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. The Student of the Month for April 2021 is Mitchell, a senior from Pennsylvania.
Mitchell began using JAWS in the 4th grade, and says it is a huge part of his journey through school and in life. He hopes to inspire others who are blind and visually impaired as well as parents and teachers through his experiences. “JAWS is the most reliable screen reader. It’s consistent and quick, allowing you to navigate flawlessly by character, word, or paragraph,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell will begin college this fall and plans to work in the field of broadcast journalism. “JAWS makes the experience of writing what it would be for any sighted person…makes it a normal writing experience, which is the best thing we can ask for.”
Mitchell enjoys sports, including swimming, wrestling, and baseball. He also enjoys goal ball, a team sport designed for athletes who are blind or visually impaired.
Mitchell is involved in various honor societies, and took part in Model UN, an extracurricular activity where students simulate UN communities by role playing as delegates. He also took part in the Braille Challenge, a national academic competition that inspires students to hone their braille literacy skills, which are crucial for academic and employment success.
Mitchell cites good technology and braille skills as a means of meeting people and gaining great experiences. “Blindness and disabilities in general can feel kind of isolating at times, but if you put those skills to use in ways you wouldn’t really think about, great things can come from that.”
Learn more about Mitchell in this short 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 the details.