Texas Governor Greg Abbott has made a significant appointment to the Governing Board of the Texas School for the Deaf, tapping actress and advocate Lauren Ridloff for a position that will have lasting effects on deaf education in the state. According to the Governor's office, Ridloff, who resides in Austin, is not only known for her roles on screen but is also a mother to two deaf sons.

With a term set to expire on January 31, 2027, Ridloff joins the board with a wealth of experience, her representation extends beyond her professional accolades as a member of various actors’ guilds including SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association; she is also part of the National Association of the Deaf, highlighting her commitment to the broader deaf community and its unique challenges and opportunities. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Northridge followed by a Master of Arts in General Education from Hunter College, as detailed by the Governor's office.

The Board that Ridloff will be serving on is tasked with important functions that shape the educational landscape for deaf students in Texas—it manages the provision of School for the Deaf services, overseas budget preparation, adopts necessary policies, and is responsible for appointing the school's superintendent.