Billy Koch says the Texas Association for the Deaf will ask members to address a longstanding financial freeze while the organization works to restore trust, improve communication, and prepare for elections in 2027.
The Texas Association for the Deaf is preparing to bring several unresolved organizational issues before its members during an August 1 meeting in Austin.
Billy Koch, TAD’s interim vice president and acting president, discussed the organization’s current condition, financial restrictions, leadership structure, and plans for rebuilding during a recorded interview with Beyond Access.
Koch said TAD’s finances have remained frozen since members approved the restriction during a previous meeting. The board plans to bring the matter back before the membership so that a motion can be considered to address the freeze.
According to Koch, the organization cannot fully operate while its funds remain unavailable. However, he acknowledged that members deserve financial reports and clear information before being asked to make a decision.
“Members deserve to know what has been happening with the finances,” Koch said.
The meeting is scheduled for August 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Austin Deaf Club. Members are expected to receive organizational and financial reports, hear updates about matters affecting TAD, ask questions, and introduce eligible motions.
Leadership Vacancy Exposes Bylaw Problems
Koch currently holds the title of interim vice president while performing the duties of acting president.
He explained that the unusual arrangement resulted from limitations within TAD’s existing bylaws. Koch was appointed to the vice-presidential position rather than elected. Under the bylaws, the vice president performs the president’s duties when the president is absent, but Koch said the document does not provide a clear process for appointing someone directly to a vacant presidency.
Koch said TAD consulted two certified Deaf parliamentarians who agreed that the organization could not appoint a new president under the current language.
The leadership issue has become one example of why Koch believes the bylaws need to be thoroughly revised.
“The bylaws are the heart and soul of the organization,” Koch said. “We need to fix them so we can become stronger.”
No bylaw amendments are expected to be considered during the August meeting. Koch said significant changes should not be rushed or presented to members without enough time to understand their impact.
Instead, he plans for the bylaws committee to review the existing proposals over the next year and release potential changes in smaller sections. Those sections would be shared through TAD’s website, social media, and other communication channels so members can ask questions and provide feedback.
Koch said the goal is to make the process more transparent and less overwhelming.
“It is your organization,” he said. “You have the right to make suggestions about changes.”
Elections Expected in 2027
Koch also clarified that TAD will not conduct officer elections in 2026.
The organization’s bylaws schedule elections during odd-numbered years. Elections were expected in 2025, but the planned conference was postponed and ultimately canceled.
Koch said elections will now be held during the 2027 conference. Until then, appointed board members will focus on stabilizing the organization and preparing for a membership-led election process.
He said the delay will give community members time to consider running for office and allow members to decide who they want to lead TAD.
Declining Membership Reflects Loss of Trust
Koch identified rebuilding trust as the board’s most urgent responsibility.
He estimated that TAD once had more than 1,000 members but now has approximately 100. While increasing membership is one of his goals, Koch said recruitment cannot come before accountability.
“People have lost trust in TAD, and I don’t blame people for losing trust,” he said.
Koch said the organization must demonstrate that members are informed, included, and able to participate in decisions.
“It is not the board’s organization,” he said. “It is the members’ organization.”
TAD currently offers a two-year membership for $1, with free membership available to people age 60 and older. Koch said the low cost makes participation more accessible and gives members an opportunity to have a voice and vote.
The reduced fee also means TAD will need to pursue other funding options to support conferences and organizational expenses.
Member Education Planned
The interview also addressed the difficulties community members may experience when attempting to participate in formal organizational meetings.
Some people may want to introduce motions or become involved in governance but may not understand meeting procedures, voting thresholds, agendas, or Robert’s Rules of Order.
Koch said TAD intends to provide education on those topics before the 2027 conference. Possible plans include two or three webinars, short instructional videos, and presentations from people familiar with parliamentary procedure.
The education would cover how motions are introduced, whether they require a second, how voting works, and what matters can appropriately be raised during a meeting.
Koch said members may also receive basic guidance during the August meeting as motions are considered.
Communication Central to Rebuilding Effort
Koch said the current board plans to communicate more regularly through newsletters, social media, and signed videos.
The increased communication is intended to provide information directly to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Texans and reduce the confusion created when organizational updates are delayed or unavailable.
“Communication is the key,” Koch said. “Without communication, people feel disconnected.”
Koch acknowledged that restoring trust will take time and that the board may make mistakes during the process. He asked members for patience while also inviting them to raise questions and concerns.
The August meeting will be an early opportunity for the current leadership to demonstrate that commitment. Members will be asked to consider how TAD should move forward financially while receiving reports about an organization that has faced leadership vacancies, canceled meetings, declining membership, and public concern.
Whether TAD can rebuild will likely depend on more than a single meeting or motion. Koch said the work must begin by giving members accurate information, meaningful opportunities to participate, and a clearer role in determining the organization’s future.
The full recorded interview with Billy Koch provides additional discussion about his leadership background, the proposed bylaw review process, membership education, and his goals for TAD through 2027.
