Texas Association of Parents and Educators for the Deaf

Greetings,
My name is Connie Ferguson. I am honored to serve as TAPED President (2004-2008).
TAPED is all about the people who love deaf and hard of hearing children - parents and those who work in education! As a deaf adult, I know firsthand the importance of parents and teachers! I was diagnosed as having a progressive hearing loss at age 11. I remember mother crying when I failed my hearing test as she watched from outside the soundproof booth. That was the only time I witnessed her grief at my hearing loss. After that, mother simply expected me to go to school, lipread, advocate for myself, make all A's (although B's were acceptable) and above all learn to laugh at myself!
That gift of laughter has carried me through many potentially embarrassing and ego deflating experiences that normally result from not hearing and misunderstanding. She set high standards for me and no limitations! (So what if you cannot hear the flute! If you want to play it in the high school band - do it!) She expected me to go to college and be successful. She spent time helping me with homework, encouraging me, and advocating. I thank Sally Sanford for her courage and devotion to her deaf child in a rural area with no support and doctors who told her that I would need to be institutionalized. Like my mother, each of you parents today have your own stories. You face unique challenges with grace and courage. You have my utmost respect! Teachers are so important in the lives of deaf children.
In my current role as Supervisor for Brazos Valley RDSD in Bryan ISD, I witness the dedication of these professionals in our program and around the state. In my day (pre- Public Law 94-142), Texas School for the Deaf provided excellent education opportunities or parents chose to keep their children in the local schools. There were no regional day school programs for the deaf, expanded TSD services, itinerant teachers, parent infant advisors, Deaf Children's Bill of Rights, IDEA, and other services we take for granted today. I was blessed with a number of regular education teachers who understood the unique needs of a deaf child. From Mr. Ryland (my long suffering band director who allowed me to play flute badly in the band) to Mrs. Dear, Mr. Phillips and Mrs. Kennedy. Everyone has those special teachers who built self-esteem, encouraged, and pushed us to success! My hat is off to all the professionals and paraprofessionals in education that work with deaf and hard of hearing children!
I would like to invite you to join TAPED as we grow and strive to help those we love the most, deaf and hard of hearing children! We welcome your comments and input.

Sincerely,
Connie Ferguson
TAPED President

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