Bill Bauer

Biography Dr. Bauer was born and raised in Marietta, Ohio. He has been a school teacher, principal and interim superintendent. He has an undergraduate degree from Ohio University in Special Education focusing on several cognate areas and certifications/licensures (emotional disturbance, intellectual disabilities (mild to severe), learning disabilities, autism and physical/orthopedic and other health impairments. He attended graduate school at Ohio University to earn a graduate degree in School Administration (focus on Supervision). Bauer, became interested in the psycho-social aspect of disability (mental health included) that he also earned another graduate degree in Counseling (masters) and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Services from The Ohio State University. His dissertation focused on high school transition aged youth and leadership. He is also a nationally certified Rehabilitation Counselor as well as a licensed professional counselor in West Virginia and is a part-time counselor at a private practice, serving youth adolescents and adults with mental health issues as well as dually-diagnosed individuals (ID/Mental Illness). A long-time advocate for disability rights, he has served on the Disability Rights of Ohio board (founding member), Chair of the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (now Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities), and is currently chair of the Ohio State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children and the State Council for Exceptional Children Teacher Education Division. HE was awarded the OCALI national advocate of the year at the 2018 conference. He also was awarded the Bonano Disability advocate of the year from the Opportunities of Ohioian's with Disabilities. He was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National People First organization. Author of several articles and is often invited to Keynote around the nation. When Dr. Bauer is not working, he enjoys traveling the globe and coaching swimming (he coached competitive swimming for 30+ years and is currently a volunteer assistant with The Ohio State University Buckeyes mens team. He enjoys walking, reading, research, and hanging with friends and family. He has authored journal articles about Appalchian Culture and counselor competencies and has a book (where he serves as a contributor). The book focuses on Disability Pride and the cycle it takes for one to become more accepting of their own disability. He speaks around the world on disability and culture issues. He is also an accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor-Adult and Higher Education.