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Please click the image above to learn more about Texas School for the Deaf. Your student may qualify to attend TSD.

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ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) Information.

Texas School for the Deaf
Established in 1856
With 500+ students, Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) is one option for families seeking a no-cost, high-quality education. TSD is available to all eligible Texas students who are deaf or hard of hearing, including those with additional disabilities. Residential and Day-only programs are available to meet each child's individual needs.
Generations of deaf and hard of hearing children have achieved personal excellence among TSD's community of diverse learners. TSD's highly qualified staff brings their experience and expertise to every classroom - from toddlers to high school, including transitional post-secondary services.

Offering early language development and support for infants and their families with in-home visits and a Toddler Learning Center

Direct communication access in an American Sign Language (ASL) and English environment

Small student to teacher ratios in all classrooms

Specialized, individual services and educational approaches for students based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

State of the art technology for 21st-century students

Robust career and technology work-study opportunities for secondary students

Transition planning for college, career, or independent living

At TSD, each student's academic growth is fully supported through innovative related and support services. Whether a student needs accelerated instruction and honors courses, or positive behavioral support and specialized instruction in a highly structured environment, TSD is a place to grow.

Diagnostics and assessments

Speech and hearing services

Sign language support

Talented and gifted services

Physical and Occupational therapies

24-Hour health and wellness services

Counseling and behavior support

Social skills and character development

Students learn more from human interactions and active learning than anything else. TSD's all-encompassing campus life fosters each student's self-esteem, confidence, and identity, and offers a sense of belonging with opportunities to develop lasting friendships, play on a team, or audition for a role on stage.

Extra- and co-curricular activities for all grade levels

Competitive league athletics, Intramural sports, and Special Olympics

Fine and performing arts including digital graphics and animation, videography and drama

Leadership opportunities in student government and service-learning

Day-only educational and after-school programs for local-area students

Dorms with 14:1 staff-to-student ratios and weekends at home for those who live outside the Austin area

Texas School for the Deaf - Statewide Outreach Center
Through outreach, the Statewide Outreach Center (SOC) extends TSD's resources, expertise and technical assistance to students, families, and professionals across Texas. SOC collaborates with the larger network of statewide educators and agencies working together to optimize outcomes for all deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Diverse parent involvement, support, and educational programs

Interactive, web-based sign language and literacy support

Online educational and professional resources

Summer school for students of all ages

High school leadership retreats focusing on career exploration and social interaction

CSW sign language immersion workshops for parents, interpreters, and teachers.

1102 South Congress Avenue - Austin, Texas 78704-1728 - Phone: 512-462-5353 - VP: 512-982-1646

Education Code, § 30.004, 30.051, and 30.057
Each school district shall provide information about the Texas School for the Deaf. The Texas School for the Deaf provides comprehensive day, residential, or short-term education services to students from birth through age 21 who are deaf or hard of hearing and who may have one or more other disabilities. The school is not intended to serve: Students whose needs are appropriately addressed in a home or hospital setting or a residential treatment facility. Students whose primary, ongoing needs are related to severe or profound emotional, behavioral, or cognitive deficits.
Students are referred for admission to the Texas School for the Deaf by The school district in which the student resides under the student's IEP; the student's parent or legal guardian; or the student if age 18 or older.

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Click the image above to learn more about TSD for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

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TSD admits students who are 21 years of age or younger on September 1 of any school year, who are deaf or hard of hearing, and who may have one or more other disabilities.
Which students will be admitted to TSD?
A student will be admitted to TSD if the student meets the eligibility criteria according to Education Code 30.051 (a); (see Welcome to Admissions page) and seeks bilingual (ASL/English) educational services, on a day or residential basis.
Do you have a waiting list?
TSD does not have a waiting list. As soon as we receive all required paperwork and have an opportunity to review it, we set up an admission ARD at the earliest possible date. Please keep in mind that the last 3 weeks in July most of our staff are not on campus on a daily basis, so please get all paperwork in before that time.
What happens after TSD receives a completed application packet?
After TSD receives a completed application packet, the TSD Admissions Committee reviews it and shared the relevant parts with the Health Center, Instructional Programs, and the dorm (as applicable). Because it may take from one to four weeks to determine if the student meets our admissions criteria and then to schedule the ARD meeting, TSD encourages the applicant not to withdraw the student from the school where they are currently enrolled. TSD will send a written ARD notice to the applicant and the LEA. The admission process may take longer than four weeks if TSD is unable to secure all relevant records related to the student's admission. In this situation TSD will contact both the parent and the LEA to inform them of the admission status and what paperwork is pending (most often this is immunization records).
After submitting the application for student admission, how can a parent or local school district speed up the admissions process?
The best way to expedite an admission is to ensure that all student records are submitted to the TSD Admissions Office: 512-462-5412
How old must my child be to be able to stay in the dorm? Will they have adult supervision?
A child must be 7 years old or entering first grade to be considered for residential services. TSD dorms are staffed by Residential Educators both day and night. The residential program is primarily for students who do not live close enough to commute daily (outside of the Austin and surrounding areas). Exceptions to this can be made by contacting the Director of Student Life at [email protected] .
Which costs are the parent/student responsible for?
The student's education is basically at no cost to the parent; however the parent/student is responsible for the following:

Providing or purchasing the student's school supplies and PE uniforms.

Student medical treatment expenses

Providing the student a weekly allowance for personal items and entertainment

Providing student clothing and laundry machine costs.

ACCESS - because this program teaches adult living skills and budgeting a fee of $140 is due on or before the first day of class. A monthly fee of $60 is due the first school day of the month October through May.

The cost of t-shirts, sporting equipment, concessions, school photos, prom, senior trip, and graduation apparel (cap, gown, swag).

How often will the residential student return home?
All students will generally travel home on Friday and return to TSD on Sunday (refer to annual school calendar for exact dates). On some weekends the students may remain on campus for special events.
How can I get information on fees, supply lists, Parent/Student handbook information, dorm life and athletics?
Please contact individual departments links or phone/VP numbers listed below.

Early Learning Center: 512-462-5422, (VP) 512-410-1638

Elementary Office: 512-462-5231, (VP) 512-410-1011

Middle School Office: 512-462-5491, (VP) 512-410-1017

High School Office: (VP) 512-410-1019

Career & Technical Education/Adult Curriculum for Community Employment & Social Skills (ACCESS) Office: (VP) 512-410-1015

Athletics Office: (VP) 512-410-1073

Health Center: 512-462-5717, (VP) 512-410-1024

What happens when my child applies to Texas School for the Deaf from another state?
IDEA indicates that if a special education student moves from another state, the parents must reach out to their Local Education Agency (home district) for services until the application to TSD is complete, reviewed, and the student has been accepted. They will conduct a transfer ARD and initiate services. This is also important if you wish to ask for transportation. Many schools will not provide transportation to a student that is not enrolled with them.

If the FIE is from another state, all required components of the FIE should be addressed in the written report including an otological and audiological verifying the student is Deaf or Hard of Hearing. If the FIE is complete and current, the ARD committee may choose to use the report from the previous district and not test further. If records are not available and the school does not receive an updated FIE, the school psychologist will conduct a Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) to determine the need for a full evaluation.

These are the steps that TSD follows when a special education student applies from another school district in state or out of state:

The TSD registrar requests records from the previous school district including the most recent full and individual evaluation as soon as the application is received.

Verify the student was receiving special education for Deaf/Hard of Hearing in the previous district

Determine eligibility to attend TSD

If accepted, an admission ARD is scheduled.

Conduct Admission ARD meeting (transfer/annual)

If a student is accepted and enrolled at TSD, the school will place the student in the instructional courses based on information from records received for 30 school days until another ARD can be held. At this time new IEP goals and objectives and service minutes can be written and reviewed.
Students Who Withdraw from TSD
The TSD registrar is responsible for sending special education records to those schools requesting the information. This may be done through the electronic systems (TREX) used within the state, or when necessary, providing paper copies. Parents may also request a copy to take to the new school themselves.

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Students with hearing loss may be eligible to attend a public higher education institution, tuition free! Click the image above to learn more information!

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Schools Waiving Tuition

What costs are waived?

The waiver is for tuition and tuition-based fees at any institution of higher education that uses public funds. It does not cover room and board, books, or supplies.

Which schools waive tuition for students who are deaf?

Public institutions of higher education in Texas that receive state funding, also called formula funding, may waive tuition. Schools that are private or proprietary are not required to do so. The College for All Texans website has a list of public institutions.

Will my CODTW cover the cost of taking a continuing education or online course?

You will need to check with the college or university department and ask how that course is funded. If the continuing education or online course you wish to take is funded solely by the local tax base and course income, the answer is no. If the institution is public and the department receives formula funding for that course, the answer is yes.

Can I use my tuition waiver for dual credit classes, such as taking a college-level class for both high school and college credit?

It cannot be applied to earning high school credits because statute requires the student to have a high school diploma or equivalent to use the waiver.

Why is the school asking for documentation other than the CODTW?

The Texas Education Code requires all of the following for students to be eligible to have their tuition waived:

Certificate of Deafness for Tuition Waiver

written statement of purpose

high school diploma or equivalent

letter of recommendation

proof that the person meets all other entrance requirements of the school

The school will provide specific instructions on what documentation is needed.

Are there reasons the school may not waive my tuition?

Always check with the college or university about what is needed for your tuition to be waived. However, below are some reasons why a college or university may not waive your tuition:

You do not have a high school diploma or GED.

You do not meet the residency or other entry requirements set by the school.

You do not submit other required documentation with the tuition waiver, such as:

a written statement of purpose indicating which certificate, degree program, or professional enhancement is being pursued; and

a letter of recommendation from a responsible person who knows the applicant and who can serve as a reference.

Your cumulative GPA falls under the minimum required and set by the school. A student's appeal to the school must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

You have reached "excessive hours," which is 30 hours beyond the number required for your degree or certificate program. This applies to undergraduate students only, and a student's appeal to the school must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The program/course of study does not receive formula funding. The tuition waiver only applies to courses that receive formula funding.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of hours the CODTW covers?

There is no minimum number of hours students are required to take. If undergraduate students reach 30 hours beyond the number required for their degree or certificate program, their tuition will no longer be waived.

Is there a limit to the educational level I can achieve using my CODTW?

There is no limit. Students who qualify can use the CODTW for any level of post-secondary education including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Is the school reimbursed for waiving my tuition?

Applying

How long does it take to process the application?

Please allow 30 days from the time the application arrives at ODHHS.

Can my old audiogram be used when applying for a CODTW?

Yes, if the audiogram reflects your current hearing status. There is no requirement for when an audiogram must be done.

Do I need to submit documentation for all eligibility options when applying for a CODTW?

You must provide audiology documentation to confirm you meet at least one (not all) of the first three options (A, B, or C). However, if you are applying under Option D, you must submit audiology documentation to show you are not eligible under Options A, B, or C.

CODTW

Do I need to reapply for a CODTW after a certain time frame?

No, your CODTW does not expire. ODHHS keeps records for five years. If you need a CODTW after five years and no longer have a copy, you will need to reapply. Be sure to keep electronic and/or hard copies for future needs.

Do I need to submit a new CODTW to my college or university each semester?

No, your CODTW is good for the entirety of your program. Colleges or universities may ask for another CODTW if you change your major or focus of study or if you change your name.

How can I get a copy of my CODTW?

I only have a copy of my CODTW, and the college or university wants an original. What do I do?

If the college or university wants an HHS-issued document, and you no longer have one, you can request one from the agency by emailing dhhs.tuitionwaivers@hhs.texas.gov. The date of the CODTW will be the date you were originally determined to be eligible for the program, not the date you requested another copy. ODHHS keeps records for five years. If you need a CODTW after five years, you will need to reapply.

I have legally changed my name. How can I get a new CODTW with my new name?

Submit the request to one of the following:

Email: DHHS Tuition Waivers

Mail:
HHSC ODHHS
P.O. Box 12904
Austin, Texas 78711

Include a copy of one of the following as proof of the name change:

marriage certificate,

divorce decree, or

legal name change document.

I moved to a different address than what is printed on the CODTW. Do I need to update my address?

If your name did not change, you do not need to update the address.

If I am moving to Texas from another state, can I be eligible for the program?

You must meet the residency requirements for the institution of higher education in which you intend to enroll for the school to waive your tuition. Those requirements can be found in the Texas Education Code 54.052. Applicants who meet all eligibility criteria will be issued a CODTW.

Other Questions

What laws address the tuition waiver?

Where can I send other questions?

Email questions about the Certificate of Deafness for Tuition Waiver application and eligibility to DHHS Tuition Waivers, or call 512-438-4880.

For questions about schools waiving tuition, visit the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Contact Us webpage. Select "Financial Aid Question" as the Contact Reason.

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The Certificate of Deafness for Tuition Waiver program provides a certificate that students can submit to public colleges, universities, and technical schools in Texas as a request to waive their tuition.

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Download this form and have your child's audiologist complete.

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The statewide outreach website contains information for families and students. Virtual ASL lessons and summer programming for students with hearing impairments are available! Click the here to learn more!