A Win for the Deaf Community
While no major referendums with repercussions for the hearing impaired were on the ballot as voters headed to the polls on November 2nd for midterm elections, that’s not to say the community didn’t have reason to celebrate on November 3rd. The South Dakota gubernatorial race may not made national news for its influence on global politics, after all, South Dakota isn’t the most populous state, nor does it home to much controversy, however, for at least one day the deaf community can look to Sioux Falls for inspiration.Dennis Daugaard does not suffer from restricted hearing himself, but comes from a deaf home. A true tribute to the well-rounded competence of deaf parenting, Daugaard’s success serves as a beacon of hope to CODAs, or Children of Deaf Adults, as obviously there are no limits to the values and discipline that can still be imparted on kids, regardless of communication method.Prior to being elected Governor, Daugaard served as the Lieutenant Governor of the state, a role in which he serves as President of the South Dakota State Senate. He has also chaired the Worker’s Compensation Advisory Council, helping to review and make recommendations regarding fair salaries and benefits for South Dakota state workers. Among his other notable initiatives, Daugaard helped to create the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority, assisting in economic development in the Ellsworth Air Force Base area and the Honor Flight program, paying tribute to World War II Air Force veterans.Daugaard has been happily married to his wife, Linda, since 1991, raising 3 children, all of whom, like Daugaard, were blessed with full hearing capability.
