Deaf education community gathers for 2nd annual Thanksgiving feast

Families gathered Nov. 5 for the second annual Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) Thanksgiving celebration.

"We love this event! It's a chance for kids to interact with their peers and bring their parents and siblings together for fellowship," said Mary Shaddox, Greenville RDSPD Coordinator and Educational Diagnostician. "It's really neat for our parents, too, because it allows them to see how wonderfully their children grow and how they are integrated into mainstream classes."

Shaddox said it's inspiring for her, too. She has been with the program for 28 years and has taught many of the students who were attending the celebration. For example, she taught GHS Freshman Eric Martinez back in the fifth grade. Eric is now in all mainstream classes, and he beams when he talks about being able to understand everything that's going on in the classroom.

In addition to GISD, the RDSPD program serves many other school districts, including Sulphur Springs, Royse City and Quinlan. Early education through ECI helps babies and parents learn skills that allow children to become independent and communicative at a young age.

A HUGE thank you to Walmart, Neighborhood Walmart, Super One, & Bakers Ribs for their generous donations!

Happy Thanksgiving to a very special family!