David Whalen has worked in the field of disabilities since 1986 and founded the Disability Awareness Training (DAT) program in 2004. DAT is the nation’s only comprehensive training program specializing in a variety of disciplines: law enforcement, 9-1-1 telecommunicators, firefighters, emergency medical services, emergency managers, fairs, music venues, sports complexes, employment of persons with disabilities, transportation providers, corporations and businesses, hospitality, municipalities, places of worship, and educators. Dave has presented to hundreds of audiences across the United States. Notable presentations include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the International Association of Fairs & Expos (IAFE), the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), Missouri School Resource Officers, Buffalo Sabres Account Services, and Niagara Falls Heritage Center Visitor Experience. The New York State Division of Criminal Justices Services (DCJS) has built the police officer training into their basic course and the National Emergency Numbers Association (NENA) utilizes the 9-1-1 training.
As a past consultant for IAFE, Dave has been in that role with the Erie County (NY) Fair since 2012. He also served in that capacity for KeyBank Center, Batavia Downs, the Borderland Festival, Mountain Jam Festival, and the Town of Hamburg (NY). Dave’s current appointments include ADA Trainer with the ADA Trainer Network, President of the C-HOPE Western New York Board, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Disability Accessibility Review and Advisory Committee member, American Red Cross National Diversity Advisory Council, Erie County (NY) Core Advisory Group, Amherst (NY) Committee on Disabilities, and Commissioner and Coach with the Central Amherst (NY) Little League Challenger division.
Dave worked 17 years as a Developmental Disabilities Service Provider and Vice President of Program Operations at Niagara County (NY) ARC and 15 years at Niagara University as the Project Director of First Responder/Emergency Management Disability Awareness Training. Dave is currently the Special Assistant for Emergency Management Policy for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management.
Dave’s recognitions and awards include 2014 St. Bonaventure University Alumni of the Year, 2014 New York State Development Disabilities Planning Council Outstanding Achievement Award, 2016 Advocate of the Year from Deaf Access Services of Western New York, 2019 Niagara University Vincentian Medal of Honor, 2021 Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) Elayne G. Wels Community Support Award, 2021 St. Bonaventure University Gaudete Medal, and 2025 Spirited Athletes Bold at Heart Volunteer of the Year.
Dave received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology (1984) and his Masters of Science in Education degree in Counseling Psychology (1986) from St. Bonaventure University. Dave and his wife Sandy live in Williamsville, NY and are the proud parents of their adult children, twins David and Rachel. David and Rachel were born 11 weeks premature, which caused David to have cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, and a learning disability. David received his Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential from Williamsville South High School and Rachel graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cornell University, majoring in English Literature and minoring in Spanish. Rachel also obtained a Masters in Fine Arts from New York University.