Governor Abbott Names Chair And Appoints Six To The Governor’s Committee On People With Disabilities
Governor Greg Abbott has named Aaron Bangor as Chairman of the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. Governor Abbott additionally appointed Elizabeth Dickey, Archer Hadley, Dylan Rafaty, and Diane Rose, and reappointed Marilou Fowler and Linda Millstone for terms set to expire on February 1, 2017. The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities recommends changes in disability policies and programs and supports a network of committees on people with disabilities, issues awards to promote greater awareness, and promotes compliance with disability related laws.
Aaron Bangor of Austin is the Lead Accessible Technology Architect at AT&T. He is a member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, and is a board certified Human Factors Professional. He serves on national and international committees regarding the usability and accessibility of technology and received numerous patents relating to accessibility. Bangor received a Bachelor of Arts in economics, Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Master of Science, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Factors Engineering from Virginia Tech.
Elizabeth Dickey of Austin is the principal for The Rosedale School, which serves students with multiple disabilities. She is a member of the Austin Association of Public School Administrators, serves as Vertical Team leader for Austin Independent School District (AISD) Special Campuses, and is co-leader of the AISD Special Education Principal’s Council. Dickey received a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies from the University of Houston.
Archer Hadley of Austin is a student at The University of Texas at Austin. Last year, he successfully raised funds to install several automatic doors at Austin High School. He is an Eagle Scout and volunteer counselor for Camp Grace and Pathways. Additionally, he volunteers for Coats for Kids.
Dylan Rafaty of Dallas is founder, president and CEO of DylanListed, L.L.C., a one-stop, national, online platform that focuses on employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities. He is also a self-published author, blogger and national public speaker. Rafaty attended Collin College in Frisco.
Diane Rose of Bellmead is a quilter, motivational speaker and evangelist. She teaches quilting, and previously volunteered for the Lions Club, Small World Ministries and Friends for Life. Rose attended Vanderbilt College in Nashville.
Marilou Fowler of Katy is a nurse and caregiver. She is a volunteer for the Paralyzed Veterans of America National Organization and the Paralyzed Veterans of America Texas Chapter. Fowler received a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in hotel, restaurant and business management from the University of San Carlos in the Philippines.
Linda Millstone of Austin is a project manager at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin, and previously served as coordinator for the American for Disabilities Act and as director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at UT. She is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and former president of the Central Texas Diversity Council. Millstone received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Delaware and a Master of Public Affairs at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT.