Tom DeFayette is a certified employment support specialist for a regional disability services provider in the United States. He passionately advocates for persons with disabilities, concentrating on inclusive education, employment, vocational training, and independent living. Tom served in the U.S. Army and has been a high school science teacher and healthcare logistician. He also served in the Peace Corps in Botswana and South Africa, concentrating on HIV prevention and teaching secondary physical science. In 2019, Tom completed a Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange project in Botswana, where he assisted a special needs school with its supported employment program. A lifelong volunteer, Tom serves on the board of directors for a regional independent living center, as a trustee at a special education school in Botswana, and as a member of Rotary International, serving on his Rotary District's International Service Committee. Tom holds degrees from Norwich University and the Florida Institute of Technology.