Rob Alkire joined Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) in 2012. He started out as a Research Assistant and has worked his way up to Social Media Manager. He promotes our services and events on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and keeps the public updated on other disability related information.

Rob suffered a spinal cord injury in 1984, and says; “it hasn’t stopped me from being what I want to be, and doing what I want to do.” He has worked his whole life in jobs that have helped him financially and personally, has had people help him along the way, and strives to do the same for others. “Treat people like you want to be treated, do things for the right reason, and see how far it gets you.”

Rob graduated from James Wood High School in Winchester. He has worn many hats at Ai, from consumer, to Board member, and now, an employee. He worked for a medical equipment and supply company before coming to Ai, and has hands on experience with wheelchairs, and other durable medical equipment.

Donna Day joined Access Independence, Inc. (Ai) on August 24, 1998 as the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist. Ai’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services are managed by Donna. She attends community events offering  equipment demonstrations, skill training, and installations. In addition to being a Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialist, Donna has also taught numerous ASL classes around the community; such as: Parks and Recreation, Lord Fairfax Community College, Blue Ridge Community College, Independent School of Winchester, and Shepherd University in West Virginia.

Donna grew up mainstreaming into oral public schools, where she did not encounter another deaf person until 1980, when she met and made a deaf friend, then learned American Sign Language (ASL). Donna then formed Ai’s first ASL Deaf Club, Deaf Coffee Chats & ASL Dinners in Winchester since 1999. Donna’s hobbies are quilting, baking, and playing with her five grandchildren. She is passionate about her job at Ai, and loves to teach sign language and Baby Signs.

Donna received her Career Studies Certification from Lord Fairfax Community College with Sign Communications in 2004. She graduated from Lord Fairfax Community College with a Liberal Arts degree in Communications in 2009. She has received two other Certifications of Completion in her role as a Deaf Interpreter in 2003. She earned her Baby Signs Certification in 2009.

Aaliyah Gray joined Access Independence, Inc. in May of 2022. Aaliyah has 20 years of experience working with people with disabilities. Over the years Aaliyah has had the pleasure of working for Grafton, Berkeley Senior Services, the Children’s Home Society, the Arc of Washington County, NW Works, and SVCR.

Aaliyah cares deeply about creating an inclusive community and helping others. She has participated in church mission trips, youth groups, and volunteering for summer camps/vacation bible studies.

Aaliyah studied Psychology and Health Care Administration with a focus in Long Term Care. She desires to help others in finding their voice and overcoming adversities. She is very passionate about helping people accomplish their goals, and becoming their best self despite past traumas/obstacles, race, class, gender, and sexuality.

Dana joined Access Independence Inc. in June 2016 as an Independent Living Specialist/Youth Transition Coordinator. In 2020 she became the Representative Payee Program Administrator.

Dana worked for iHeartMedia in advertising, which is where she became aware of Access Independence. She was so impressed with the work that Ai was doing in the community that she changed her career and came to work for Access Independence.

Dana is married, has one son, two daughters and five grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.