David Whalen – Actor & Disability Advocate

David Whalen is a disability awareness trainer and advocate. He founded Disability Awareness Training (DAT), an organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of disabilities.

DAT provides education to law enforcement, emergency responders, human service providers and places of worship on disabilities; their definitions, etiquette and interaction skills; stigma and misperceptions; proactive approaches for community inclusion and integration; the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); as well as other topics.

Early Life and Education

David Whalen is an American entrepreneur, film actor and former US Navy Lieutenant who has also contributed to the disability rights movement.

He has written and published articles and essays on Renaissance poetry, non-fiction prose and the history and philosophy of liberal arts education. Additionally, he frequently lectures on various topics.

His first published work was an analysis of John Henry Newman’s epistemological thought. Additionally, he has written book reviews and articles on Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, and Walker Percy.

He is actively involved in the Challenger Baseball League, Skating Athletes Bold at Heart (SABAH) and the Committee on Special Education. Furthermore, he served as past president of both Williamsville Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association and PTSA council. Furthermore, he was appointed Chair of Amherst’s Committee on Disabilities which he held since 2008.

Professional Career

David Whalen has a longstanding commitment to service. Throughout his career, he has advocated for those with disabilities.

He has extensive professional experience as a financial advisor, having held that role for 29 years. Currently employed at Morgan Stanley in Oakland, California, Mr. Geller holds over 29 years of professional expertise.

Throughout his career, he has provided clients with exceptional service from coast to coast. He assists them in creating, protecting and passing on wealth.

In his free time, he volunteers for Skating Athletes Bold at Heart (SABAH) and the Committee on Special Education. Furthermore, he serves as vice president of Central Amherst Little League’s Challenger division.

Achievements and Honors

David Whalen is a renowned actor who has featured in numerous movies and television shows. Additionally, he volunteers for various organizations and works to advocate for disability rights.

At 11 weeks, he was born premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and a learning disability. At Williamsville South he earned his Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential while Rachel graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University with her Master in Fine Arts (2021).

Whalen has dedicated his career to mentoring students and aiding their college success. He is known as the faculty member who goes above and beyond for students during times of difficulty. Furthermore, Whalen is an innovator; co-developing Town Hall Training (Disability Education and Awareness for Municipalities) with Partners in Policymaking.

Personal Life

David Whalen had a wide range of interests and activities. He was an accomplished trapper, hunter, country fur buyer, furrier, dog breeder, fisherman, woodsman, habitat manager, daylily hybridizer, specialty apple tree propagator and businessman.

He was a man of impeccable integrity who believed everyone had worth and something important to contribute. He never settled for being average; always striving to excel in whatever endeavor he chose to pursue.

Today he serves as Associate Professor of English and Dean of the Faculty at Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he and his wife cherish the close-knit community among students and faculty members.

Net Worth

Dave Whelan, a former English footballer with an estimated net worth of $210 million, began his career in 1956 and played for Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra.

After retiring from football, he opened up several supermarkets which he eventually sold for more than one million pounds. He went on to become the owner of Wigan Athletic, a League 1 club.

He possesses an immense amount of wealth and appears to enjoy spending it on his family. He owns multiple properties in the United Kingdom as well as several cars. Additionally, he donates money to the Conservative Party.