Posted in: 2009 TAD Conference: San Antonio, Inside TAD by TAD Administration on July 12, 2009 | 0 Comments
247 Attended the 45th Biennial TAD Confab in SA
The registration committee reported that 247 people attended the 45th Texas Association of the Deaf Biennial Conference at Holiday Inn’s El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel from June 11 to 13, 2009 in San Antonio. The same hotel hosted the TAD conference in 1977 during which time the first Miss Deaf Texas Pageant took place, Kathy Weldon won the crown, and Larry Evans was elected to his first term as President. Mario Montalvo chaired the event. Incidentally Evans, Weldon and Montalvo gathered with other attendees for a group photo in the hotel lobby immediately after the general meeting and elections as did the attendees at the recent June 2009 Conference. The 2009 Conference did not hold a Miss Deaf Texas Pageant.
There were 21 exhibitors, which represent four VRS providers, state agencies, educational programs, interpreting services, assistive devices, and two art-related booths, especially Viva De ‘Via, a collection of Deaf-themed art works. Sponsoring the conference were a total of 11 organizations and corporations, which enhanced the quality of the event, especially during the economic downturn.
The speakers, keynoters, workshop presenters and panelists were all sponsored by a variety of groups such as ZVRS, Lamar University, DARS, and Texas School for the Deaf. Claire Bugen, Chris Wagner and Paul Rutowski teamed up as collaborating keynoters to take on the conference theme of “Change, Challenge, Commitment: Moving Forward Together!” Laura Davis, Stella Egbert, John Evans, Michael Wynne, Mark Gobble, Dr. Alan L. Marcus, and Elizabeth “Libby” Pollard also impressed the participants with their workshop presentations. On the basis of the post-conference evaluation forms collected, such speakers, panel discussions, and other events were highly rated, garnering 4.5 stars out of a possible 5
From the beginning of the world film premiere of “Journey Through Deaf Texas” on June 11 to the awards/banquet/dance night of June 13, the conference kept nearly every TAD member and guest busy, inspired, entertained and well fed. New officers and board members for 2009 to 2011 comprised of youth, wisdom, experience and talents. Paul Rutowski is the new president who is joined by Katherine Murch as newest board member and Betty Bounds as secretary. Incumbents are Chris Kearney as Vice President, Steve Baldwin as a four-year board member, Larry Evans as a two-year director, and John Mills as treasurer.
Conference core team members were chair Karen Kirby, budget chair Sabrina Dannheim, program chair Julie Grisham, exhibit chair Leslie Walter, and CEU chair Anne Hoscheit. In addition to countless volunteers from Austin to San Antonio, members of SA Deaf Awareness Week also assisted with the Sorenson sponsored film reception and conference events. We appreciate the volunteers who have always been the heart and soul of the TAD conferences.
The next conference will take place sometime in June of 2011 in Corpus Christi, which will be a concurrent one with Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf. TSID president-elect Rita Lee and TAD president Paul Rutowski will eventually appoint co-chairs of the conference this fall. Watch for further details on the TAD website www:deaftexas.org.
Texas Association of the Deaf is a 501 3 (c) non-profit advocacy organization that was established in 1886 to safeguard the rights of the Deaf and hard of hearing Texans. TAD is affiliated with the National Association of the Deaf and other disability organizations. Seasonal newsletters are available to people who join TAD for only $20 to $25 for up to two years toward the next conference. In between conferences, TAD keeps a peeled eye on Texas legislation, state agencies, educational programs and situations whenever the civil and human rights are violated and communication access is denied.
For further information about this posting or TAD in general, send your inquiries to Betty@deaftexas.org.
Posted in: 2009 TAD Conference: San Antonio by TAD Administration on June 17, 2009 | 2 Comments
Texas Association of the Deaf, Inc.
P.O. Box 1982, Manchaca, TX 78652
Media Contact:
Steve Baldwin
steve@deaftexas.org
June 16, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, TX- The 45th Biennial Conference of Texas Association of the
Deaf took place at Holiday Inn’s Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel in San
Antonio from June 11 to 13, 2009. It was TAD’s first visit to Alamo
City since 1977 when Mario Montalvo was the conference chairperson
and Larry D. Evans was elected president. Both Montalvo and Evans
were in attendance and later honored by TAD during the awards
ceremony Saturday night in the Coronado Ballroom.
During the general meeting on Saturday afternoon over 150
registered attendees and about 50 one-day only attendees and
general public witnessed the election of seven new officers and board
directors, especially in view of this difficult economic time. Paul
Rutowski, a regular member of TAD, easily won the election as
president. Chris Kearney remained as vice president while incumbent
treasurer John Mills won his 3rd term. Betty Bounds, an award-winning
educator, won as secretary of TAD. Larry D. Evans, who will enter his 6th
decade as a TAD member or officer next year, has two years left
as Director. Completing the TAD Team as fellow board Directors are
Katherine March,former Miss Deaf Texas, and Steve Baldwin, immediate
past president, for six and four years, respectively.
In his first public statement, Rutowski comments through text
messaging: “Allow me to join everyone in the excitement of the new
TAD board for 2009-2011! As you can see, we have a great dynamic
group! Consisting of seasoned leadership, and enthusiastically
welcome a very young generation in both Chris and Katie whom I
find energetic, fresh and vibrant. Ironically, both are not new to the
TAD. Chris will be entering his 2nd term on the board as VP and
Katie recently completed her Miss Deaf Texas stint and is reinvesting
her time and energy with the TAD for a 6-year board member term.
This is on top of the other well-known and proven Deaf/HH leaders in
Larry Evans, Betty Bounds and John Mills. The sweetest piece of this
package is that President Emeritus Steve Baldwin has agreed to
continue his legacy by cementing his 4-year commitment to the
Board. Truth be told, I could not ask for a better Board to work
with!"
Texas Association of the Deaf is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization
established in 1886 to safeguard the rights of deaf and hard of
hearing Texans. More information about TAD and view the
conference photos please go to wwww.deaftexas.org.
_______________________________________________________
New 2009-2011 TAD Board: John Mills – Treasurer, Chris Kearney – Vice
President, Paul Rutowski – President, Larry Evans – Director, Katherine
Murch – Director, Steve Baldwin – Director, and Betty Bounds – Secretary.
_____________________________________________________________
Posted in: 2009 TAD Conference: San Antonio by TAD Administration on May 26, 2009 | 1 Comment
Flash! TAD Conference Updates!
In less than one week, the 45th Biennial Texas Association of the Deaf Conference will take place at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel from June 11 to 13. Hence, the countdown has started for TAD and the Texas Deaf Community!
Several updates have been made to make the conference more educational, entertaining and interesting. Replacing Dr. Lon Kuntze and Dr. Genie Gertz are Mike Wynne, Jr. and Mark Gobble who will talk about “Beyond Deafness: A Paradigm Shift.” Replacing Trudy Suggs is Dr. Alan Marcus who will speak about parents and their deaf children. Presenting a variety of high interest topics and presentations are Libby Pollard, Stella Egbert, John Evans, Randi Turner and Laura Davis. There will also be a total of four special panel discussions that should meet the different needs of the conference attendees. More is better!
The City of San Antonio just announced that the extension project and makeover of its famous Riverwalk is completed and our host hotel El Tropicano, original site of the 1979 TAD convention, is right next to river where you can take a riverboat taxi for just $5 going one way instead of walking up and down the steps, navigating the tricky and uneven tunnels or strolling the busy streets or sidewalks. So let the riverboat taxi pilot take care of your transportation needs. What an attractive convenience!
Do not forget to attend the world premiere of “Journey Through Deaf Texas” on Thursday of June 11 at 7:00 PM at UTSA-Downtown Campus. A chartered bus will leave the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel every 15 minutes starting at 6:00 PM. This event is a special fundraiser and a donation of $5 or more is appreciated. The fund-rising efforts are part of the short-term goal of buying DVD copies of the film after special screenings take place across Texas this year. To book your screening, contact Steve Baldwin at steve@deaftexas.org. Don’t miss this show!
The theme of the conference is very relevant, realistic and revealing: “Change, Challenge, Commitment—Moving Forward Together!” We are very fortunate to have three nationally well-known individuals and achievers. TSD Superintendent Claire Bugen will be the first keynoter who will challenge us on Friday morning the 12th. Then we have another Texan Paul Rutowski giving us past and living examples of Deaf Texans during the TAD presidential reception. The third part of the theme falls to NAD vice president Chris Wagner who will get us committed Saturday night! This triple whammy of delightful keynoters will leave you totally entertained, inspired and proactive! Don’t miss these keynoters!
Posted in: 2009 TAD Conference: San Antonio by TAD Administration on May 19, 2009 | 0 Comments
Airport Information
For those of you flying into San Antonio, you have a variety of options.
Car Rental
San Antonio International has nine car rental companies available to passengers with counter space in each of the terminals.
Taxi Cab Service to/from Airport
Taxi cabs are available at the lower level curbside, outside of baggage claim, at Terminal 1 and at the front curbside of Terminal 2 just outside baggage claim. For assistance, please contact the Airport Ground Transportation Agent wearing an airport badge. Fare to San Antonio downtown areas are approximately $20 to $23 (U.S.) per taxicab. (Up to 4 may share a cab.)
Shared-Ride Shuttle Service to/from Airport
Authorized Service Provider: SATRANS Airport Express. SATRANS Phone # 210-281-9900. Online Reservations: http://ltd10.hudsonltd.net/cgi-bin/sat1/res?USERIDENTRY=SAT&LOGON=GO For more information, visit: www.saairportshuttle.com. Charges: $18.00 ticket per person to downtown hotels or $32.00 for a round trip ticket. Service to other areas charged by zone. Major credit cards are accepted.
City Bus Service
VIA METROPOLITAN TRANSIT- The City’s VIA bus company offers rides to downtown for about $1 Monday through Sunday. See Ground Transportation Agents at the curbsides of each terminal for transportation schedules and bus pick-up area and drop off area. For more information: Call 210-362-2020 or visit http://www.viainfo.net/Ride/Default.aspx. Note: Exact change recommended
Hotel Information
For directions to the hotel, go to the hotel’s website at www.eltropicanohotel.com. Southbound traffic may go IH-35 South toward Laredo. Take the Lexington Street exit and turn left. Go 4 blocks and the hotel is on the right.
Parking at the hotel is available. The daily Self Parking fee is $14.00 per night with in/out privileges. City Parking Lot across the street is $5.00 per day.
Dine on the River Walk 
Step Through Time at the Missions and the Alamo
Browse through El MercadoGetting Around Downtown
Rio Taxi Service
Looking for a cool ride along the River Walk? Try our Rio Taxi service. Stopping continuously at over 39 stops along our beautiful River Walk, the taxi gives you the opportunity to relax on your way to your favorite restaurant or River Walk hotspot.
The Rio Taxi drivers have tickets on board that you may purchase. Request a Taxi pick up via the El Tropicano Concierge. Rates are $5 one way and they are available from 9am to 9pm!
Streetcars
If you need to get around downtown, the VIA historic streetcars are the way to go. Four different streetcar routes travel throughout downtown carrying visitors, shoppers, sightseers, and downtown residents. Streetcars come by each stop about every 10 minutes so there’s never a long wait. Take the streetcar from the hotel to the River Walk Streetcar Station (blue route) to explore the River Walk or connect to another streetcar to Market Square. Hours are 7am to 9pm on Friday and 9am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday. Fare is $1.10 each way.
Posted in: 2009 TAD Conference: San Antonio by TAD Administration on May 12, 2009 | 1 Comment
May 11, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FILM ON TEXAS DEAF HISTORY TO PREMIERE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS IN JUNE
AUSTIN, TX- The Texas Association of the Deaf (TAD) and Davideo Productions will host its world premiere of a documentary film about TAD on June 11, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas.
JOURNEY THROUGH DEAF TEXAS chronicles the history of TAD since its inception in 1886 and its historic accomplishments that have had an impact on deaf and hard of hearing Texans. This film will kick off the 45th biennial TAD conference at the El Tropicana Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio on June 12 & 13, 2009.
This film took more than two years to produce and was made possible through a grant from the Travis County Council of the Deaf and subsequent funding from TAD. The film was co-produced, directed, and edited by David H. Pierce who has worked in the television industry for 24 years.
Stephen C. Baldwin, Ph.D., president of TAD, co-producer, writer, and researcher of the film, says that "the film is not all about politics and legislative endeavors, but it has sentimental moments about leadership, failures, triumphs, ignorance, apathy and the need to continue to work on making lives better for the Texas Deaf Community."
It will be screened at 7pm at the Buena Vista Theatre located at the University of Texas-San Antonio downtown campus on 501 W. Durango in San Antonio. General admission for this fundraiser is $5. Funds raised will be used for further distribution of the film as well as the production of a book to accompany the film.
Texas Association of the Deaf is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1886 to safeguard the rights of deaf and hard of hearing Texans. More information can be found at wwww.deaftexas.org
Davideo Productions is a motion picture film & broadcast television production, syndication and consulting firm based in Seguin, Texas and is owned by deaf broadcast/cable veteran David H. Pierce. More information can be found at www.davideo.tv
Davideo Productions and Texas Association of the Deaf
Proudly presents the world premiere of
JOURNEY THROUGH DEAF TEXAS
June 11, 2009
7:00 PM (Doors Open at 6:00 PM)
University of Texas – San Antonio
Buena Vista Theatre
501 West Durango
San Antonio, Texas 78207
Fundraiser Admission $5.00
For updates about all screenings,
visit http://www.deaftexas.org
Download TAD Film Front – PDF format
Download TAD Film Back – PDF format
Posted in: 2009 TAD Conference: San Antonio 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!Posted in: 2009 TAD Conference: San Antonio by TAD Administration on April 28, 2009 | 0 Comments
CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS!!!
TAD will have Youth sessions available during the 2009 Conference!!
Come and meet other Deaf high school students like yourself from around the state!
Learn what makes a leader! You are the future of TAD!
Learn what makes a leader in the Deaf community through¼..
Icebreakers
Team-Building Activities
Networking with Deaf individuals
Panel of College Students
Sessions about leadership, ADA, employment, networking,
and much more!
Requirements
High school students (completed freshman year prior to conference)
Parent(s) must be attending TAD Conference
For more information, contact Julie at jegrisham@sbcglobal.net
Go to http://www.deaftexas.org and fill out a registration form and get the student rate!
(Put "Youth Program" on the top of the registration form.)
Download flyer: (PDF format)
http://www.deaftexas.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/tad-youth-ad-for-tad-and-df-ntwk.pdf
Posted in: 2009 TAD Conference: San Antonio by TAD Administration on March 31, 2009 | 0 Comments
San Antonio, Texas
Holiday Inn—El Tropicano Riverwalk
June 11-13, 2009
Change…Challenge…Commitment…
I am excited to be your conference chair for the 45th biennial conference to be held in San Antonio, the home of the famed River Walk and 4-time NBA Champion Spurs! As Conference Chair, I want to present a comfortable, open-minded setting for all to attend and leave feeling confident with the tools we will gain from the many wonderful speakers.
Look for more information on TAD Website in the next few months.
Karen Kirby (Email: karenk at deaftexas dot org)
EXPLORE SAN ANTONIO!!
San Antonio has just about anything that you could want, from historical sights and authentic culture to pro sports and modern theme parks. Not only home to the Alamo and the NBA-Champion Spurs, San Antonio is infused with the history and traditions of the past. The River Walk, also known as the Paseo del Rio, provides relaxing entertainment as it meanders through a truly cosmopolitan city. Take a stroll along the river that winds through the center of downtown, and stop in shops and restaurants along the way.
There are too many San Antonio attractions to list, but here are some of the major attractions:
To learn more about these attractions, visit: San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
http://www.visitsanantonio.com
General Information
Registration & Prices
The registration includes early-bird combo tickets and at-the door combo tickets. Individual day tickets and single event tickets are also available.
Conference Events – Conference attendees can look forward to exciting presentations as well as events such as:
Exhibits – Various companies and providers will be on site to speak with attendees about their products and/or services. Be sure to check them out!
Continuing Education Units BEI and RID CEUs will be given during this conference.
Updated: 4/09/09
Posted in: 2009 TAD Conference: San Antonio by TAD Administration on February 23, 2009 | 0 Comments
Call for TAD Nominations for Awards
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 for the nominations is May 25, 2009 before 5:00 PM. Once again, please send your nominations via e-mail to Chris.Hamilton@tsd.state.tx.us. His awards/recognition committee is made up of Danny Lacey, Mike and Karyl Ann Hummel.
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