Visually Impaired Students to Participate in Jan. 29 Technology Olympics

WACO, TEXAS-- With braillewriters ready, laptops open, and pencils sharpened, more than 45 students with visual impairments will participate in the Tenth Annual Technology Olympics. Sponsored by the Education Service Center Region 12 and the Division for Blind Services (formerly know as Texas Commission for the Blind), the event will take place from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday, January 29 at ESC Region 12, 2101 W. Loop 340, in Waco.

Technology, especially assistive technology demonstrated at this event, plays an important role in making the print medium accessible to these students. The technological advances made each year allow students to overcome obstacles they may face from visual impairment. Assistive technology activities will include students taking tests and using adaptive devices, such as an electronic notetaker, monocular, laptop with speech and magnification programs or a braillewriter to complete various tasks. The number of correct answers for each project will determine whether a child wins a gold, silver, or bronze medallion.

“Assistive technology allows students with disabilities access to the general education curriculum and the ability to perform tasks like any other student and that is important to the success of every child,” said Tina Herzberg, team leader for ESC Region 12. “The event is so unique because it is an opportunity for the students to make new friends with others using assistive technology at a time when they may be the only child with a visual impairment in their school.”

The event will include a creative writing and art section, which gives students an open-ended opportunity to express themselves without the fear of making mistakes. Participating parents will also have the chance to experience daily activities like making a sandwich under a blindfold. This unique experience allows parents and guardians to participate in a simulation that mimics visual impairments, which teaches parents how they can better assist their children with performing daily living tasks, such as eating, house work, and personal grooming. This year information about postsecondary options and career exploration will be available to parents of secondary students as well.

The event is free and open to pre-registered participants only. Participating districts include Belton, Chilton, Clifton, Copperas Cove, Corsicana, Fairfield, Gatesville, Huntsville, Hubbard, Kerens, Killeen, Marlin, Mart, Mexia, Midway, Riesel, Teague, Temple, Waco, and West, and Whitney ISD.

As an in-kind sponsor, the Waco Founder’s Lions Club will supply trophies and medals, which they have done for the past eight years. The local service group will also provide lunch for the students and parents.

Onsite photo and interview opportunities are available with attendees only with onsite parental or guardian permission. Event staff will also be available for the media. Please check in at registration upon arrival.

For more information, contact Tina Herzberg at ESC Region 12 at 254/297.1152 or therzberg@esc12.net or Rita Finlay at the Division for Blind Services at 254/753.1552 or rita.finlay@dars.state.tx.us.

Tentative Event Schedule:
9:00 – 9:30	Registration & Set-up for First Competition
9:30 – 9:45	Opening Ceremony & Proclamation
9:45 – 10:45	First Competition & Parent Simulation Experience
11:00 – 11:10	Set-up for Second Competition
11:10 – 12:10	Second Competition & Parent Simulation Experience
12:10 – 12:45	Lunch
12:45 – 2:00	Awards Ceremony

About ESC Region 12
One of 20 centers throughout Texas, the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students. Based in Waco, with offices in, Corsicana, Goldthwaite, Hillsboro, Nolanville and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan and Navarro counties.

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