the law school. It was fortuitous that he agreed; Obama talked about the same things that have always motivated Dale. “[He] talked about many of the


same things he talks about today— making sure everyone has a fair shot to achieve the American dream, everyone should play by the same set of rules, and people should give back to their communities.”


and help others.” For his contributions, Winston &


Strawn awarded him their Pro Bono Commitment to Legal Service Award in 2000. He also was active in community


service through the Black Ensemble T eater, serving as president of its board of directors. In addition to providing entertainment, the the- ater educates the public concerning


I deal with my disability like millions of persons with disabilities– I make no excuses.


Dale never imagined what the


future held for Obama, or for himself. “I certainly had no idea he would


ever become president,” he says. “I fi rst offi cially worked for him as the national disability director on the Obama for America campaign in June 2008. I had volunteered on the campaign on his Arts and Disability Policy Committees since 2007.” After he graduated cum laude from


law school in 1999, Dale went to work for the Chicago law fi rm Winston & Strawn, where he represented indi- viduals and their families in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, and medical negligence. During this time, he often did pro bono work. “I believe in the African prov-


erb—to whom much is given, much is expected,” he says. “I have been very fortunate in my life to have a great family, great friends, great support structure, and many other benefi ts so it’s my obligation to give back


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the history of African American entertainers such as Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gay, and Aretha Franklin. It also teaches performing arts in the Chicago public schools. In 2007, Dale founded his own law fi rm in Chicago, the Dale Law Group, but he suspended operations when he got the call from President Obama. In Dale, Obama found an indi-


vidual with similar goals and values in helping others reach their full poten- tial, and when he became president, he called on Dale to become the fi rst-ever special assistant to the president for disability policy. “Working for the president is an


extraordinary honor,” Dale says. “T e real important factor is working for a president who cares and wants to make a diff erence for the American people. T at’s what we are trying to do every day. Since I met President Obama in 1998, he has had the same focus of helping people reach for the American dream and providing full


opportunity for all Americans.” And some of Obama’s personal


characteristics have obviously rubbed off on Dale, like his public speaking style. Dale’s oratorical fl ourishes are similar to the president’s measured delivery. For a short period at the start of


the Obama administration, Dale wore two hats. In addition to his position dealing with disability policy, he also coordinated outreach to the arts community for the Offi ce of Public Engagement. T e latter responsibility lasted only a few months. “I worked both in the Offi ce of


Public Engagement and Domestic Policy Council,” he says. “I coordinate the administration’s work on dis- ability policy and outreach to ensure people with disabilities are on a level playing fi eld with all Americans. T e importance is so that we are doing everything we can so that people with disabilities have equal access to employment, education, transporta- tion, technology, emergency prepared- ness, health care, housing, and so many more things.” Dale is a busy man and his work


extends to a variety of decisions and policies that the president is involved in. “[My work] covers many areas,


such as executive orders, presidential memoranda, legislation related to disability issues, and any other policy initiatives that impact people with disabilities. Certainly the ADA is a major disability law along with many other laws,” he says. Regarding his career, Dale does not


look too far into the future. “My goals right now are focused on


my current role,” he says, “and con- tinuing to work on policies to improve the lives of the millions of Americans with disabilities.” D&B


Tom Calarco is a freelance writer based in Altamonte Springs, Fla.


MAY/JUNE 2012 DIVERSITY & THE BAR®


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