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 July 2022 is Svetlana, a senior from Missouri.
Svetlana began using JAWS in 2017. As a homeschooled student, she taught herself the software using Freedom Scientific tutorials and connecting with other users. She uses JAWS and refreshable Braille to complete assignments and conduct research. Beginning her fourth year competing in speech and debate, Svetlana uses JAWS and braille to prepare for her cases.
Svetlana also takes part in the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the United States Air Force. This mission of this 501(c) non-profit organization is to serve communities and save lives. Volunteers like Svetlana conduct search and rescue missions, provide disaster relief, and help keep our homeland safe. “A lot of what we learn in the program is about adapting to change,” says Svetlana. “Everything isn’t going to be the same. Problems are going to happen, and you have to stop and think about what you can do to solve them.”
Svetlana recently attended a Civil Air Patrol encampment, where she trained junior cadets entering the program. She also teaches a disability etiquette class to raise awareness and is a strong advocate for people with disabilities. In addition to school and her volunteer activities, Svetlana works part-time at the local Target.
After graduating from high school, Svetlana plans to obtain a degree in political science, then pursue a career as an attorney or politician. Svetlana appreciates the independence JAWS provides. “A lot of the things we do involve using technology, even simple things like entertainment.”
Learn more about Svetlana 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 $500 Amazon gift card and a computer from Computers for the Blind. Each computer comes with a one-year Home Annual license of JAWS or ZoomText, which is already installed. Learn more about their organization and partnership with Freedom Scientific on their order page.
Have questions? Send an email to training@vispero.com.