About DHHBA
Mission Statement
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Bar Association (DHHBA) is a volunteer-operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of d/Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and DeafBlind attorneys, judges, law school graduates, law students, and legal professionals with all communication methods and accommodation needs. We support and encourage each other, provide advice and counsel, engage in advocacy efforts, host accessible events, educate others, conduct outreach, inspire change, and come together as an organization for the advancement of d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the legal profession.
Why Join DHHBA?
- Access to a supportive network of fellow deaf and hard of hearing attorneys, judges, legal professionals, and law students around the United States.
- Access to the DHHBA member-only listserv and receive updates on DHHBA events, employment opportunities, scholarship announcements, and other news.
- Resources for accommodations and other issues facing deaf and hard of hearing attorneys, legal professionals, and law students.
- DHHBA is the only bar association in the country dedicated solely to advancing employment and education opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing attorneys, judges, legal professionals, and law students.
- Opportunities to work towards DHHBA’s goals by participating in DHHBA activities or develop leadership skills by becoming a DHHBA Board member or joining DHHBA committees.
2023-2024 DHHBA Board of Directors
President – Zainab Alkebsi
Vice President – Lisa Bothwell
Treasurer – Vacant
Recorder – Jessica Kennedy
Board Member at Large – Julie Kegley
Board Member at Large – Alison Ecker
Board Member at Large – Caitlin Parton
President Emeritus – Rachel Arfa
Gratitude to Azeema Akram and Taye Akinola, who served the 2023-2024 Board through its transition.
2021-2022 DHHBA Board of Directors
(Transcript available on YouTube and the DHHBA Blog)
President – Zainab Alkebsi
Vice President – Taye Akinola
Recorder – Sarah Weimer
Board Member at Large – Azeema Akram
Board Member at Large – Jessica Kennedy
Board Member at Large – Caitlin Parton
Board Member at Large – Debra Patkin
President Emeritus – Rachel Arfa
2019-2020 DHHBA Board of Directors
President – Rachel Arfa
Vice President – Debra Patkin
Recorder – Sarah Weimer
Board Member at Large – Zainab Alkebsi
Board Member at Large – Elizabeth Knox
Board Member at Large – Reema Bogin
President Emeritus – Anat Maytal
2014-2018 DHHBA Board of Directors
President – Anat Maytal
Secretary – Sarah Weimer
Treasurer – Mark Sorokin
National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Liaison – Debra Patkin
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AGBell) Liaison – John Stanton
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Liaison – Reema Bogin