Erin Schumacher, Supervisor of Communications, Texas School for the Deaf. "Snapshot: Texas School for the Deaf, a brief history and its evolution into the modern age." Emma Giuntoli (a TDS and Gallaudet University graduate and TDS publicity and social media specialist) participated with ASL interpreter Tammy Carrizales.
Erin is a communications and public policy specialist, with a background in legislative affairs, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement across state government and higher education. She is deeply committed to deaf education and ensuring accessible, inclusive communication that empowers students, families, and the broader deaf community.
This year is the 170-year anniversary of TSD. It is the oldest continually operating public school in Texas, which is a tuition free, state funded public school serving ages 0-22. As required by Texas Education Code, TSD has a dual mission of providing comprehensive day and residential programs for deaf and hard of hearing students, including those with multiple disabilities and serving as a Statewide Educational Resource Center on Deafness.
Their biggest challenges are recruiting and maintaining highly qualified staff, supporting a diverse population of learners, many of whom have additional disabilities, and addressing the educational gaps for students who are older when they enroll.
Last year enrollment was 544 and they supported an additional 642 for summer and short-term programs. 200 students stay on campus. The stages of education provided are:
1. Early Learning Center (ELC) and early intervention for very young children.
2. Elementary
3. Secondary – middle and high school
4. Access – supports students ages 18-22 for independent life after high school
The Statewide Outreach Center connects deaf and hard of hearing students, families and educators across the state with resources and services. There are 7,600 deaf students in the state and SOC supports all of them and their families.
In addition to course work, TSD offers vocational training through programs like culinary, woodworking, and trades. Athletics are also an important component, as anticipating in sports give the students confidence. TSD offer football, volleyball, basketball, track and field, swimming, and cheerleading.
We watched a video of student who transferred there from mainstream school his sophomore year to take advantage of training in trades. TSD helped him decide he wants to be a project manager. Being at TSD made him more social and gave him confidence. He is now at Texas State studying construction and engineering.
