Letter from TAD President

Posted in: Inside TAD, TAD Announcements, TAD President's Corner by TAD Administration on February 11, 2011 | 1 Comment

 

 

Texas Association of the Deaf, Inc.
P.O. Box  1982

Manchaca, Texas 78652

www.deaftexas.org

 

 

February 10, 2011

 

To TAD members, friends and supporters:

 

On behalf of the TAD board, I am taking this opportunity to address the current issues that affect the deaf and hard of hearing citizens of Texas.  While our legislators are facing their most challenging session as I write, I want everyone to know that TAD has been in touch with key representatives and senators since last September!  

 

Indeed, we started months before the 82^nd session started in early January.  If you have been reading our past website postings and newsletters for the last three years, our activities at the state capitol have been duly noted.  Furthermore, I myself have attended a crucial luncheon with legislators at the annual event that was arranged by the Disability Policy Consortium last month.  TAD has also partnered with the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities on several endeavors, especially at rallies arranged by CTD. 

 

How many of you know that we have a successful public forum online that is free to anyone who joins Yahoo groups?  This highly informative forum is called Texas Deaf Issues, which is moderated by David Pierce who carefully lists all the issues, news, past laws, priorities and currents bills affecting all of us.  Since the forum group was initiated three years ago by TAD, we have nearly 500 essential postings.  That crucial site also lists 12 bills affecting all of us.  Check it out this free service and learn how closely we keep feeling the pulse of legislative action and other vital news.

 

In essence, TAD supports all statewide programs that affect the general well being of the deaf and hard of hearing people in Texas.  Among the programs directly impacted by serious budgetary cuts for the next two years are ACC, SWCID, regional day school program, DARS, UT, LU, etc.  Unfortunately, no statewide program is exempted from the inevitable cuts.  Contacting the administrators of various such programs includes my constant communication with Superintendent Claire Bugen.  There is never a question or concern about the historic partnership between TAD and TSD.   Our record clearly shows how many times TAD has influenced the course of TSD over the last 40 years.  To assume otherwise constitutes ignorance or misguided advisement.  Indeed, we are proud of our longtime relationship with TSD and TAD is proud to represent the state of Texas after 125 years of advocacy endeavors.

 

By the way, it has come to my attention that some people are assuming that TSD will be closed by the Texas legislature this spring.   Let me inform you that there is NO truth to that rumor.  Like all state agencies or school districts, there is this mandated 10% cut across the board.   Due to the uniqueness of TSD in serving a large number of Special Needs students, there will be legal questions about the expected cuts.    Again, I repeat, TAD supports TSD and all other state programs and we will endeavor to communicate our concerns to the current Texas legislature.

 

In closing, on behalf of the Texas Association of the Deaf, we appreciate your attention to this vital letter or recent vlog.  In you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me at paul@deaftexas.org.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Paul Rutowski

TAD president