Gates, Dean

Born in Birmingham, AL; began losing his hearing at age 5 and developing weak leg muscles and foot problems from unknown causes. Mainstreamed in public schools, graduating West Anchorage [AK] High School in 1987. Attended California State University, Northridge, graduating in 1992 with a degree in journalism and public relations. While working at Relay Alaska and then at Americphone, Inc., be became aware of horror stories from customer and co-workers about police and lawyers who refused to take time to communicate with deaf people. He decided to attend the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College (Portland, OR), graduating 2000. He specialized in disability law.