Hayley here,
Here I am, almost at the finish line, waiting with my arms stretched out, for you all to join us, to hold hands together in solidarity. This is not over, there is always a next time. We will cross that finish line someday, all together. We ALMOST did it, and I could not be any prouder. Jacque’s message below has a brief explanation of what transpired.
This legislative session was unlike any other session, and we got much much further than we ever did, during this pandemic-induced-stricken session. I know that COVID-19 pandemic has made things more difficult for some of our DeafBlind folks, as a result of no coverage of Co-Navigator services in Texas. Even with that, I am confident that we came out stronger, and we had a lot of self-reflection, and with that, we will continue to persevere with what matters at heart and prevail. Resilience is what carries us through.
More than ever, Co-Navigator and its evolving role, from the old days of Support Service Providers (SSPs), is making much more sense, and is recognized. It instills a sense of autonomy, co-presence, and information sharing, and across our DeafBlind community, excitement about this is felt. We will continue to brainstorm and develop non-legislative actions that are affirmative and unique to the pulse of our community. We are not done, we will not wait for things to happen. We will keep going, one step at a time. It takes a village to get this far. Advocacy is a messy process; but with each utterance, conversation, and listening heart, and action, it brings in more to us all. This is not the end.
I would like to extend my deep gratitude to Jacque, for co-chairing this with me, plowing through obstacles with me—even when things became very difficult. We certainly co-navigated together throughout all this session, and having her next to me has been intensely awesome. Jacque, thank you for your many years of involvement in our community, and I also learned so much from you. Jeff the webmaster, you kept everything together — thank you!
I also would like to extend thanks to Kris Cue’ and Kim Powers, who began this advocacy and legislative work more than fifteen years ago, who are still with us today! They have been our cheerleaders. I also would like to thank many other DeafBlind folks who contributed to make this happen. I also would like to thank the wolfpack that has been a force in this battle. I would like to send thanks to those who did the outreach work, Nancy Riley and Mark Seeger, and many others who shared our mission. I cannot just name everyone.
Most of all, I extend my huge thanks and hugs to the Governor’s Committee of People with Disabilities, especially Ron Lucey and Randi Turner, and our wonderful (CHAMP) lobbying team: Aaron Gregg and Kate Goodrich, who worked so hard. We have learned so much from you all.
I am smiling with pride, heart full of warmth and gratitude for the community we have been building here.
We will be in touch, and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or requests at info@texascn.org.
Hayley Broadway
Co Chair, TAD CN Legislative Subcommittee
DeafBlind Member, DeafBlind Coalition of Texas
Greetings, Jacque here.
I am deeply saddened that our Co-Navigator bill did not pass on Wednesday, the deadline for the House bills to be passed in the Senate. In spite of working through most of Wednesday night, the Senate did not pass many of the 121 bills on its “Intent Calendar”— due in no small part to political gamesmanship.
So please know that it was not because of any lack of support that our bill “died,” and there are many people to thank!
Ron Lucey and Randi Turner with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. Their revised Dec. 2020 Report on SSPs/CNs was crucial in getting our bill voted favorably out of the House and Senate committees.
Our lobbyists: Aaron Gregg, through the Texas Association of the Deaf; and Kate Goodrich, through the DeafBlind Service Center of Austin. These two professionals worked strategically and diligently with representatives and senators, to educate them about the critical gap in services for DeafBlind adults in Texas, and about the merits of our Co-Navigator bill. They also worked patiently with us, the TAD CN Legislative Subcommittee, to keep us updated on our bill throughout the DAUNTING challenge that is our legislative process in Texas.
Each and every one of you who supported our efforts by personally contacting legislators to advocate for our Co-Navigator bill. Early on, your emails and phone calls helped to get the support our bill needed to both get the two committee hearings scheduled, and then our bill voted on favorably.
Representative Mary González of El Paso, who authored our bill in the House (HB 3287).
Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineloa, who authored our companion bill in the Senate (SB 1715), and sponsored HB 3287.
Senators Donna Campbell of New Braunfels, Carol Alvarado of Houston, and Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, who joined as co-sponsors of HB 3287.
Jeff Harper—our wonderful volunteer webmaster. Because of Jeff’s wonderful skills and generous heart, we have been able to educate and motivate more folks than ever before, on the vital need for Co-Navigator services in Texas.
Nancy Riley and Mark Seeger, for advising and helping us reach out to more DeafBlind Texans and allies.
And finally, I want to thank Hayley—not only for her leadership in this effort, but also for her patience with me, as I stumble over my old-school ways, DeafBlind cultural missteps, and google docs. smile
We have learned so much this time around. We have also made new allies and increased public awareness of our mission. This whole effort has been personally rewarding for me in countless ways. For this, I am truly grateful.
We will be back.
HUGS,
Jacque Orr
Co Chair, TAD CN Legislative Subcommittee
Ally Member, DeafBlind Coalition of Texas