History of West Texas Services for the Deaf, Inc.
West Texas Services for the Deaf, Inc. (WTSD) was founded in 1967. Several hearing and Deaf individuals wanted a visible organization in Abilene and the Big Country to promote sign language and Deaf culture. Soon after it's inception, WTSD chose it's first officers and service provider. Incorporation status was obtained in 1977. At that time guidelines for WTSD's Board of Directors were established. The Board of Directors selected their first members. Also instituted was the annual election of officers. A survey was made in West Texas on behalf of the Texas Commission for the Deaf (TCD) to locate Deaf people and determine their needs. Interpreters for the Deaf were sought who could use sign language to bridge the communication gap that existed and still does between the Deaf and hearing community.
In 1979, WTSD started receiving funds from the Texas Commission for the Deaf to pay for interpreters. Workshops were started to improve interpreter skills and TCD started training service providers in Texas. In the early 80's, cooperative programs were started with the Abilene Police and Fire Departments. WTSD was instrumental in introducing the first TTY (Teletype) phone machines for the Deaf into the community. WTSD instituted several Deaf awareness programs with churches, businesses, and government offices. In the late 80's, WTSD initiated two major social events that continue until today; an annul Christmas banquet and summer picnic. WTSD has had several service providers over the years:
1977-1985, Ms. Saundra Striegler, Certified Interpreter
1985-1992, Dr. Jerry Drennan, Certified Interpreter
1992-1997, Ms. Toni Garza, Hard of Hearing
1997-1999, Ms. Dottie Scott
1999-Present, Ms. Nancy Prince, Certified Interpreter
In 1993, Mr. Neil Fry, County Commissioner, helped WTSD obtain a small office in the Taylor County Plaza Building free of charge. In the late 90's, funding from the State decreased as local funding opportunities increased and WTSD started relying on local contracts and private donations. WTSD started using volunteer interpreters. Due to the reduction of state funds, the service provider became a volunteer position. Most of the funds were used for maintaining phone and pager service. In 2000, WTSD began a separate volunteer program called KODA (Kids of Deaf Adults) which helps hearing children who have Deaf parents deal with language delay and social interaction problems. Also, WTSD created a separate program called the West Texas Community for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing which conducts social events for WTSD. IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status was obtained in November of 2002.
West Texas Services for the Deaf, Inc. (WTSD) was founded in 1967. Several hearing and Deaf individuals wanted a visible organization in Abilene and the Big Country to promote sign language and Deaf culture. Soon after it's inception, WTSD chose it's first officers and service provider. Incorporation status was obtained in 1977. At that time guidelines for WTSD's Board of Directors were established. The Board of Directors selected their first members. Also instituted was the annual election of officers. A survey was made in West Texas on behalf of the Texas Commission for the Deaf (TCD) to locate Deaf people and determine their needs. Interpreters for the Deaf were sought who could use sign language to bridge the communication gap that existed and still does between the Deaf and hearing community.
In 1979, WTSD started receiving funds from the Texas Commission for the Deaf to pay for interpreters. Workshops were started to improve interpreter skills and TCD started training service providers in Texas. In the early 80's, cooperative programs were started with the Abilene Police and Fire Departments. WTSD was instrumental in introducing the first TTY (Teletype) phone machines for the Deaf into the community. WTSD instituted several Deaf awareness programs with churches, businesses, and government offices. In the late 80's, WTSD initiated two major social events that continue until today; an annul Christmas banquet and summer picnic. WTSD has had several service providers over the years:
1977-1985, Ms. Saundra Striegler, Certified Interpreter
1985-1992, Dr. Jerry Drennan, Certified Interpreter
1992-1997, Ms. Toni Garza, Hard of Hearing
1997-1999, Ms. Dottie Scott
1999-Present, Ms. Nancy Prince, Certified Interpreter
In 1993, Mr. Neil Fry, County Commissioner, helped WTSD obtain a small office in the Taylor County Plaza Building free of charge. In the late 90's, funding from the State decreased as local funding opportunities increased and WTSD started relying on local contracts and private donations. WTSD started using volunteer interpreters. Due to the reduction of state funds, the service provider became a volunteer position. Most of the funds were used for maintaining phone and pager service. In 2000, WTSD began a separate volunteer program called KODA (Kids of Deaf Adults) which helps hearing children who have Deaf parents deal with language delay and social interaction problems. Also, WTSD created a separate program called the West Texas Community for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing which conducts social events for WTSD. IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status was obtained in November of 2002.
