the support of key legislators. Dr. Sanderson was relieved that the wing was not pushed to the bottom of the priority list, as was the case in 1981 when a request for a new deaf center was pushed down from fifth to eleventh place in favor of a new dairy barn for cows at Utah State University. "We were really naive back then," he remarked (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. Sanderson expressed relief and gratitude that the new wing was not pushed to the bottom of the priority list, as was the case in 1981. The limited project funding posed a challenge, but the legislative committee's provision of $1.5 million, with the new wing's request at $1 million, was a fortunate turn of events. The small size of the request ensured the wing's funding, a significant achievement for the community (Sanderson, 2004).

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new addition building was held on May 4, 2001, at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Staff members, representatives of the Deaf and hearing communities, administrators, and legislators attended the celebration (UAD Bulletin, June 2001; Sanderson, 2004).

Construction began shortly after the event, with minor interruptions to the center's activities. The construction was progressing well, and completion of the new wing was expected by January 2002 (Sanderson, 2004).

Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 2002

A change in administration took place at the same time. Rusty Wales secured a new job in the state of Washington. Marilyn T. Call, who had been his program director, was appointed Acting Director of the DSDHH in July 2001. In January 2002, she was appointed director after serving for six months, with the unwavering support and trust of the Utah Deaf community (Sanderson, 2004).

The new wing of the building was completed on time in January 2002, and the opening ceremony was held in March (Sanderson, 2004).

Marilyn T. Call

Did You Know?

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson stated that Rusty, who served as an administrator, held a strategic planning session to decide whether the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Offices should serve the hard of hearing population and whether they should remain neutral on communication methods. Following a thorough discussion, the committee members examined the Utah Code regarding the division and reached an agreement to provide services to individuals who are Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have Cochlear Implants.

As part of an internal communication policy, everyone at the Sanderson Community Center should be able to understand and communicate with one another. Furthermore, all staff members, whether deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing, were required to sign what they said in the halls and common areas. This initiative made the center a barrier-free communication zone. The division worked hard to provide services, including signing interpreters, voice interpreters, and real-time captioning, among other things (Sanderson, 2004; Marilyn Call, personal communication, October 15, 2009).

How the Division of Services to the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs
Grew to Fit the New Building

When the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing moved to its new location in 1992, it had a limited service budget. Marilyn T. Call, who had extensive experience on Capitol Hill and a strong rapport with numerous politicians, was appointed Program Director. Her arrival was a turning point as she recognized the need to expand essential social services to meet the building's higher standards (Sanderson, 2004).

When DSDHH was established in 1988, the Division of Rehabilitation was renamed the Office of Rehabilitation, which consisted of four divisions. This pivotal step allowed DSDHH to grow, marking a proud moment in the organization's history (Sanderson, 2004).

While a step forward, Dr. Judy Ann Buffmire's decision to approve SB 218 unintentionally overlooked the inclusion of Deaf people. However, she granted Rehabilitation Services and its four divisions the authority to request line-item funding for new programs annually, a provision that would later prove critical in the division's growth (Sanderson, 2004).

With the approval of SB 218, new funding was secured annually for services such as counseling, case management, hard of hearing adjustment classes, and interpreter training and certification. This consistent funding not only ensured the organization's financial stability but also resulted in a significant increase in the Division's budget by about $1.5 million in a decade, with services expanding considerably. Every year, Deaf and hard of hearing individuals lobbied for funding requests, further reinforcing the organization's commitment to their needs (Sanderson, 2004).

Utah State Office of Rehabilitation Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Renaming the Utah Community Center
of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to the
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

When Marilyn T. Call was the director of the Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, she believed it was important to highlight the transformation of the center into the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She strongly felt that the center should be named after a Deaf person, acknowledging the tireless lobbying efforts of the Deaf community without which the center would not exist (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004).

Marilyn Call believed that the Deaf Center, located in the Wasatch Front, was like a second home for individuals with hearing loss. It was a place where communication barriers didn't exist and served as a safe haven. She suggested that such a place should be named after a notable Deaf person. Marilyn expressed her vision to rename the community center after a notable Deaf figure, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who had made significant contributions to the Deaf community. Marilyn told a friend about her dream to rename the community center in 2003. She wanted it to be named after a Deaf community hero and legend. Her friend remarked that naming buildings after people was a ridiculous notion. He predicted that no one would know who Bob Sanderson was in 25 or 30 years. Astounded by his point of view, Marilyn said, "That is exactly why we need to name this building after a Deaf leader." People must be aware of those who came before them. Their curiosity must be sparked, and more significantly, their appreciation must be inspired" (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004). Despite her friend's initial dismissal of the idea of naming buildings after individuals, Marilyn passionately argued that it was important to honor past leaders to inspire awareness and appreciation for their contributions.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Marilyn noted that the community center would not have existed without the persistent and coordinated advocacy efforts of the Utah Deaf community for at least five decades. She hoped that everyone visiting the community center in the next twenty to fifty years would learn about Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and other influential Deaf leaders of the 1990s, such as W. David Mortensen and Dennis Platt, and respect their accomplishments (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004).

According to Marilyn, Deaf leaders had been advocating for the community center for 46 years. They also lobbied for services such as the relay system and interpreters, which are now available to the Utah Deaf population. One hundred years ago, Deaf people were prohibited from marrying or obtaining a driver's license. Marilyn wanted everyone to understand what a small group of Deaf leaders in Utah had achieved through their hard work and sacrifice (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004).

To Marilyn, Dr. Sanderson was like the Old Faithful geyser. A new sign in Yellowstone National Park states that the Old Faithful geyser is no longer as high or as quick as it once was, possibly due to earthquakes and pollution. However, it remains the park's most faithful geyser. Marilyn explained that Dr. Sanderson may not walk as fast anymore or jump as high, but he was always there to do a job when needed, just like Old Faithful (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004).

Marilyn T. Call Gives a Speech
at the Utah State Board of Education

Marilyn Call advocated for renaming the community center as the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in a meeting at the Utah State Board of Education on August 1, 2003. She emphasized the importance of respecting the decision made by the Utah Deaf community to honor Dr. Sanderson, a renowned educator and advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She explained the thoughtful process and collective agreement that led to this choice (Marilyn Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003).

Dr. Sanderson was the first person hired to create a rehabilitation service program for Deaf people. The many services we have today stem from his creation of a Deaf Unit of Vocational Rehabilitation.
He was the Chairman of the Feasibility Study committee, which submitted the findings to Dr. Talbot in 1975. This officially began a quest for funding for a Center, culminating in 1988.
He has been lobbying the legislature for better services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Utahns for over 40 years. Many of the services provided to the Deaf community today were his original ideas.
He was the first Deaf professional hired by the Utah State Board of Education.
He is the first Deaf person in Utah to get a Doctorate degree. He didn't need this for his job. He just wanted to prove that Deaf people could do it.
When he retired in 1985, he didn't quit working for the cause. He just stopped getting paid. He continued to serve as an advocate. Almost 20 years past retirement, he never misses an opportunity to lead and advocate for the deaf. He continued to drive down to the Capitol, even on snowy days, to lobby for the cause. He continues to drive from Roy to the Center 2 or 3 times a week from Roy. He serves on various committees and boards, volunteers at the bookstore, and more.

The Utah State Board of Education unanimously supported renaming the community center after Dr. Sanderson (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson

Historic Moment

During the Utah State Board of Education meeting, Marilyn Tiller Call delivered a persuasive speech advocating for renaming the Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Several important individuals attended the meeting, including Ron Nelson, president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, W. David Mortensen, Shanna Mortensen, Kristi Mortensen, Robert Sanderson, Mary Sanderson, Dennis Platt, Camille Call-Garcia, Kathy Evans, and Mitch Jensen.

Mary & Robert Sanderson

Dr. Sanderson became emotional and teary-eyed as he expressed his gratitude to the board for approving the name change. Ron Nelson, the UAD President, also expressed his appreciation for the unanimous vote, stating that it was a historic moment, and credited his good fortune to being surrounded by the right people at the right time, particularly mentioning his wife, Mary Sanderson, and Dave Mortensen.

UAD President Nelson pointed out that they were lucky that their previous center was named after one of their own people. It gave them another reason to be proud of the center and do everything possible to maintain it (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, September 2003).

The Celebration of the
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center

A grand celebration renaming in honor of Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a prominent leader in the Utah Deaf community, took place on October 4, 2003, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. The event was attended by a total of 1,000 people, including Dr. Sanderson, his wife Mary, his two sons Gary and Barry, their spouses, and children. Representative Judy Ann Buffmire, Governor Olene S. Walker, and Dr. Blaine Petersen were also in attendance. Dr. I. King Jordan, the president of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., also participated in the festivities, flying down to give a speech at the ceremony. Dr. Jordan and Dr. Sanderson had been friends for a long time, as Dr. Sanderson served on the Board of Trustees of Gallaudet College during the 1988 Deaf President Now movement (Sanderson, 2004).

Dr. I. King Jordan with his wife, Linda walking into the Sanderson Community Center

Marilyn Call compared Dr. Sanderson to the Energizer Bunny, highlighting his unwavering commitment to activism even at the age of 83. His resilience and refusal to give up on his mission to improve the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing are truly inspiring. His widespread popularity and the renaming of the building in his honor as the Robert G. Sanderson Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing are fitting tributes to his tireless efforts (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003).

Dr. Sanderson meets Beth Ann Stewart Campbell in a pleasant encounter

The Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is the first state building to be named after a Deaf individual. It serves as a symbol of pride and a home for the Deaf community in Utah. In his humble manner, Dr. Sanderson expressed surprise and gratitude at this honor, acknowledging that it was a shared achievement with his supportive family, friends, and colleagues. This center stands as a testament to the collective efforts of the Utah Deaf community (Urbani, October 2003, Deseret News).

More information on the event can be found on the webpage dedicated to Robert G. Sanderson's Honoring Ceremony.

L-R: Herb Larson, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Marilyn Call

Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Sanderson’s Memorial Stones and Bench

After Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's wife, Mary, passed away in October 2008, Dr. Sanderson and his son Barry spoke to Marilyn Call about creating a memorial for Mary with a bench and stone. Recognizing the family's strong connection to the center, Marilyn agreed that it would be a fitting tribute and gave her permission. The building is named after Dr. Sanderson, and knowing that his time would also come soon, they discussed several locations for the bench and marker with Marilyn, who had an intimate knowledge of the grounds. They felt Mary's presence guiding them to a spot near a playground where children could play happily.

On March 31, 2012, Dr. Sanderson's name and dates were added to his wife Mary's memorial stone. This stone also memorializes Gary Sanderson, who passed away in 2011. It is the same stone as his father's. Gary was a nationally renowned interpreter and the director of the CSUN National Center on Deafness in California (Marilyn Call, personal communication, March 21, 2012).

Sculpture Unveiled at Celebration

In her article for the November 2012 issue of the UAD Bulletin, Valerie G. Kinney shared that the highlight of the 20th Anniversary Celebration at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center was the presentation of a metal sculpture of Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the community center's namesake (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, November 2012).

Trenton Marsh, a talented metalworker and Deaf interpreter trainer with the Utah Interpreter, created the Dr. Sanderson sculpture. The sculpture, a symbol of Dr. Sanderson's enduring legacy, bears the inscription, "When we lose the right to be different, we lose the right to be free." It stands as a testament to his life's work and the impact he had on the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. The sculpture also includes his birth and death dates, 2-20-1920 and 2-25-2012, respectively, serving as a reminder of his remarkable journey (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, November 2012).

Trenton Marsh @ StreetLeverage.com

The sculpture's unveiling was attended by Dr. Sanderson's family, including his son Barry and wife Teresa Sanderson, grandson Robert and wife Nicole Sanderson, and granddaughter McKalle and husband Tyler Dahl. When asked about his feelings during the unveiling, Barry said, "What struck me the most was that Dad would have been overjoyed to see so many people there, young and old." When they all started working on the idea of having a community center, I don't think they had any idea of what it would become. It's a dream fulfilled by providing a place for social events and the resources needed for happy and productive lives for many generations to come. We were honored to be there" (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, November 2012).

Barry Sanderson and his wife, Teresa

During the Italian dinner, Marilyn Call, the director, spoke about how five Deaf leaders formed a feasibility committee in 1975 to study methods and means of making a center for the deaf and hard of hearing a reality through a program presented by Marilyn Call. W. David Mortensen was the sole survivor of the five. Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, Ned C. Wheeler, Dora B. Laramie, and Lloyd H. Perkins were among those who had passed away (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, November 2012).

The event's theme was "Roaring 20's Party," which was reflected in some of the roughly 300 participants' 1920s outfits. Marilyn noted that the number 20 struck a chord—October 20, the 1920s era, the 20th-anniversary celebration, Dr. Sanderson's birthday, February 20, and birth year, 1920 (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, November 2012).

Following dinner, guests were invited to participate in various games, including shuffleboard, pinball, bingo, and a costume contest. Several individuals delighted in demonstrating their dancing abilities. "It was an evening to remember long after everyone had gone home," Valarie Kinney remarked (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, November 2012).

Wrapping up with Gratitude

As the website's author, I want to underline the unique features and significance of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This center, a one-of-a-kind establishment, is a valuable asset that we are fortunate to have. The Utah Association for the Deaf, comprised of dedicated members and officials, worked tirelessly for 40 years, from 1962 to 1992, to establish this community center. Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, W. David Mortensen, and the Utah Deaf community played vital roles in the political process to ensure that the center meets all our communication and accessibility needs. Despite facing challenges, such as the 1977 mix-up bill and losing priority to the dairy barn in 1981, the association's unwavering dedication and perseverance led to the successful establishment of the community center. This historical document serves to help you appreciate the selfless acts of leadership that we now benefit from.

W. David Mortensen, a key figure in the establishment of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, has made significant personal sacrifices and contributions. His unwavering dedication, marked by personal sacrifices, and outstanding accomplishments deserve our highest respect and acknowledgment. For additional details about his involvement, please visit the W. David Mortensen's Honoring Ceremony webpage on our website.

Last but not least, it's crucial to express our deep gratitude and recognize the collaborative efforts of Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, Robert Sanderson, and Dave Mortensen in creating the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. Their teamwork, with Beth's assistance in legislative interpreting, was crucial to this effort, and their commitment to the cause is admirable.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson

The Governor of Utah and the Chairperson of the Utah State Board of Education sent letters to Dr. Robert G. Sanderson recognizing the Deaf Center in his name in 2003

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. From Oaks to Acorns: Promoting Deaf Youth Leadership Through Multigenerational Engagement.

Do Your Homework!

In October 2006, during a board meeting of the Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD), I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a well-known figure in the Utah Deaf community. I was eager to learn more about his role as a Deaf Education Advocate, his involvement in communication, educational methods, and placement controversies. As I prepared to take notes, Dr. Sanderson shared some fascinating stories with me. However, when I asked him more questions, he looked at me and famously said, "Do your homework," a lesson he always told others. His advice to check the UAD Bulletins, newspapers, and other sources was not just a suggestion but a profound insight that would shape my understanding of the Utah Deaf community. His words were not just a passing comment; they were a guiding principle that significantly influenced my work and inspired me to explore the history of the Utah Deaf community. This motivation also led me to delve deeper into the topic and eventually create a website dedicated to Utah Deaf History, a platform that would preserve and share the rich history of the Utah Deaf community.

In 2008, I bought a copy of Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's book "A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" for my Utah Deaf History project. In his book, he included an outline detailing the process of establishing the Deaf Center through legislation, as shown below. On each page, he included the phrase "Do your homework!," which reminded me of a quote he shared during our 2006 interview and made me smile. With its insightful content, this book played a significant role in shaping the Utah Deaf History Project and has left a lasting impact, enlightening us about the journey of the Utah Deaf community, notably the Utah Association for the Deaf.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for Dr. Sanderson's invaluable contributions to the preservation of Utah Deaf History. His meticulous documentation of events in the UAD Bulletins, as well as his collection of newspapers covering the activities of the Utah Deaf community, have been critical in helping us understand the community's rich history. We owe our utmost respect and gratitude to his efforts, which are now accessible through this website.

Do your homework! How Utah's Deaf People Got a Community Center of their Own. Outlined by Dr. Robert G. Sanderson

Advocacy by the the Division of
Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Prior to the 2016 merger of the Department of Workforce Services, the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was a crucial source of information and support for a community with shared values, language, tradition, and service needs. It provided Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Late Deafened individuals with access to communication, services, and education without barriers, ultimately improving their quality of life. The DSDHH also empowered and valued the community, ensuring access to information and representation in the larger community. The Utah Deaf Community took pride in having a state agency dedicated to its population, which served as a vital source of information and services, as well as facilitated advocacy and education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. However, the merger brought about changes detailed in the following section, "Office of Rehabilitation Amendments, House Bill 325, and Its Impact on the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing."

Shanna & David Mortensen

Office of Rehabilitation Amendments,
House Bill 325 and Its Impact
on the Division of Services of the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney

Published in 2017
Updated in 2024

Author's Note

This section is not intended to make the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) look bad; rather, it is aimed at helping the community appreciate the importance of our Robert G. Sanderson Community Center and the invaluable services it provides to the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing communities in Utah. Although the Utah Deaf Community appreciates DWS's efforts to collaborate with the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH), House Bill 325, Office of Rehabilitation Amendments, has had an impact on the DSDHH since the 2016 DWS and DSDHH merger, as outlined below. We value the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center and its services, and it's important for us to understand the changes that have occurred.

As the author of this website and a former member of the DSDHH and DWS Task Force, I have attached the "Changes and Impact of the Move of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Governance of the Department of Workforce Services" for those interested in learning more about the DSDHH and DWS Task Force's study and its impact on a variety of areas, which are listed below. Some individuals may object to releasing the findings to the public, but I believe it is past time since the study was published in 2018 and should be shared with the public. This study is not just a document, it's a part of our history, and understanding it is crucial for our community.

Jodi Becker Kinner

The Division of Services to the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing is Forced to move to the Department of Workforce Services

Prior to 2016, the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) operated independently in Utah, with little oversight from the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. In 2016, House Bill 325, also known as the "Office of Rehabilitation Amendments," was passed and brought the DSDHH under the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). This change was a response to an audit conducted the previous year, which found issues with managing funds in the Vocational Rehabilitation program under the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. The audit revealed overspending of $6 million and improper management of funds, prompting the Utah State Board of Education to transfer oversight of the USOR to a separate agency.

Standing is Cathy Holt, a Deaf advocate at the legislature session

During the legislative session, the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) board of directors, including Stephen Persinger, Philippe Montalette, Pamela Mower, and David Samuelsen, played a crucial role. Their remarkable resilience and dedication were evident as they invested significant time and effort in the legislative process, working closely with Representative Norm Thurston, sponsor of HB 325, to ensure the necessary revisions were made. Their unwavering commitment to protecting DSDHH services is truly admirable (Persinger, UAD Bulletin, April 2016).

Back L-R: David Samuelsen, Philipp Montalette, Stephen Persinger, Joseph Nelson Front L-R: Catherine Holt, Pamela Mower

Before the passing of House Bill 325, Marilyn T. Call, Director of the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, discussed the significant changes that would take place. The management of USOR was moved from the Board of Education to the Governor's Office's Department of Workforce Services. During the legislative process, the Utah Association of the Deaf and the Utah Deaf community objected to this change and raised several concerns that needed to be addressed. Despite compelling testimonies during the appropriation committee meeting, a representative from the Governor's Office stated that a separate agency for USOR within the Governor's Office would not be permitted. Consequently, House Bill 325 was introduced shortly after that. Representative Norm Thurston and Senator Allen Christensen sponsored the bill (Call, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2016). This legislation had a significant impact on the DSDHH and the Utah Deaf Community. However, DSDHH staff and UAD board members worked with the bill's sponsors to protect Sanderson Community Center services for the Deaf and hard of hearing community in Utah.

Marilyn T. Call

The original draft of HB 325 was quite alarming. Marilyn Call noted, "It omitted the Interpreter Certification Program and appeared to eliminate Division Directors and Divisions in favor of consolidating all of USOR's Divisions under Darin Brush" (Call, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2016, p. 1). UAD officials intervened and asserted their inability to endorse the bill without safeguarding the Sanderson Community Center and its programs. The bill, HB 325, underwent two amendments. The second version of HB 325 provided protections for DSDHH and its two locations, Taylorsville and St. George (Call, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2016). The bill underwent several amendments, incorporating the following changes:

The 'hearing impaired' term was replaced with 'deaf' and/or 'hard of hearing' in most of the bill.
The Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be called a Division (before it would have been changed to the Office of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing).
In the old version, the director of DSDHH was not included. It now says assistant director (change from director to assistant director).
The responsibility to appoint four professional interpreters to the Interpreter Certification Board will be kept with the Director of DSDHH (Persinger, UAD Bulletin, April 2016, p. 2).

Back LR: Marilyn Call, David Samuelsen, Philippe Montalette, Pamela Mower, Stephen Persinger, Rep. Norm Thurston, Kent McGregor Front: Utah Governor Gary Herbert

The Study of the DWS/DSDHH
Legislative Task Force

The UAD activists also requested Representative Norm Thurston to petition the Audit Subcommittee to conduct an assessment by October 2017 to determine if DSDHH is a good fit under DWS. This request was granted (Persinger, UAD Bulletin, April 2016).

"This session was a wild roller coaster ride," remarked Marilyn Call. In her personal belief, the deceased former advocates would have been pleased to see the younger advocates collaborating so well to protect DSDHH, its mission, and its services (Call, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2016). However, transitioning from the Utah State Board of Education to the Department of Workforce Services impacted various areas, including identity, mission, value alignment, communication and authorization, operations and accessibility, policy and procedure, and morale.

DSDHH Newsletter, April 2016

After the 2016 merger of DWS and DSDHH, the DWS/DSDHH Legislative Task Force was established. Dawn Mancil Duran, an ASL interpreter, chaired the task force, which was made up entirely of Deaf representatives: Dr. Dan Hoffman, Stephen Persinger, Pamela Mower, and Jodi Becker Kinner. A detailed structural system analysis was completed in March 2018, highlighting the challenges of separating the Sanderson Community Center from the DWS. The DSDHH needed approval from the Department of Workforce Services, the Governor of Utah, and the Utah State Board of Education to transfer support to another organization. DWS was willing to work with and supervise the DSDHH, but the Utah State Board of Education declined collaboration. Consequently, the Sanderson Community Center was directed to comply with DWS policies, training, and other requirements. To learn more about the task force's study, including the various areas mentioned above, click "Changes and Impact of the Move of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Governance of the Department of Workforce Services."

Members of the DSDHH and DWS Task Force

Dawn Mancil Duran @ aslcomm.com

Dr. Dan Hoffman @ gymjohnny.wixsite.com

Stephen Persinger

Pamela Mower @ utrid.com

Jodi Becker Kinner

Following the merger of DSDHH and DWS, the Sanderson Community Center experienced substantial losses. These losses included ownership, autonomy, and identity. Additionally, the Director of DSDHH and Deaf leaders no longer have the authority to advocate for services and resource needs through the center, as DWS has its own lobbyists. Staff members are also prohibited from using the Utah Association of the Deaf to lobby on behalf of the Sanderson Community Center. Furthermore, the absence of staff members at the UAD Conference and on the board in 2021 marked a significant dynamic shift.

Despite these changes, the Sanderson Community Center remains dedicated to serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Late Deafened communities in Utah. The center is committed to its mission and strives to collaborate with DWS.

Dan V. Mathis, Assistant Director

After Marilyn Call retired in 2017, Dan V. Mathis, a Deaf Utah native who is the grandson of John F. and Vida White and a nephew of longtime vocational rehabilitation counselor Jack White, was appointed Assistant Director on March 5, 2018. He was committed to building community and interagency relations, as well as providing services and opportunities for community members to benefit from DSDHH. During his tenure, the Sanderson Community and the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program centers hosted community events, learning activities, training sessions, workshops, and town hall meetings.

Under his direction, significant upgrades around the Sanderson Center facilities were made possible, such as new sliding doors for the main entry, a security camera system, a back fence gate, LED lights in parking lots, pathway handrails to main and southwest entry doors, and a dual lawnmower/snowblower tractor, to name a few. Furthermore, Dan established a collaboration with DSDHH staff, community leaders, and members, who successfully brought Protactile training to Utah.

In addition, Dan assisted with another achievement of great significance: the development of a project timeline for the new Utah interpreter certification exams and the Utah Interpreter Program webpage. These initiatives are crucial as they aim to elevate and modernize interpreting standards for the Deaf and interpreting communities in the state and regions, ensuring a higher quality of services and opportunities for all.

Dan V. Mathis @ University of Washington

On a regular basis, Dan would visit the SUDHHP office to show his commitment to the staff and community in southern Utah, particularly in St. George. In his effort to foster community collaboration, he and SUDHHP director Grant Pemberton engaged with a group of business people, educators, and community leaders in the St. George area, highlighting the programs and services offered by SUDHHP for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in the region. They also connected with the DWS and USOR offices to improve networking and support for a strengthened partnership with SUDHHP. Leveraging his strong relationship with the Utah School for the Deaf, Dan played a key role in assisting Associate Superintendent Michelle Tanner of the Utah School for the Deaf in securing the lease of vacant space adjacent to SUDHHP's office for the expansion of the Utah School for the Deaf's South Deaf Ed outreach program. Dan's steadfast ambition was to also reach out to families of young Deaf children, particularly in rural and developing areas, in order to support their overall wellness and development in all aspects of their lives.

Among the many achievements and activities during Dan's tenure, one standout event was the collaboration with the Deaf LGBTQ+ Community and the Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf to host an 'Ally Night' at the Sanderson Center. This event, which saw the participation of community members, advocates and allies, parents, and interested participants, was a resounding success and a significant moment for this particular community. Dan's vision of a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment was brought to life through this event, which required patience, understanding, dialogue, and mutual trust.

Unfortunately, during Marilyn Call's final leadership stage, the state legislature moved DSDHH to the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, placing it under the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). This decision caused dissatisfaction and mistrust. Before Dan took over, the Utah Association of the Deaf conducted a study on the merger with DWS and finalized their report. However, the report findings were held by the UAD Board, which included several DSDHH staff, for a long time, leading to ongoing debates on the next steps. Eventually, a resolution was reached after much mediation. However, another important issue arose regarding the DSDHH staff's compliance with certain policies and procedures, including mandatory yearly training and staff evaluations. This highlighted the need for staff accountability and the provision of better resources for their professional training and development.

Despite Dan's leadership and the efforts made for continuous progress, challenges, conflicts, and constant struggle within DSDHH's transformation to integrate with DWS became unnecessarily straining. This prompted Dan to resign for his own well-being, a decision that has caused a tremendous loss for the Utah Deaf community. Nonetheless, Dan demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability and is acknowledged for his efforts and contributions to the community center.

Even though the DWS' best efforts to collaborate with the DSDHH, the center's identity underwent significant changes due to the merger. Nevertheless, the Sanderson Community Center remains committed to serving the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing communities in Utah.

A New Logo of the Division of Services
of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Following Dan Mathis's resignation, Annette Stewart, a hearing social worker at the Sanderson Community Center, was appointed interim assistant director on April 16, 2019. We greatly appreciate her dedication and hard work during this period. Nine months later, on January 13, 2020, Arlene Garcia Gunderson, who is Deaf, was appointed the new assistant director. Her unique perspective and wealth of skills have been invaluable to the team, and we also appreciate her services.

Annette Stewart

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Arlene demonstrated resilience and adaptability while working from home. Her inability to build relationships with the DSDHH employers, who were mostly communicated with via Zoom, did not deter her from bringing a unique perspective and a wealth of skills to the team. Under her leadership, the team not only overcame these obstacles but also designed a new logo and renamed the division. The new logo and division's name, a testament to our collective strength and determination, were released to the public on October 14, 2020. You can see the photos in the section below.

The Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, previously known as the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, underwent a name change to the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Arlene Garcia Gunderson

It's important to note that the decision to establish a single logo to represent the full state agency, rather than two logos in Salt Lake City and St. George, was a collaborative one. The staff members at the Sanderson Community Center, through a survey, uncovered the keywords community, connection, equity, and services, as well as representations such as varied collaborations, simplicity, modernism, and uniqueness. Each department's distinctive shape and color, such as Community Advocacy Services (yellow), Continuing Education & Outreach (light blue), Facilities, Maintenance and Operations (green), and the Utah Interpreting Program (red), were also a result of this collective effort. When all of this information was merged, it resulted in the creation of our new logo, a symbol of our shared commitment and unity.

Logo of the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Interim Assistant Director is Appointed

After Arlene Garcia Gunderson's resignation, Eric Roux, a long-serving vocational rehabilitation counselor and director, was assigned on August 4, 2021, to oversee the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing until June 8, 2022. On June 9, 2022, Sarah Brenna, Director of the Utah Services of Rehabilitation, took over to oversee the DSDHH. She is being supported by four managers until the assistant director is hired. The managers are Pamela Mower, Melanie Sperry, Annette Stewart, and Jes Nelson-Julander.

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS

Marilyn T. Call. Chronological Highlights of Utah’s Community Center. 2012.

Robert G. Sanderson (left) and W. David Mortensen (right). June 18, 1995

ARCHIVES

Robert G. Sanderson talking to W. David Mortensen. June 18, 1995

Notes

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, September 20, 2012.

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, personal communication, December 7, 2023.

Dan V. Mathis, personal communication, April 20, 2022.

Darlene Stewart Cochran, interview with her brother, Gene Stewart, April 4, 2012.

Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, 2008.

Marilyn T. Call, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, October 15, 2009.

Marilyn T. Call, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, January 25, 2012.

Marilyn T. Call, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, March 21, 2012.

Marilyn T. Call, personal communication, December 15, 2023.

Marilyn T. Call, personal communication, December 16, 2023.

Norman Williams, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, April 12, 2012.

Norman Williams, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, May 8, 2012.

W. David Mortensen, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, April 3, 2012.

References

"Bangerter’s Recommendations." UAD Bulletin, vol. 12, no. 22 (February 1990): 3.

Bitter, Grant. “Concerns with Deaf Center.” Grant B. Bitter Papers, Accn #1072. Manuscripts Division, J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. January 1, 1985.

“Board Adopts Policy on Deaf.” Salt Lake Tribune, June 16, 1976.

“Calling All Deaf Citizens!” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 10 (March 1981): 3.

Call, Marilyn. "Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Gets New Name." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 27.4 (September 2003): 1 & 4.

Call, Marilyn. “Chronological Highlights of Utah’s Sanderson Center.” Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Newsletter (January 2010): 1-2.

Call, Marilyn. Legislative Session 2016. DSDHH Newsletter, April 2016.

“Celebration at New UCCD Grounding-Breaking.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 15, no. 2: (July 1991): 2.

Campbell, Joey. “Deaf vent frustrations and criticize new division.” Deseret News, B12, April 1, 1988.

“Center for the Deaf Director Appointed.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 6, no. 2 (July 1982): 2.

“Center for the Deaf Needs Your Help!” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 8 (January 1980): 2.

“Council Releases Report.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 1 (Fall 1963): 1 – 7.

“Council Moves to Implement Study Recommendations.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 2 (Winter 1964): 5.

Curtis, Leon. (1965, Spring). “The President’s Corner.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 6 (Spring 1965): 2.

“Deaf Center Report In.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 10, no. 4 (December 1975): 1.

“Deaf to Dedicate ‘Home of Their Own.’” The Salt Lake Tribune, 16B, May 29, 1983.

“Dr. Robert Sanderson Appointed to Dr. Powrie V. Doctor Chair.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 5, no. 2 (July 1981): 3.

“Dr. Sanderson Announces Retirement.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 8, no. 9 (February 1985): 1 – 2.

“Editorial.” The Spotlight, vol. 2, no.1 (June 1978): 1.

“Editor’s Note.”  The Spotlight, vol. 2, no.1 (June 1978): 1 – 2.

“FLASH!” UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 5 (October 1980): 1.

“Friday, September 8, 1989 – UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION GIVES THE NEW UCCD #1 FACILITY PRIORITY!” UAD Bulletin, vol. 12, no. 18 (September 1989): 4.

“Get Out and Meet Your Legislators.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 4 (September 1980): 2.

“Good Years.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 6 (Spring-Summer 1967): 2.

“Groundbreaking at UCCD.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 25. 1 (June 2001): 1.

Kinney, Valerie. “Sculpture Unveiled at Celebration.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 36-06, (November 2012): 1.

“Legislature Okehs Funds for Services for the Adult Deaf.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 6 (Spring 1965): 1 & 3.

Petersen, Eugene W. "Community Services For Salt Lake Area Deaf Near Realization." The Silent Worker, vol. 16, no. 4 (December 1963): 3-4.

Persinger, Stephen. Legislative Session – HB 325. UAD Bulletin, April 2016.

“Prestigious Awards Given During UAD Conference.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 31.5 (October 2007): 1 & 5.

“Progress on Center for the Deaf.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 5, no. 9 (February 1982): 1.

“Program for Better Services to the Adult Deaf Becomes Reality.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 2 (Winter 1965): 1 & 3.

Mortensen, Dave. “Won’t Listen.” Ogden Standard-Examiner, June 16, 1976.

Mortensen, Dave. “President’s Message.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 11, no. 11 (April 1988): 2.

Mortensen, Dave. “President’s Message.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 11, no. 12 (May 1988): 2.

Mortensen, Dave. “President’s Message.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 12, no. 5, September 1988, 2.

Mortensen, Dave. “Director of the Utah DSHID: Update or DÉJÀ VU.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 12, no. 6 (October 1988): 6-7.

Mortensen, Leon G. “UAD President’s Message.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 15, no. 3 (August 1991): 3.

Nelson, Ron. “Historic Moment.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 27.4 (September 2003): 5.

“No Welfare State for the Deaf.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, No. 6 (Spring 1965): 4.

“Rehabilitation Aide Begins Work in Deaf Section.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 6, no. 4 (Fall-Winter, 1970-71): 1.

“Resignation Takes Deaf community by Surprise.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 5, no. 9 (February 1982): 1.

“Straight Answers to Pointed Questions.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 6, Spring-Summer, 1967, 2, 7 & 8.

Nelson, Ron. “Letter to the Editor: An Open Forum.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 12, no. 18 (October 1989): 2-3.

Sanderson, Robert G. “THANK YOU! THANK YOU!” UAD Bulletin, vol. 15, no. 2 (July 1991): 7.

Sanderson, Robert G. A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 2004.

“Sanderson Center Celebration.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 27.4 (September 2003): 5.

“Services for Adult Deaf Urged.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 1 (Fall 1963): 1-6.

“Services for Adult Deaf Prove Worth As First Anniversary Nears.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 4 (Fall 1966): 1.

“So Long, Folks! – Dr. Robert G. (Sandie) Sanderson.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 8, no. 10 (March 1985: 1 – 2.

Stewart, Gene. “The UCCD Building Dedication.” DSDHH Newsletter, June 1993.

Steward, Gene. “Robert G. Sanderson – “Sandie.” DSDHH Newsletter (April 2012): 2-3.

“Support for Center for the Deaf Grows.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 3 (August 1980): 1

“Thank You!! 1990 Utah Legislatures! APPROVED! INTERPRETER FUNDS APPROVED! NEW DEAF CENTER.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 12, no. 24 (March 1990): 2.

“Tentative Drawings Submitted for Center for the Deaf.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 12 (May 1980): 2.

“UAD Joins CSC Family.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 3 (Spring 1964): 1 & 5.

“Update on Center for the Deaf.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 4 (September 1979): 2.

“Update on Center for the Deaf.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 5, no. 10 (March 1982): 2.

“Update on Center for the Deaf.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 7, no. 1 (June 1983): 2.

Urbani, Diane. “Center for Deaf Renamed After First Director.” Deseret News, October 4, 2003.

“Utah Board of Education Moves on Center for the Deaf Project.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 5, no. 11 (April 1982): 5.

“Vote No to Initiatives A & B!” UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 6 (November 1980): 2.

Zukharias, Steve. “Steve Zakharias’s Poem.” DSDHH Newsletter, (June 1993): 2.

“What Has the UAD Done to the Deaf community?” UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 7 (December 1980): 2.

​History of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the​Deaf & Hard of Hearing

History of the Robert G. Sanderson
Community Center of the
Deaf & Hard of Hearing