History
Kevin Long developed the idea for Global Deaf Connection in 1996 after volunteer teaching at a school for Deaf children in Kenya. After signing to a Deaf student, "what do you want to do when you grow up?" the student replied, "I'm Deaf," as if the possibility to "do something" was not an option. In the same conversation, she signed to Kevin, "does America have Deaf people?" This was just one conversation Kevin had that opened his eyes towards the need to improve the education and leadership skills for Deaf students in Kenya.
According to the World Federation of the Deaf; there are 123 million Deaf people in the world, 66% of whom live in developing countries, only 10% of Deaf children in these countries receive any education, and only 1% are educated through the use of sign language.
Alan Cartwright, a Deaf American, became the co-director of GDC in 1998. The two co-directors began the initial planning and development of the organization. Together they developed a solid infrastructure of staff, volunteers, board members and partner organizations that positively guide the organization. He is an American Deaf leader with over ten years of international experience and brings a wealth of knowledge to the organization.
GDC has grown steadily in financial and human resources over the past seven years. In April 2006, the GDC Board of Directors hired Dr. Ron Brouillette as CEO. Dr. Brouillette brings over 30 years of international program experience to the organization. The staff looks forward to bringing the organization to new heights with expected grants coming in from world reknown aid organizations.
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