10/28/2026
In its September Equity Academy, the IDHS Office of Strategy, Equity, and Transformation (OSET) welcomed Jerry Covell, an advocate, educator, and one of four student leaders of the historic 1988 Deaf President Now movement, for a presentation on “Deaf President Now: Leadership, Language, and the Ongoing Pursuit of Disability Justice.”
Covell shared his firsthand experiences organizing the movement at Gallaudet University, which successfully called for the appointment of its first Deaf president. He explored the history of discrimination and barriers to leadership that fueled the protests, highlighting the power of collective action in advancing civil rights and self-determination.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and including people with lived experience in decisions that affect their communities. Covell encouraged participants to consider whose perspectives are missing from discussions and how they can work alongside people with disabilities to identify barriers and improve access.
Thanks to Covell and OSET for creating space to learn about this historic movement and its lasting lessons for accessibility, inclusion, and disability justice.
