Fall 2007 Table of Contents
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Looking Forward at TSBVI

By William “Bill” Daugherty, Superintendent, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Abstract: Bill Daugherty, the new Superintendent for TSBVI, introduces himself and talks about his background and TSBVI.

Key Words: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, TSBVI, Superintendent Phil Hatlen, Superintendent Bill Daugherty, blindness, visual impairment, News & Views

My name is William “Bill” Daugherty, and as the new Superintendent of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), I am so pleased to have a regular opportunity to provide the readership of TX SenseAbilities an update about our school’s campus and statewide activities. I previously worked at TSBVI until 1993, and for the past 14 years have served as the Superintendent of the Kansas State School for the Blind. Returning to my hometown of Austin, and to what is regarded by many as the finest special purpose school of its type in the country, is both a thrill and a great honor.

You have to leave Austin and Texas for a while to fully grasp how large this city and this state looms in the public imagination. Likewise, TSBVI is widely discussed within our field as an important national resource and as a source of key leadership to the profession. Much of that recognition has been due to the service of Dr. Phil Hatlen over his past 17 years as the TSBVI Superintendent. Phil has demonstrated a unique ability to unite our field around unifying themes and principles that made sense to people. The Expanded Core Curriculum is but one example. But TSBVI’s national and international prominence has also evolved as many of its teachers and specialists grew to become the very best in the country at what they do. Current and former TSBVI staff form an extensive A-List of authors, presenters and consultants on every specialization related to Visual Impairment. Their influence and contributions flourished because TSBVI over the past three decades or so has placed a value on creativity that is reflective of the city in which our school resides.

I’ve had opportunity to travel around the country quite a bit, and I cannot think of another state that has a better network of services to students with visual impairments. Our fine school in Austin with its highly diversified service delivery options on its campus and statewide, combined with two teacher training programs and the many TVIs and COMS working across the state in the ESCs and ISDs, form an unparalleled opportunity for partnerships. A major interest of mine will be to build upon the existing collaborations and find new avenues of action that will help ensure every student in the state has adequate access to professionals who can support their needs as a learner. At my recent attendance at the state ACB conference in Austin, I heard comments that were clear reminders that independence, employment and empowerment are still more journey than destination. Every possible option needs to be on our collective table, and every tool in the box needs to be brought to bear in meeting our common goals for all our students across Texas.

I’ll close with an update about our school in Austin. TSBVI’s 91 year-old campus is in the midst of being completely rebuilt over the next 5 years. What will emerge from this project is a fine new facility that will serve the state for many decades to come. TSBVI will continue to adapt and change to better meet on-going needs and to proactively address whatever emerging trends may arise. Those of us who have been professionals in this field for a while know to expect the unexpected. But in what better enterprise to be involved? This is very good work to be associated with.

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Last Revision: December 11, 2007