TAD Conference Update: Early bird combo, Award Nominations and
Candidate Nominations Deadline
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 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
[email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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.