About

At GSDBSC, our mission is to champion an organization that is truly representative of the DeafBlind community. We are enthusiastic about forging partnerships with you, harnessing our expertise and resources to drive substantial and lasting change. Together, let us make a meaningful impact on the lives of DeafBlind individuals.

Co-Founders

Image Description:

Pacific Islander/Cancrean with black and little white curly hair, full smile looking at the camera; wearing a black T-shirt. Background: Green bush hanging downward to the ground floor, a bit of brown mulch on the ground.

Dana Kana Dehaesus

She/Her

Image Description:

Elias Davila, a Mexican guy, is in a dark blue polo shirt and has a glasses on, standing in front of a building and smiling toward the camera.

Elias Davila

He/Him

Image Description:

Dominican male wearing a blue buttoned-down collared shirt. The image zoomed in to his head and shoulders. He sits in front of a body of water and smiles directly at the camera.

Roberto Cabrera

He/El

Dana grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and enrolled at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont at 11, graduating in 1986. Later, she attended Gallaudet University, although she couldn't complete her studies due to family obligations. Since 2012, she has been actively involved in the Northern California Association of DeafBlind and has served as its president since 2013. She underwent a 12-week training program at Tactile Communications, becoming a certified CoNavigator trainer. Alongside Roberto and Elias, she co-founded GSDBSC and embarked on a new venture, PT Dream Adventures, catering to DeafBlind travelers. She eagerly anticipates their upcoming trip to the Bahamas in 2024.

Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Elias was raised in Illinois and currently resides in Los Angeles. He completed his education at the Illinois School for the Deaf and pursued studies in Applied Computer Technology at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf - Rochester Institute of Technology, earning his AA degree in General Studies with a focus on behavioral and social sciences from El Camino College. During his time in Southern California, he served as the Vice President of the Southern California Association of the DeafBlind and played a key role in organizing DeafBlind Seminars in the region. Elias also underwent training at Tactile Communication in Oregon. He is happily married with children and now lives in Southern California.

Roberto, a second-generation DeafBlind individual who identifies as Queer and Dominican, is renowned for his multifaceted roles as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, community outreach specialist, educator, and trainer. He actively engages with numerous organizations on local, state, and national scales. Roberto possesses a sociable nature and finds great joy in dedicating his time to community-driven initiatives. He has consistently championed the enhancement of the quality of life within his chosen community.