TAD Conference Early Bird Combo, Award and Officer Nominations Requested by May 25

Posted in: TAD President's Corner by TAD Administration on May 4, 2009 | 0 Comments

Click here to download TAD Early Bird Registration Form (PDF format)

In about one month the 45th biennial conference will take place from June 11 to 13 at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel. You save $25 by registering early by May 15. Attached above is a copy of the early bird registration. You can find more information about the conference by going to our website www.deaftexas.org. The sooner you register and book your room at the incredible rate of $85 a night, the better it will be for you and TAD!

Past TAD conferences have always included awards and recognition ceremonies. The tradition will continue at the upcoming conference in San Antonio on Saturday night on June 13. Chris Hamilton of Austin is the chairperson and you may email him your nominations at chris.hamilton@tsd.state.tx.us. Here is the primary list of awards with a brief criterion for each:

Education Award: This teacher, administrator or educator from the regional day school programs and TSD may qualify for this special award. This person must inspire her or his students, staff and parents as a good role model. The nominee must truly be dedicated, innovative and professional. 2007 winners were Rakia Musa of Laredo and Laura Kowalik of San Antonio.

Volunteer Award: This TAD member is a true volunteer in every sense of the word. His or her dedication is very conspicuous to the board and other TAD members. Unselfish hours are spent on behalf of TAD and the Texas Deaf Community. 2007 winner was Fred Newberry of Austin.

Distinguished Service Award: For a TAD member who has done vital work for the association by volunteering substantial time for the Deaf Community for many years. 2007 winner was Kathy Walters of Rockwall.

TAD/NAD Golden Hand Award: This person has served the Texas Deaf Community for many unselfish years as a true volunteer and many lives have improved because of her or his contributions in Texas. 2007 winner was Grant Laird, Jr.

Hendricks Arnold Award: For an outstanding African-American and Deaf person who contributed significantly to his culture, community, and work place. Last two winners were Larry Smith of Austin and Dr. Glenn Anderson of Arkansas.

Senator Gonzales Barrientos Award: For an outstanding Hispanic and Deaf person who has done substantial social and advocacy work for his culture, community and work place. Last two winners were Rogelio Fernandez of Austin and Alma Bebee of El Paso. Deadline is May 25, 2009.

The elections for officers and board directors will take place on June 13 after the business meeting at 3:00 PM. There will be some vacancies and we hope to have many interested persons who have been a member of TAD for at least two years. Please send your nomination or even nominate yourself to chair of the nominations committee Bill Eckstein at bill.eckstein@tsd.state.tx.us. Please make sure the nominee you have in mind has agreed to your action. Yes, members can be nominated or withdrawn from the floor before the elections. Deadline for the nominations is May 25.

TAD is a non-profit 501 (3) C organization that was established in 1886. There are about 650 members, including online E-newsletter subscribers. TAD is an advocacy state association and many laws like ASL, Relay Texas, TSD 51% board make-up, commission for the deaf and other legislative mandates have benefited Deaf Texans. TAD is affiliated with the National Association of the Deaf. For those who wish to join TAD, there is a membership form at www.deaftexas.org.

TAD board truly looks forward to seeing y’all!