David Rice

David Rice is a distinguished advocate and leader in the field of disability rights and employment for individuals with disabilities. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, David has consistently championed initiatives that enhance employment opportunities and workplace experiences for people with disabilities.

David's commitment to disability rights began in high school, where he spent summers working at camps for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. This early exposure ignited a passion that he pursued vigorously during his college years at the Catholic University of America. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a focus on social stigmas surrounding intellectual disabilities. He was instrumental in establishing the first American Sign Language (ASL) program, fostering a truly inclusive environment for both hearing and Deaf students.

As a Deaf individual since the age of four, David's advocacy is deeply personal. His professional career includes significant roles in various organizations where he has led initiatives to improve accessibility and employment opportunities. Notably, David served as the President of Deaf in Government (DIG) from 2014 to 2018, championing the rights of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing employees, addressing communication barriers, and promoting professional development opportunities.

David's contributions extend to creating and leading resource groups that support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, developing comprehensive training programs, and spearheading projects aimed at making workplaces more accessible. His strategic efforts have consistently resulted in the removal of barriers and the promotion of disability awareness within the organizations he has served.
David's expertise includes strategic planning for accessibility, employment, disability rights advocacy, development and implementation of training programs, and leadership in organizational cultural change. He possesses a strong ability to foster relationships and drive systemic change, making him a pivotal figure in the disability advocacy community.

David's dedication to advocacy, leadership, and cultural change is reflected in his extensive work within the disability rights field. His efforts focus on creating a world where inclusivity is the norm and all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. Outside of his professional work, David enjoys golf and is an enthusiastic fan of Pittsburgh sports. His multifaceted commitment to advocacy and personal interests makes him a well-rounded and deeply dedicated leader in the disability advocacy community.