Governance | Committees

The Public Policy & Legislative Committee stays informed on relevant matters for legislative issues pertaining to any and all critical advocacy issues impacting the way of life of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, & Late-Deafened people in the state of Alaska.

Committee Chair: Duane Mayes

Committee Members: Jillian Schroeder, Clara Baldwin, Karen Strache

The Education & Outreach Committee stays informed on relevant matters for education policy, education programs, community engagement, community issues, and advocate for awareness of issues relating to Deaf people such as the visibility and authenticity of Deaf people and Sign Language in the media.

Committee Chair: Clara Baldwin

Committee Members: Evelyn Ooten, Kathryn Widener, Kristeena Brinkley, Nathaniel Palacios & Natasha Haskins

The Alaska Deaf, Hard of Hearing, & Deaf Blind Council Parent Committee was established to empower and engage families statewide. This standing committee serves as a foundation for a unified group that advocates for and supports parents and guardians of children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf Blind. The committee is guided by a clear mission, values, and structure, ensuring transparency and accountability in meeting the diverse needs of these communities.

Committee Chair: Karen Strache

Committee Members: Duane Mayes, Amy Bobich, Jillian Schroeder, Krystal Crawfords, Amanda Cottie, Gaelan Graves, Brittany John, Gena Graves, Elizabeth Rogers, Amanda Armagost, & Hinda Kasher-Hoffer

The Alaska Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf Blind Council (ADC) recognizes the unique challenges faced by the Hard of Hearing community in Alaska. The ADC Hard of Hearing Standing Committee is dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, increasing communication access, addressing accessibility issues, and elevating the importance of assistive technology for the Hard of Hearing community. The committee
will work collaboratively with the Council and the Alaska Deaf Navigator Program to develop actionable solutions and advocate for systemic change.

Committee Chair: Duane Mayes

Committee Members:

The Budget & Finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures, a fundraising plan, and annual budget for the ADC.

Committee Chair: Hillarie Gossett

Committee Members: Duane Mayes, Evelyn Ooten, & Markus Porch, Sean Gordon

The Bylaws Committee focuses on the upkeep of the ADC Bylaws. If any changes are needed, the committee will be responsible for amendments at Statewide Meetings.

Committee Chair: Duane Mayes

Committee Members: Sean Gordon, Shawn Schramski, Karen Strache

The Nominating Committee shall review all nominations for Officers and Members at Large prior to the Statewide Meeting to ensure that all candidates are in good standing with the ADC and have completed the expression of interest form.

Committee Chair: TBD

Committee Members: TBD