In the heart of Illinois, a remarkable individual named Angela Botz has been quietly revolutionizing the landscape of accessibility and advocacy for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. With a career spanning decades and a list of accomplishments that reads like a roadmap to social change, Botz has become a beacon of hope and a catalyst for progress in a world that often overlooks the needs of those with hearing impairments.
A Career Dedicated to Empowerment
Angela Botz began her professional journey as an art designer at Picturesque Graphics in St. Louis, Missouri. For 25 years, she sharpened her skills as the art director, but her true calling lay in advocacy and community service. Today, Botz has served as a community outreach coordinator and independent living specialist for deaf services and deaf-blind programs at the IMPACT Center for Independent Living (IMPACT CIL) in Alton, Illinois, since 2008.
Her work at IMPACT CIL is nothing short of transformative. Botz visits homes and local businesses, ensuring proper communication and mobility accommodations are in place. From specialized telephones to wheelchair accessibility, she leaves no stone unturned in her quest to improve the lives of those she serves. She inspires others through their actions and resilience, serving as a role model for the Deaf community and people with disabilities.
Breaking Barriers in Healthcare
In 2012, Botz took on a new challenge as the president of Show-Me Accessible Health Care, Inc. This nonprofit organization has been instrumental in helping deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals access quality healthcare in the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding counties in Missouri and Illinois. Her work in this arena has been particularly impactful, as she assists with healthcare communications, self-advocacy, assistive technologies, communications, and available government programs. Educating healthcare providers about accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals is crucial for ensuring equitable health outcomes.
Leadership and Recognition
Botz’s leadership extends far beyond her day-to-day work. She was the first deaf woman to serve a second consecutive term as president of the Illinois Association of the Deaf. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning her prestigious accolades such as the Dr. Graeme Clark Awareness Award from Cochlear America in 2007 and the Robert N. Greenman Memorial Award from the National Association of the Deaf in 2012.
Bridging the Technology Gap
One of Botz’s significant contributions has been in the realm of technology. She provides invaluable assistance to elderly, hard-of-hearing, and blind individuals navigating the often-confusing world of smartphone technologies. Through one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and Zoom presentations, Botz empowers her clients with the skills they need to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
Mentorship and Inspiration
Perhaps one of Botz’s most enduring legacies will be her commitment to mentoring youth and encouraging their involvement in the deaf community. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and self-sufficiency, frequently speaking at national conferences to inspire and educate young people. As a deaf woman in a leadership position, Botz serves as a living example of what is possible, breaking down barriers and challenging preconceptions.
A Voice for the Community
Angela Botz’s role extends beyond her immediate work with individuals. She serves on numerous committees and boards, including the Illinois School for the Deaf Advisory Board. As the Vice-Chair and District 5 representative for the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation and Chair of the Illinois Statewide Deaf Services Coordinators under the Illinois Network Centers of Independent Living, Botz helps ensure that the needs of the deaf community are represented at the highest levels of decision-making.
Creating Lasting Change
Botz’s work has an immeasurable impact. She has helped hundreds of people and received recognition from individuals and government officials, including the governor of Illinois. Her efforts have been described as life-changing, helping people feel less isolated and more connected to the world around them.
Looking to the Future
As Angela Botz continues her tireless work, she remains focused on creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all. Her presence as a speaker to the broader community is crucial in fostering understanding and positive change for the deaf community. Through her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to empowerment, Botz is not just changing lives – she’s changing the very fabric of society, one person at a time.
Botz is a staunch advocate for facilitating new certified sign language interpreters. Interpreters bridge the communication gap for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities, ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and other essential services.
In a world that often struggles to hear the voices of the marginalized, Angela Botz stands as a powerful amplifier, ensuring that the needs, rights, and potential of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community are heard and acted upon. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, the importance of representation, and the profound impact that individuals can have when they commit themselves to the service of others.
Get Involved in the Movement for Accessibility
Angela Botz’s work has already transformed countless lives, but much more must be done. If you are inspired by her mission to create a more inclusive world for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, you can help make a difference in many ways. Advocate for better accessibility in your community, support organizations like the IMPACT Center for Independent Living, or consider becoming a certified sign language interpreter to help bridge the communication gap. Together, we can continue to push for equality, representation, and opportunity for all. Reach out, get involved, and be part of the change that Angela Botz has tirelessly worked to create.
If you have questions or requests for deaf resources in Illinois, Angela Botz can be contacted here.
Published by Zane L.
