WhoRunsGov

Kareem Dale

Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy (since February 2009)

(courtesy White House)

Why He Matters

As the White House disability maven, Dale ensures that the Obama administration's policies make life better for the 54 million Americans living with disabilities.

Dale, who is legally blind, first met then-State Senator Obama as a young law student. Years later, his involvement with the Obama campaign led him to a job in the White House.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Disability Coordinator, Obama for America (2008 to 2009); Attorney and founder, Dale Law Group (2007 to 2008); Attorney, Winston and Strawn (1999 to 2007)
  • Birthday: November 17, 1973
  • Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
  • Alma Mater: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A. (Advertising), 1995; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, J.D- M.B.A., 1999
 

Path to Power

Dale grew up in Chicago. At birth, Dale was diagnosed with the eye disease retinitis pigmentosa and later with keritaconis.

Though he could see well during childhood, his retinitis pigmentosa caused macular degeneration, which slowly robbed Dale of most of his sight.

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The Issues

Dale explains his job simply: "To include and integrate people with disability into everything we're doing in this administration."

So far, he's been an active presence in the White House, pushing to make sure the voices of those with disabilities are heard on issues from health-care reform to human rights.

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The Network

Dale's position is part of both the Office of Public Engagement, where he reports to Valerie Jarrett, Christina Tchen and Mike Strautmanis, and of the White House Domestic Policy Council, where he reports to Melody Barnes and her deputy Heather Higginbottom.

Dale works closely with Jeffrey S. Crowley, who heads the Office of National AIDS Policy and is a senior adviser on disability.

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