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Donna Brown

Donna Brown – Educator, Advocate, and Paralympic Athlete

Donna Brown is a highly respected educator, mentor, and advocate for individuals with visual impairments. With a distinguished career spanning over 37 years at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind, she has dedicated her life to empowering students and promoting accessibility in education and athletics.

Education and Professional Background

Donna is a graduate of the Overbrook School for the Blind (1978) and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Education of the Visually Impaired from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (1983). She later earned a Master’s degree in Multi-Categorical Special Education from Marshall University (2005) and obtained West Virginia Certification as a Technology Integration Specialist (2011).

At West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind, she served not only as a teacher but also as a mentor, coach for swimming and track and field, and a leader in student development programs. She established a Leo Club at the West Virginia School for the Blind and contributed to multi-state standards for assessing students with visual impairments.

Community Leadership and Advocacy

A passionate advocate for the blind and visually impaired community, Donna has held numerous leadership roles, including:

  • President of the Mountain State Council of the Blind and Secretary of the Potomac Valley Chapter
  • Board Member of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and Chair of the ACB Walk Committee
  • Co-chair of the ACB Leadership Training Committee and a key contributor to ACB’s mentoring program
  • Sunday School Director at Covenant Baptist Church
  • President of the local Lions Club and Board Member of Hampshire County Special Services Sheltered Workshop

Her advocacy work includes conducting visual awareness training for public schools across West Virginia and organizing goalball and swimming clinics for both sighted and visually impaired participants. She has also spoken at national events, including the 2009 ACB National Convention and the Aquatic Center opening at Overbrook School for the Blind.

Athletic Achievements

As a decorated Paralympian, Donna represented the United States in the 1976, 1980, 1988, and 1992 Paralympic Games, earning three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. Her accomplishments in sports earned her prestigious recognitions, including:

  • Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Meritorious Achievement Award (1981)
  • Joseph K. Mooney Memorial Award (2001)
  • Distinguished Alumni Award from Overbrook School for the Blind (2006)

Publications and Media Contributions

Donna is also an accomplished writer, contributing numerous articles to publications such as:

  • Hampshire Review, covering athletics and community events
  • The Braille Forum, the monthly magazine of the American Council of the Blind
  • Editor of The Rhododendron, the newsletter of the Mountain State Council of the Blind

Her work continues to inspire and educate individuals on issues related to blindness, inclusion, and adaptive sports.

Legacy and Impact

Donna Brown’s lifelong commitment to education, advocacy, and athletics has made a profound impact on the blind and visually impaired community. Whether mentoring future leaders, coaching aspiring athletes, or championing accessibility initiatives, her influence is far-reaching and enduring.