Founded in 2004, DWO strives to provide inspiration, education, mentoring and resources for deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, hard of hearing and late deafened women and young girls
Here's the story you've been dying to know!
Before 2004, many deaf women have formed their own social circles of friends. Some of them attended Deaf Women United (DWU)'s national conference which offered space for deaf women to meet, mingle and network.
DWO had its first board of officers: Betsy Bachtel, President; Mary Ann Corbett, Vice President; Jeannette Halischak, Vice Treasurer; Susie Bachtel, Secretary; Roxy Sigafoose, Sharon Price and Marie Potts, Members at Large.
In February of 2005, DWO held its first major event, Mardi Gras Gala, chaired by Mary Ann Corbett. Since 2005, numerous events and workshops were hosted including the annual Holiday luncheon, Tea Party, retreat, and special interest topics.
In addition, 2005 was also the year DWO became an affiliate of DWU. Then on June 23, 2007, DWO received an award from DWU for its "outstanding services to the community in Ohio".
In 2009, DWO became incorporated as 501c3 in the state of Ohio. In 2015, DWO reinstated its affiliation with DWU.
In 2017, DWO held its first regional conference which over 150 deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, hard of hearing, late deafened women and young girls attended.
DWO will be celebrating its' 15th year Anniversary on Oct. 19, 2019! Come and celebrate with us!
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