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TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Gabriel Cardenas
512-462-5372
[email protected]
FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 24, 2023
TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF HONORS ALUMNI AND REMEMBERS THE HISTORY OF TEXAS’ BLIND DEAF AND ORPHAN SCHOOL
Austin, Texas – February 24, 2023 – In celebrating Black History Month, the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) is honoring the history of its Black Deaf Alumni whose roots trace back to the Texas Blind, Deaf, and Orphan School prior to desegregation. A group of these alums will visit the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) today to share their stories and experiences dating back to the days of segregation.
Originally established in 1887, the Texas Blind, Deaf, and Orphan School, a charity-sponsored institution for black children, was located on a hundred-acre tract on Bull Creek Road between 38th and 45th streets. The school was renamed the Texas Blind, Deaf, and Orphan School (BDO) in 1943, and relocated to a site in east Austin, which is now the current home of the City of Austin Animal Center. LINK HERE
Eventually desegregated, the east Austin campus then became known as Texas Blind and Deaf School, or “East Campus,” and merged with TSD in 1965. Later, in 1989, the two campuses and students were consolidated to attend school together at the main TSD campus, located on South Congress Avenue.
TSD Superintendent, Claire Bugen says, “not only is this an opportunity for our students to learn of the rich history from first-hand stories of BDO alumni, but it’s also an opportunity for the school to honor BDO’s significance in TSD’s story.”
What: Honoring the students of Texas Blind, Deaf, and Orphan School’s Bull Creek and East Campuses
When: Friday, February 24, 2023
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Texas School for the Deaf
Administrative Welcome Center
1102 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
More Info: Email Gabriel Cardenas at [email protected]
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ABOUT THE TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF (TSD)
The Texas School for the Deaf is the oldest continuously operating public school in Texas. Educating Texas students who are deaf and hard of hearing since 1856, the campus also provides outreach and educational resources for students, their families and professionals in the field throughout the state of Texas. With educational excellence and a strong belief in a culture and community at TSD, students form a unique identity based on their individual strengths and talents. TSD is an environment where students learn, grow, and belong. For more information about Texas School for the Deaf, visit: http://www.tsd.state.tx.us.