History of SWCED
The Concept
In 1975, Regional Day School Programs for the Deaf (RDSPDs) were established across Texas in public schools. Dorine Cunningham and John Butler, from the Texas Education Agency Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, created 18 RDSPDs in the North Texas Region, spanning from Abilene to Texarkana. During evaluations of these programs, many teachers expressed the need for professional development opportunities specific to working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. They also wanted to collaborate with colleagues from other programs to exchange ideas.
In response, Dorine and John proposed the idea of an annual regional conference for RDSPD personnel in North Texas. The first conference was held in a local hotel conference center in the fall of 1976. Over the years, participants from other regions joined, prompting the decision to transition from a regional to a statewide conference for those serving students who are deaf or hard of hearing in Texas. The final regional conference took place in 1983, and the first statewide conference was held in 1984.
The Founders
Key stakeholders in Texas recognized the need for a unified, statewide voice for educators and parents of the deaf. A meeting to organize this effort was held at the Callier Center in Dallas, where officers were elected and the Texas Association of Parents and Educators of the Deaf (TAPED) was founded. Laura Lott (Longview RDSPD) became the first president, Sharon Tallet (Mesquite RDSPD) was elected vice president, and Jean DeSalle became the treasurer. Dorine Cunningham and Joe Burkes (both with TEA), Arlene Stein (Dallas ISD), and Dianne Fisher (Birdville ISD) were key contributors to the formation of the organization and its membership.
One of TAPED’s early goals was to support a statewide conference for stakeholders across Texas. Sharon Tallet, as vice president, served as the chairperson for the first Statewide Conference in 1984. This conference eventually became the TAPED Statewide Conference for Education of the Deaf (SWCED).
Support
Over the years, numerous agencies and their representatives have supported the Statewide Conference on Education of the Deaf (SWCED). The Texas Education Agency Division of Services for the Deaf supported the conference until 1995, when decentralized deaf services and TEA regional offices were closed. In 1988, the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) and the Educational Service Centers (ESCs) co-sponsored the SWCED, and in subsequent years, the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DARS) became an active co-sponsor.
Since its inception, sponsoring and supporting agencies have helped bring in outstanding state and national conference presenters.
Recognizing Leaders & Scholarships
The recognition of outstanding educational leaders and the awarding of scholarships at the Statewide Conference on the Education of the Deaf (SWCED) highlight the conference’s commitment to celebrating excellence in the field of deaf education. By honoring educators and other professionals who have made significant contributions, the conference not only acknowledges their hard work and dedication but also inspires others to continue striving for the best outcomes for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The scholarships awarded to deserving Texas students are another key aspect of the conference’s impact. These scholarships help to support the next generation of students who are pursuing higher education, giving them the financial assistance needed to succeed. By providing these opportunities, SWCED plays an important role in fostering educational advancement and ensuring that students have the resources they need to thrive, whether they pursue careers in deaf education, the arts, or other fields.
Supporting Agencies
- Texas Association of Parents and Educators of the Deaf (TAPED)
- Education Service Centers (ESCs)
- Regional Day School Programs for the Deaf (RDSPDs)
- Texas School for the Deaf (TSD)
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
The SWCED Conference Planning Committee
The SWCED Conference Planning Committee works collaboratively to create a comprehensive and impactful biannual event. Their collective efforts ensure that the conference addresses the diverse needs of educators, parents, and professionals, while also bringing in experts to guide the development of effective teaching practices and resources for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This cooperation underscores the importance of a unified, statewide approach to supporting and improving the education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing in Texas.
