DWS Press Release
February 20, 2018

Workforce Services Appoints New Leader of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

SALT LAKE CITY (February 20, 2018) - The Department of Workforce Services’ Utah State Office of Rehabilitation has selected Dan V. Mathis to oversee the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In this position, he will be responsible for the oversight and administration of programs serving Utah’s community of deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind individuals and their families.

Prior to this new role, Mathis served as an American Sign Language (ASL) Specialist for the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, as part of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind. While there, he taught ASL and Deaf studies, and coordinated support programs for students. In addition, Mathis has more than 20 years’ experience of educational-based work in ASL, Deaf studies, and interpreter training at Sorenson Communications, Davis Applied Technology College and Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center.

"Dan's extensive background working with the deaf community and understanding Deaf culture will be a great asset for our staff and clients in this role,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director of Workforce Services. "We also value his understanding of the importance of using certified ASL interpreters and how to support individuals who are hard of hearing. I'm confident Dan will help our programs move forward to better serve our clients."

Mathis is fluent in both English and ASL, and has served as a past member of the Utah Interpreter Program Certification Board and Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Advisory Council. He earned bachelor’s degrees in ASL and Deaf studies, and a master’s degree in sign language education from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C.

"I'm honored to serve as a leader for this exemplary program supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Utah," said Mathis. "I look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve."

Mathis will be based at the Sanderson Community Center in Taylorsville and will assume his duties starting March 5, 2018.

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About Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Department of Workforce Services’ Utah State Office of Rehabilitation provides support to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind and their families through the Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Services include case management, employment counseling, hard of hearing adjustment and equipment demos, ASL interpreting certification, community events and life-long learning classes. For more information, visit usor.utah.gov/dhh..