My Name Sign

Within the Deaf community, we have two names: one in spoken/written English and another in American Sign Language. My name sign involves placing one hand on the right side of my face and mimicking glasses. It reflects how people identified me when I first moved to Michigan, constantly asking, "Who is that guy with the white glasses?" This became my new name sign in early 2016, and it’s stuck with me ever since.

You'll see the GIF of my name sign above. The design was created by Caleb Pendley, whose website can be found at https://calebpendley.com/.

A Voice for the Deaf Community

My name is Donald V. Weyand (pronounced WEY-and). I am a passionate Deaf leader and advocate committed to empowering the Deaf community and promoting inclusivity across organizational landscapes. With a strong foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) and a growing proficiency in English, I actively bridge communication gaps and foster connections with diverse audiences.

During my tenure with the Flint Association of the Deaf, I dedicated my time to advocating for the rights and needs of Deaf individuals. This work included organizing events, workshops, and community outreach programs designed to foster a strong sense of belonging and empowerment, demonstrating my belief that effective leadership must be rooted in community and justice.

Educational Foundation & Future Focus

My academic path is strategically aligned with my goal of executing complex, inclusive projects and managing organizational change.

M.S.A., Public Administration (Expected 2027)

Future Focus: My goal is to serve as an A.D.A. Coordinator where I can lead efforts in social justice and community empowerment. I am dedicated to ensuring organizational efficiency while creating accessible and inclusive environments for all. This path allows me to bridge the gap between policy and practice to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

B.A.A., Organizational Leadership, Disability Studies & Community Inclusion (Expected May 2026)

Focusing on developing advanced leadership skills, a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics, and the application of universal design principles to organizational processes and solutions.

A.A.S., Media Art, Entertainment, & Technology (Mott Community College, 2019)

This foundational degree contributes to a solid understanding of visual arts, technology, and project execution.

Recognition: National Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi, recognized for academic excellence in all disciplines.