The Deaf Representatives
on the Advisory Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Edited by Bronwyn O’Hara & Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2013
Updated in 2025
Edited by Bronwyn O’Hara & Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2013
Updated in 2025
Author's Note
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Institutional Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, where I witnessed firsthand the importance of Deaf representation on the advisory council. In 1981, after Ned C. Wheeler, a Deaf representative, passed away, the council appointed a hearing person to his seat. Following seven years of advocacy, W. David "Dave" Mortensen, President of the Utah Association for the Deaf, successfully pushed for the appointment of two Deaf representatives, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Dennis R. Platt, to the council in 1987. This appointment was a crucial step toward necessary representation, allowing the Utah Deaf community, including myself, to voice our concerns and advocate for change.
Throughout my tenure, I worked closely with the Utah Deaf community and the parents of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, listening to their needs and advocating for their rights. Together, we lobbied the Utah Legislature to amend House Bill 296 (HB 296) of 2009, which governed the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. On March 25, 2009, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., signed this bill into law, which included an important amendment that would end Utah's promotion of mainstreaming and allow for on-campus education for students. This change brought a new sense of empowerment and hope to the Utah Deaf community. The signing ceremony was held on April 30, 2009.
With the support of parents and the Utah Deaf community, we also initiated Senate Bill (SB) 201 in 2009, which secured funding for a permanent school building. Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., signed SB 201 on March 25, 2009, marking another historic moment. The Institutional Council continues to serve as a vital platform for Deaf representatives to advocate for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled communities. With such representation, our voices can be effectively heard, and our concerns can be addressed.
Reflecting on my journey, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Institutional Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. This transformative experience has been greatly enriched by Dave Mortensen's persistent efforts to include Deaf representatives. It has allowed me to make a significant impact on Utah's Deaf educational system, a journey that I can only describe as both fascinating and rewarding.
I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the Utah Deaf community, the parents of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and all the advocates who have supported our cause. Your unwavering support and active participation have been instrumental in our achievements, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in the future.
Thank you, Dave, for advocating the appointment of Deaf representatives to the USDB Advisory Council! Your support plays a crucial role in amplifying and representing the voices of the Deaf community. Together, we can create a more inclusive environment that truly reflects the needs and perspectives of all individuals involved.
Jodi Christel Becker
Throughout my tenure, I worked closely with the Utah Deaf community and the parents of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, listening to their needs and advocating for their rights. Together, we lobbied the Utah Legislature to amend House Bill 296 (HB 296) of 2009, which governed the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. On March 25, 2009, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., signed this bill into law, which included an important amendment that would end Utah's promotion of mainstreaming and allow for on-campus education for students. This change brought a new sense of empowerment and hope to the Utah Deaf community. The signing ceremony was held on April 30, 2009.
With the support of parents and the Utah Deaf community, we also initiated Senate Bill (SB) 201 in 2009, which secured funding for a permanent school building. Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., signed SB 201 on March 25, 2009, marking another historic moment. The Institutional Council continues to serve as a vital platform for Deaf representatives to advocate for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled communities. With such representation, our voices can be effectively heard, and our concerns can be addressed.
Reflecting on my journey, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Institutional Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. This transformative experience has been greatly enriched by Dave Mortensen's persistent efforts to include Deaf representatives. It has allowed me to make a significant impact on Utah's Deaf educational system, a journey that I can only describe as both fascinating and rewarding.
I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the Utah Deaf community, the parents of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and all the advocates who have supported our cause. Your unwavering support and active participation have been instrumental in our achievements, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in the future.
Thank you, Dave, for advocating the appointment of Deaf representatives to the USDB Advisory Council! Your support plays a crucial role in amplifying and representing the voices of the Deaf community. Together, we can create a more inclusive environment that truly reflects the needs and perspectives of all individuals involved.
Jodi Christel Becker
Repeated Requests by the
Deaf Community Were Ignored
Deaf Community Were Ignored
Since 1945, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind have included Deaf representatives on their advisory board. However, following the death of Ned C. Wheeler, a 1933 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, the Governor's Advisory Council replaced him with a hearing individual in 1981. The Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) strongly advocated for a Deaf successor, but instead, they appointed a hearing person. The Utah Deaf community continued to push for representation, understanding the crucial and unique perspective that a Deaf individual brings, and their voices persisted over the years, highlighting the necessity of their representation.
In 1984, three years later, the UAD requested that Governor Scott Matheson appoint a Deaf person to the Institutional Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Instead of addressing their request directly, Governor Matheson referred them to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). The state board responded that they would consider the proposal if a vacancy arose on the council (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1985). Recognizing the significance of the issue, UAD President W. David Mortensen, known as Dave, requested a meeting with G. Leland Burningham, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, in February 1984.
In 1984, three years later, the UAD requested that Governor Scott Matheson appoint a Deaf person to the Institutional Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Instead of addressing their request directly, Governor Matheson referred them to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). The state board responded that they would consider the proposal if a vacancy arose on the council (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1985). Recognizing the significance of the issue, UAD President W. David Mortensen, known as Dave, requested a meeting with G. Leland Burningham, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, in February 1984.
W. David Mortensen
UAD President Mortensen aimed to ensure representation for the Utah Deaf community. Dr. Burningham informed him in April of that year that the Governor's Advisory Council for USDB had changed its name to the Institutional Council (Dabling, The Salt Lake Tribune, May 24, 1984). Dave filed a complaint with the Utah State Board of Education on May 23, 1984, regarding the lack of Deaf representation on the Institutional Council. Dave raised concerns about appointing a hearing person to replace the deceased Deaf member, Ned C. Wheeler, and questioned the lack of a Deaf person to fill the vacancy (Dabling, The Salt Lake Tribune, May 24, 1984). Dave emphasized the importance of having a Deaf representative who could understand and advocate for the unique needs of the Utah Deaf community. He urged the board to prioritize inclusivity in their decision-making processes to ensure that all voices were heard and represented, emphasizing the crucial role of Deaf voices in the decision-making process.
The Institutional Council selected a new member in April 1985 who was not deaf. The Institutional Council rejected two Deaf applicants, both of whom were highly qualified and experienced, despite inviting submissions from the Utah Deaf community. The move caused outrage within the Deaf community. President Mortensen expressed his concern by stating, "What does this mean…? We have returned to our beginnings in 1970, once again experiencing subjugation and marginalization as 'handicapped beings' incapable of participating in the decision-making process for the Deaf community (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1985). This sentiment echoed the frustrations felt by many as they grappled with the ongoing challenges of representation and inclusion. The community rallied together, advocating for greater awareness and change, determined to ensure that their voices would no longer be silenced.
In March 1986, the Utah Association for the Deaf sent an official letter to Governor Norm Bangerter and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Bernarr Furse, requesting the appointment of a Deaf person to the Institutional Council. This was a significant step, a testament to the community's unwavering determination to be represented. Despite their efforts, there was no movement. Dave, a vocal advocate, expressed concern about the lack of a Deaf representative on the USDB Institutional Council five months later, on August 3, 1986. He also mentioned that they had communicated their concerns to Bernarr, who understood the problem but had limited involvement in the matter. Dave also noted a vacancy coming up, and it seemed that some Deaf individuals had applied (Auer, The Salt Lake Tribune, August 3, 1986). Dave expressed hope that the upcoming vacancy would provide a chance for a qualified Deaf candidate to join the council, as representation was crucial for addressing the unique needs of the Deaf community. He urged others to continue advocating for inclusivity and to support the applicants in their pursuit of this vital role.
The Institutional Council selected a new member in April 1985 who was not deaf. The Institutional Council rejected two Deaf applicants, both of whom were highly qualified and experienced, despite inviting submissions from the Utah Deaf community. The move caused outrage within the Deaf community. President Mortensen expressed his concern by stating, "What does this mean…? We have returned to our beginnings in 1970, once again experiencing subjugation and marginalization as 'handicapped beings' incapable of participating in the decision-making process for the Deaf community (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1985). This sentiment echoed the frustrations felt by many as they grappled with the ongoing challenges of representation and inclusion. The community rallied together, advocating for greater awareness and change, determined to ensure that their voices would no longer be silenced.
In March 1986, the Utah Association for the Deaf sent an official letter to Governor Norm Bangerter and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Bernarr Furse, requesting the appointment of a Deaf person to the Institutional Council. This was a significant step, a testament to the community's unwavering determination to be represented. Despite their efforts, there was no movement. Dave, a vocal advocate, expressed concern about the lack of a Deaf representative on the USDB Institutional Council five months later, on August 3, 1986. He also mentioned that they had communicated their concerns to Bernarr, who understood the problem but had limited involvement in the matter. Dave also noted a vacancy coming up, and it seemed that some Deaf individuals had applied (Auer, The Salt Lake Tribune, August 3, 1986). Dave expressed hope that the upcoming vacancy would provide a chance for a qualified Deaf candidate to join the council, as representation was crucial for addressing the unique needs of the Deaf community. He urged others to continue advocating for inclusivity and to support the applicants in their pursuit of this vital role.
Utah Governor Scott Matheson.
Source: Utah History To Go Website
Superintendent Furse stated that he couldn't recall receiving such a request. He mentioned, "I'm not aware of such a request. I'm not sure if any of the board members were questioned. I can only say that I receive hundreds of letters." He added, "It's quite difficult to have all of the organizations that believe they should have a voice effectively represented. Everyone has the right to make recommendations," as reported by Darrell McCarty, an associate state superintendent (Auer, The Salt Lake Tribune, August 3, 1986). The Utah Association for the Deaf, on the other hand, stated that their requests had been repeatedly disregarded. Despite this, the community's frustration did not deter them from continuing to voice their concerns. The association emphasized the importance of inclusion and representation, urging decision-makers to consider the needs of all individuals, especially those with hearing impairments.
In 1986, UAD President Mortensen collaborated with the state government to pass a statute guaranteeing two Deaf representatives seats on the USDB Institutional Council (UAD Bulletin, November 1999). The first two Deaf individuals appointed to the Institutional Council were Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Dennis R. Platt, who took their seats in 1987. Since then, Deaf representatives have served on the council, advocating for the education of Deaf children, as shown below. These representatives have not only served on the council but have also significantly influenced the development of policies and programs that directly impact the educational experience and resources available to Deaf students. Their ongoing advocacy ensures that the unique needs and perspectives of the Deaf community are consistently recognized and addressed within the educational system.
In 1986, UAD President Mortensen collaborated with the state government to pass a statute guaranteeing two Deaf representatives seats on the USDB Institutional Council (UAD Bulletin, November 1999). The first two Deaf individuals appointed to the Institutional Council were Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Dennis R. Platt, who took their seats in 1987. Since then, Deaf representatives have served on the council, advocating for the education of Deaf children, as shown below. These representatives have not only served on the council but have also significantly influenced the development of policies and programs that directly impact the educational experience and resources available to Deaf students. Their ongoing advocacy ensures that the unique needs and perspectives of the Deaf community are consistently recognized and addressed within the educational system.
Deaf Individuals Who have Served on the
USDB Advisory Council / Institutional Council
USDB Advisory Council / Institutional Council
Ray G. Wenger
Ray G. Wenger, a 1913 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, served on the USDB Governor’s Advisory Council from 1945 to 1968.
Ned C. Wheeler
Ned C. Wheeler, a 1933 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, served on the USDB Governor’s Advisory Council from 1968 to 1981. The Governor’s Advisory Council changed its name to the USDB Institutional Council in 1981. Ned had served as chairman during part of his tenure.
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a 1936 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, served on the USDB Institutional Council from 1987-2004. He served as chairman during part of his tenure.
Dennis Platt
Dennis Platt served on the USDB Institutional Council from 1987-1990 and 1995 to 2008. He had served as chairman during part of his tenure.
Jodi Christel Becker
Jodi Christel Becker served on the USDB Institutional Council from 2004 to 2008. The Institutional Council was renamed to the USDB Advisory Council in 2009. She was reappointed in 2008 and served until 2010.
Scot Ferre
Scot Ferre served on the USDB Advisory Council from 2008 to 2013.
Jeff W. Pollock
Jeffrey W. Pollock served on the USDB Advisory Council from 2011 to 2013.
Dan V. Mathis.
Source: University of Washington
Dan V. Mathis served on the USDB Advisory Council from 2013 to 2016.
Erika Smith
Erika Smith served on the USDB Advisory Council from 2013 to 2014.
Jared Allebest
Jared Allebest was appointed on the Advisory Council from 2015 to to 2021. He represented the Listening and Spoken Language.
Stephanie Morgan
Stephanie Morgan, as a Deaf Education teacher, was appointed on the Advisory Council from 2015 to 2017. She represented the USDB teachers.
Philippe Montalette was appointed on the Advisory Council from 2016 to present. He represented the ASL/English Bilingual.
From 1945 to 2013, for sixty-eight years, Deaf individuals served on the council that provided oversight and guidance for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind. These individuals represented the American Sign Language Deaf community of Utah. Erika Smith, a Deaf individual representing the Listening and Spoken Language community, has joined the council for the first time in its history. Since then, two LSL and ASL representatives have joined the council to represent their communities. The USDB Advisory Council will update this webpage with a list of Deaf and hard-of-hearing representatives as their membership changes. As the council continues to evolve, it aims to foster collaboration between the different communities, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented. Future meetings will focus on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Utah.
References - Coming soon!
