The Deaf Representatives Serving
on the Advisory Council for the
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
on the Advisory Council for 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 2026
Edited by Bronwyn O’Hara & Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2013
Updated in 2026
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. I witnessed firsthand the importance of Deaf representation on the advisory council. In 1981, after Ned C. Wheeler, a Deaf representative, passed away, a hearing person was appointed 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 was a crucial step toward enhancing representation, allowing the Utah Deaf community, including me, to voice our concerns and advocate for change.
Throughout my tenure, I collaborated 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, including an important amendment that ended the promotion of mainstreaming and allowed for on-campus education for students. This change brought a new sense of empowerment and hope to the Utah Deaf community. The signing ceremony took place on April 30, 2009.
With the support of parents and the Utah Deaf community, we initiated Senate Bill (SB) 201 in 2009, securing funding for a permanent school building. Governor Huntsman signed SB 201 on March 25, 2009, marking another historic moment.
Reflecting on my journey, I am sincerely grateful for my service on the Institutional Council. This transformative experience has been incredibly 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 describe as both fascinating and rewarding.
I want to express my deep appreciation to the Utah Deaf community, the parents of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and all advocates who have supported our cause. Your unwavering support and active participation have been instrumental to our achievements, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.
The Advisory Council serves as a vital platform for advocates from the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled communities. This representation is crucial, as it ensures our voices are amplified and our concerns receive the attention they deserve.
Thank you, Dave, for advocating for the appointment of Deaf representatives to the USDB Advisory Council! Your support is crucial 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 collaborated 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, including an important amendment that ended the promotion of mainstreaming and allowed for on-campus education for students. This change brought a new sense of empowerment and hope to the Utah Deaf community. The signing ceremony took place on April 30, 2009.
With the support of parents and the Utah Deaf community, we initiated Senate Bill (SB) 201 in 2009, securing funding for a permanent school building. Governor Huntsman signed SB 201 on March 25, 2009, marking another historic moment.
Reflecting on my journey, I am sincerely grateful for my service on the Institutional Council. This transformative experience has been incredibly 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 describe as both fascinating and rewarding.
I want to express my deep appreciation to the Utah Deaf community, the parents of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and all advocates who have supported our cause. Your unwavering support and active participation have been instrumental to our achievements, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.
The Advisory Council serves as a vital platform for advocates from the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled communities. This representation is crucial, as it ensures our voices are amplified and our concerns receive the attention they deserve.
Thank you, Dave, for advocating for the appointment of Deaf representatives to the USDB Advisory Council! Your support is crucial 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, after Ned C. Wheeler's death, 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, emphasizing the importance of Deaf representation in decision-making, 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 that the Utah Deaf community was represented, highlighting the importance of including Deaf voices in decision-making processes. In April 1984, Dr. Burningham informed him that the Governor's Advisory Council for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB) had been renamed the Institutional Council (Dabling, The Salt Lake Tribune, May 24, 1984). However, he did not follow through on President Mortensen's request to appoint a Deaf representative to the Institutional Council.
On May 23, 1984, Dave filed a formal complaint with the Utah State Board of Education concerning the lack of Deaf representation on the Institutional Council. He expressed his concerns about appointing a hearing person to replace the late Deaf member, Ned C. Wheeler. He questioned why no Deaf individual had been selected to fill that vacancy. He publicly objected to the lack of a Deaf person appointed to the Institutional Council. He stated, “There was a Deaf member on the Governor’s Council, but after Ned C. Wheeler died, a hearing person was named in his place. Wouldn’t you think that a Deaf person should have been appointed to fill the vacancy left by a Deaf member who had passed away?” (Dabling, The Salt Lake Tribune, May 24, 1984). Dave emphasized the need for 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, highlighting the critical importance of Deaf perspectives.
In April 1985, the Institutional Council appointed a new member who was not deaf, rejecting two highly qualified Deaf applicants despite having invited submissions from the Utah Deaf community. This decision sparked outrage within the Deaf community. President Mortensen voiced his concerns, 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, p. 2). Many Deaf individuals were frustrated due to being ignored and dealing with the ongoing challenges of representation and inclusion, particularly in light of the recent decision that undermined their voice in the community. In response, the community united to raise awareness and push for change, committed to making their voices heard and to having their rights acknowledged.
In March 1986, the Utah Association for the Deaf sent an official letter to Governor Norm Bangerter and State Superintendent Bernarr Furse, requesting the appointment of a Deaf person to the Institutional Council. This significant step demonstrated the community's strong desire for representation. Despite limited progress, Dave again expressed concern about the lack of a Deaf representative on the USDB Institutional Council. He conveyed these concerns to Bernarr, who acknowledged the issue but had limited authority to address it. Dave mentioned an upcoming vacancy and noted that several Deaf individuals had applied for the position. He emphasized that representation was crucial for addressing the needs of the Deaf community and encouraged others to continue advocating for inclusivity, fostering collective empowerment, and providing ongoing support for Deaf candidates.
On May 23, 1984, Dave filed a formal complaint with the Utah State Board of Education concerning the lack of Deaf representation on the Institutional Council. He expressed his concerns about appointing a hearing person to replace the late Deaf member, Ned C. Wheeler. He questioned why no Deaf individual had been selected to fill that vacancy. He publicly objected to the lack of a Deaf person appointed to the Institutional Council. He stated, “There was a Deaf member on the Governor’s Council, but after Ned C. Wheeler died, a hearing person was named in his place. Wouldn’t you think that a Deaf person should have been appointed to fill the vacancy left by a Deaf member who had passed away?” (Dabling, The Salt Lake Tribune, May 24, 1984). Dave emphasized the need for 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, highlighting the critical importance of Deaf perspectives.
In April 1985, the Institutional Council appointed a new member who was not deaf, rejecting two highly qualified Deaf applicants despite having invited submissions from the Utah Deaf community. This decision sparked outrage within the Deaf community. President Mortensen voiced his concerns, 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, p. 2). Many Deaf individuals were frustrated due to being ignored and dealing with the ongoing challenges of representation and inclusion, particularly in light of the recent decision that undermined their voice in the community. In response, the community united to raise awareness and push for change, committed to making their voices heard and to having their rights acknowledged.
In March 1986, the Utah Association for the Deaf sent an official letter to Governor Norm Bangerter and State Superintendent Bernarr Furse, requesting the appointment of a Deaf person to the Institutional Council. This significant step demonstrated the community's strong desire for representation. Despite limited progress, Dave again expressed concern about the lack of a Deaf representative on the USDB Institutional Council. He conveyed these concerns to Bernarr, who acknowledged the issue but had limited authority to address it. Dave mentioned an upcoming vacancy and noted that several Deaf individuals had applied for the position. He emphasized that representation was crucial for addressing the needs of the Deaf community and encouraged others to continue advocating for inclusivity, fostering collective empowerment, and providing ongoing support for Deaf candidates.
Utah Governor Scott Matheson.
Source: Utah History To Go Website
Superintendent Furse indicated that he couldn't recall any such request, noting, "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 acknowledged the challenge of representing all organizations that wish to have a voice, saying, "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," according to Darrell McCarty, an associate state superintendent (Auer, The Salt Lake Tribune, August 3, 1986).
Conversely, the Utah Association for the Deaf expressed its frustration that its requests have been repeatedly overlooked. Nevertheless, this did not deter the community from voicing its concerns and emphasizing the necessity for inclusion and representation. They urged decision-makers to pay attention to the needs of all individuals, particularly those with hearing impairments.
In 1986, UAD President Mortensen worked with the state government to secure a statute guaranteeing two Deaf representative seats on the USDB Institutional Council (Bass, UAD Bulletin, November 1999). The first appointees to this council were Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Dennis R. Platt, who took their seats in 1987. Since that time, Deaf representatives have not only served on this council but have also made significant contributions to shaping policies and programs that directly affect the education of Deaf children. Their advocacy has helped ensure that the unique needs and perspectives of the Deaf community are recognized and addressed within the educational system.
Conversely, the Utah Association for the Deaf expressed its frustration that its requests have been repeatedly overlooked. Nevertheless, this did not deter the community from voicing its concerns and emphasizing the necessity for inclusion and representation. They urged decision-makers to pay attention to the needs of all individuals, particularly those with hearing impairments.
In 1986, UAD President Mortensen worked with the state government to secure a statute guaranteeing two Deaf representative seats on the USDB Institutional Council (Bass, UAD Bulletin, November 1999). The first appointees to this council were Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Dennis R. Platt, who took their seats in 1987. Since that time, Deaf representatives have not only served on this council but have also made significant contributions to shaping policies and programs that directly affect the education of Deaf children. Their advocacy has helped ensure that the unique needs and perspectives of the Deaf community are 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 to 2004. He served as chairman during part of his tenure.
Dennis Platt
Dennis Platt served on the USDB Institutional Council from 1987 to 1990 and from 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, representing the Deaf Community in Utah. In 2009, the council was renamed to the USDB Advisory Council. She was reappointed in 2008 and continued her service until 2010.
Scot Ferre
Scot Ferre served on the USDB Advisory Council from 2008 to 2013, representing the Deaf Community in Utah
Jeff W. Pollock
Jeffrey W. Pollock served on the USDB Advisory Council from 2011 to 2013, representing the Deaf Community in Utah.
Dan V. Mathis.
Source: University of Washington
Dan V. Mathis served on the USDB Advisory Council from 2013 to 2016, representing the Deaf Community in Utah.
Erika Smith
Erika Smith served on the USDB Advisory Council from 2013 to 2014, representing the Listening and Spoken Language Education.
Jared Allebest
Jared Allebest served on the Advisory Council from 2015 to 2025, representing the Listening and Spoken Language Education.
Stephanie Morgan
Stephanie Morgan, as a Deaf Education teacher, served on the Advisory Council from 2015 to 2017. She represented the teachers at the Utah School for the Deaf.
Stephanie Morgan, as a Deaf Education teacher, served on the Advisory Council from 2015 to 2017. She represented the teachers at the Utah School for the Deaf.
Philippe Montalette has served on the Advisory Council since 2016, representing the ASL/English Bilingual Education.
Brooke Budzinski Grossinger has served on the Advisory Council since her 2026 appointment, representing ASL/English Bilingual Education.
From 1945 to 2013, the Deaf community in Utah was represented on the council overseeing the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind by individuals using American Sign Language (ASL). For the first time, Erika Smith, a Deaf member of the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) community, made history by joining the council. Her addition led to the inclusion of two more representatives from both the LSL and ASL communities.
This USDB Advisory Council webpage is committed to keeping its list of Deaf and hard-of-hearing representatives current as membership evolves. This effort aims to foster collaboration among the diverse communities and ensure that all voices are amplified. This initiative not only enhances representation but also promotes understanding and cooperation among different communication methods. By bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, the council hopes to create a more inclusive environment for all Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
This USDB Advisory Council webpage is committed to keeping its list of Deaf and hard-of-hearing representatives current as membership evolves. This effort aims to foster collaboration among the diverse communities and ensure that all voices are amplified. This initiative not only enhances representation but also promotes understanding and cooperation among different communication methods. By bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, the council hopes to create a more inclusive environment for all Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
References
Auer, P. “Deaf Group Criticizes Selection of School Leader.” August 3, 1986.
Dabling, Bonnie. “Dispute Brewing at Deaf School.” The Salt Lake Tribune, May 24, 1984.
Bass, Barbara. “Honors & Awards.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.6 (November 1999): 4-6.
Mortensen, Dave. “President’s Message.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 9, no. 1 (June 1985): 2.
Dabling, Bonnie. “Dispute Brewing at Deaf School.” The Salt Lake Tribune, May 24, 1984.
Bass, Barbara. “Honors & Awards.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.6 (November 1999): 4-6.
Mortensen, Dave. “President’s Message.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 9, no. 1 (June 1985): 2.
