Summer 2007 Table of Contents
Versión Español de este artículo (Spanish Version)

Welcome to TAPVI From Your New President

By Shawna Tausch, President, TAPVI

Abstract: The recently-elected president of TAPVI introduces herself and provides information on becoming a member.

Key Words: Family Wisdom, parent organization, TAPVI

Editor’s Note: TX SenseAbilities would like to provide a forum for family organizations to regularly get information out to families. This information was provided to us by TAPVI:

TAPVI logo On June 18th, the Texas Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (TAPVI) co-hosted the pre-conference at Texas Focus in San Antonio. Marnee Loftin conducted the morning session on evaluating children with visual impairments. In the afternoon, incoming TAPVI president Shawna Tausch presented information on advocacy, communication, and accessing the expanded core curriculum. Both presentations were informative and entertaining.

TAPVI also conducted its annual membership meeting while at Texas Focus. Families were treated to snacks and an evening of socializing before the meeting, during which the new board was elected: President, Shawna Tausch; Past President, Alaine Hinds; President Elect, Michelle Chauvin; Secretary, Alison Rickerl; Treasurer, Alma Granado; Database, Linda Hulett; Webmaster, Dott Smith; Newsletter, Annette Oseguera. Our fund-raising committee chair, Kathy Smith, is in dire need of assistance. If you are interested in helping with fund-raising, or if you want to help out on another committee, please email us <tapvi @ yahoo.com>.

I wanted to send a heartfelt “hello” and welcome to our new members and prospective members, as well as a “welcome back” to our old friends. I will be serving as TAPVI president this year. The Texas Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments was established at Texas Focus in 2003. We have struggled to get off of the ground, but I think this is going to be the year that TAPVI takes off. Our volunteers have all worked very hard laying the groundwork to get us to this point. I’m excited to be able to move things forward.

With growth comes change. All TAPVI members will be required to join the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI). NAPVI offers a dual membership opportunity to its affiliates, so $15 of the $40 NAPVI dues will be paid to TAPVI. This is a chance to access all that NAPVI has to offer as well as build revenue for TAPVI.

Please complete the NAPVI membership form, make your check payable to NAPVI, and return it to the TAPVI address at the bottom of the form. We will add you to our database (or mark your membership paid) and forward it to NAPVI. As always, no one will be denied membership for inability to pay, so indicate on your form if you need scholarship assistance. You should receive your welcome packet in the mail within three weeks.

We would also like to develop a parent training and support group for each region. If you are interested in leading or joining one of these groups, please feel free to call me anytime at 512-618-7217.

I am looking forward to a very productive year. With the help of our board of directors and our tireless volunteers, TAPVI is headed for greatness. Thanks to all of you for your support.

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Last Revision: October 4, 2007