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 January 2024 is Kate, a senior from California.
Kate uses JAWS and the Focus Braille Display in class to complete assignments, write documents, and navigate web pages and web-based applications. She is currently using these products with the Canvas Learning Management system to take a college health class and says using JAWS along with braille helps her proofread as she works. “It’s a good way to do everything my sighted peers are doing.”
Kate enjoys writing and says English is her favorite subject. “I love writing books, songs, anything. I love to write.”
In her spare time, Kate enjoys wake surfing with her dad, skiing, and traveling. She also plays piano and sings. “I cover a lot of genres including pop, rock, and country, and I am experimenting with a bit of metal.”
Kate performs in a program through her school called the Academy of Performing Arts, plus plays gigs on the side. “I could be on stage every day,” she says. “It’s the best feeling when you have that adrenaline and you’re up there by yourself with eyes glued on you.”
After graduating, Kate plans to attend college and pursue a career in either music or marriage and family therapy. “Independence is important to me. I want to travel and explore, especially if I can travel and play music.”
Kate says JAWS and the Focus Braille Display have helped her become more independent. “It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be a long road, but I will keep pushing for independence.”
Kate advises others who are blind or visually impaired to do the same. “Just because something is hard doesn’t mean you can’t do it as long as you keep pushing.”
Learn more about Kate in this 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.
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—X, (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Mastodon, and Instagram.
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.