This content originally appeared on Freedom Scientific Blog and was authored by Elizabeth Whitaker
The Freedom Scientific Student of the Month Program features K-12 students living in the U.S. who are blind or visually impaired and use Freedom Scientific technology to achieve educational goals. Rather than featuring a student this month, we are highlighting a few of our past winners.
Parker
Parker is a senior from Florida who uses JAWS to complete work both in and out of the classroom. He says JAWS gives him independence, and he uses it for everything from homework to hobbies. “I like it because it’s very customizable.”
He enjoys programming, and after high school would like to pursue a career in either software development or website accessibility. “I’ve seen a lot of websites that aren’t accessible. I want to do something about it instead of sitting back and waiting for other people.”
Previously a trumpet player, Parker currently plays percussion in the school band. He also enjoys baseball in a program called Field of Dreams. Students who are blind are paired with a sighted individual who helps them run bases.
Parker appreciates Freedom Scientific products like JAWS because they provide so many accessibility features. “I wouldn’t know as much about computers and be where I am without Freedom Scientific.”
Daisy
Daisy is a junior from Nebraska.
She is both hearing impaired and visually impaired, and uses Freedom Scientific products to complete work in and out of the classroom. She was introduced to JAWS in the third grade, and also ZoomText and refreshable braille. “I use a combination of JAWS, ZoomText, and braille to complete classwork. I use braille often to take notes in class, which helps a lot because I don’t have to listen to the teacher and speech on the computer at the same time.”
Daisy plays clarinet in her school’s marching band, and can also play piano, guitar, and saxophone. She also enjoys drawing and producing music on her iPad. ” I want to involve myself in the music world. “I like music production and would like to grow with that and am open to pursuing music either as a solo artist or playing with a band.”
Daisy’s favorite subjects are math, art, and English. After graduating from high school, she would like to pursue a career in criminal justice and has already begun taking criminal justice classes at her local community college.”
“I want to be an investigator and find out how and why things happen.”
Daisy credits her parents and TVI for always encouraging her to succeed. “My parents raised me to be the person I am today, and my TVI helped me to learn new things even when at times, I really didn’t want to.”
Daisy said the advanced features of JAWS and ZoomText really help her both in an out of the classroom. “JAWS now provides detailed image descriptions, which really make a huge difference. I can also enlarge what’s on the screen with ZoomText as much as I need to, so it gives me access to what I need.”
Daisy strongly advocates for accessibility, and said technology like JAWS and ZoomText increase her independence. “I personally feel these tools have led me to use my skills and gain new ones.”
When asked what advice Daisy would give others, she said, “Follow your dreams. No matter how hard the goal is, keep a hopeful mindset and eventually, you’ll get there.”
Oscar
Oscar is a sophomore from Missouri who began using JAWS in 2019 when he got his first computer. “I wanted to know how things work and what keyboard commands did, so I started learning JAWS.”
Oscar also uses a Focus 40 refreshable braille display. “I use JAWS and braille to complete classwork both in and out of the classroom,” he explains.
Oscar’s favorite subject in school is computer science. “I have been coding for about one and a half years, which is something I would not be able to do without JAWS,” he says. “I primarily use the Python programming language to create games and small projects.”
After graduating, Oscar plans to attend college and become a software engineer. He is taking part in the Summer Orientation & Mobility and Adapted Living Resource program (S.O.A.R.), an accelerated residential program for youths between 16 and 21 who are legally blind and seeking independent living skills. S.O.A.R. helps with money management, travel, home maintenance, and career preparation.
In his spare time, Oscar enjoys playing the piano and rock climbing. He also creates sound design projects, which consist of sound effect libraries that can be used in games, commercials, and movies.
Learn more about these students in this highlight video.
Nominate a Student
Complete our nomination form to self-nominate or nominate a student. Visit the Freedom Scientific Student of the Month page for details and watch our blog in December for the next winner and that student’s story.
Winners receive a $300 Amazon gift card and a five-year license for JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion. Their story will be featured by Freedom Scientific on our blog and social media—Threads, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
In partnership with Computers for the Blind, each winner can also receive a free, refurbished computer along with a free one-year Home Annual license of JAWS or ZoomText, which is already installed. Learn more about Computers for the Blind and their partnership with Freedom Scientific on their order page.
Have questions? Send an email to training@vispero.com.
This content originally appeared on Freedom Scientific Blog and was authored by Elizabeth Whitaker
Elizabeth Whitaker | Sciencx (2024-12-06T21:03:24+00:00) Student of the Month Highlights. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2024/12/06/student-of-the-month-highlights-4/
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