Delbert K. Aman

June 4, 1930 – January 9, 1988 
 
Delbert Aman was born June 4, 1930, in Java, S.D. to parents Albert and Alice Aman. He had four sisters and one brother. Delbert (Del) passed away January 9, 1988, at the age of 57. He attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. He graduated from University of South Dakota Law in Vermilion, S.D. 
 
Del was a charter member of ACB. He was instrumental during ACB’s formative years. In 1961, he served as ACB’s first chair for the Constitution and Bylaws Committee responsible for creating ACB’s current Constitution and Bylaws. Although they have been updated over time, these documents represent the bedrock of ACB's principles. 
 
Del was elected to ACB’s Board in 1962, 1976, 1981, and 1982. In 1978, Del was appointed to the 18-member National Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, the first blind person to receive such an appointment. In 1978 he became ACB’s 1st Vice President. 
 
In paying tribute to him as a colleague, friend, and a true leader, Durward McDaniel described him as “the principal architect of the ACB Constitution and By-Laws, which remains today in major detail as he originally wrote it.” What McDaniel singled out as most memorable about Del was “his capacity to stand for principle and conviction, even when disagreeing with his friends, without diminishing their respect for him or his respect for them.” 
 
Chris Gray stated, “I first met Del at the 1976 ACB convention. I was deeply impressed with Del's genuineness and low-key approach to problem-solving. I joined the ACB Board in 1978 and at our first meeting Del and I had a chance to get acquainted. We became friends and served as ACB liaisons to the student organization giving them guidance and mentorship. Del was far more patient than I with their concerns and perceived problems. It was truly impressive to see him turn problems into opportunities that could strengthen individuals and grow the student organization.” 
 
Jean Mann said, “In 1987 I asked President Grant Mack if I could serve on the resolutions committee. He didn’t need anybody there but had an opening on the constitution and bylaws committee, suggesting I serve there. Del was chairman of the committee. Since we had no computers, Del gave me the task of brailling the proposed changes to the constitution and had me read them on the convention floor. I found it very exciting as I’d never done anything like that before. Del died the following winter. I was appointed to chair the constitution and bylaws committee and ran for the board during convention, serving for eight years. But it was Del who gave me my initial exposure to the membership.” 
 
“For many of us in South Dakota, he is the reason we got involved in ACB,” stated Koni Sims. “I consider him a mentor. As others have stated, he was genuine and respected others. He believed in me and encouraged me to go for my dreams.”