STUDENTS SET TO COMPETE IN 14th ANNUAL TECHNOLOGY OLYMPICS
Participants from 46 campuses will come together on Jan. 28

The tradition continues as 57 students with visual impairments will exhibit their skills at the 14th annual Technology Olympics. The event will be held from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28 at ESC Region 12, 2101 W. Loop 340, in Waco. The theme of this year’s event is “Peace, Love and Technology”.

The Honorable Mayor, Virginia DuPuy, will make a proclamation declaring Jan. 28 as “Technology Day.” This event is one of the more unique events still being hosted by education service centers across the state of Texas, and the purpose for this event is that students will improve their skills from year to year while gaining skills in using new assistive devices and software. The event is free, open to pre-registered participants only, and is co-sponsored by ESC Region 12 and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services' (DARS) Division for Blind Services.

Participating ISDs will include: Belton, Blooming Grove, Brenham, Caldwell, Centerville, China Spring, Connally, Coolidge, Copperas Cove, Corsicana, Fairfield, Gatesville, Hillsboro, Hubbard, Kerens, Killeen, Marlin, Mart, Midway, Mexia, Riesel, Teague, Temple, Waco, and Whitney.

“This is a unique opportunity for students with disabilities to demonstrate their skills using assistive technology, which allows them access to general education curriculum and the ability to perform tasks like any other student,” said Melba Bunch, Education Specialist for ESC Region 12. “Each year we look forward to these students coming together and continuing to enhance their knowledge using these devices.”

Assistive technology, including devices demonstrated at this event, will play an important role in making the print medium accessible to these students. Advances made each year will allow students to overcome obstacles they may face from visual impairment. Activities throughout the day will include an art contest and students taking tests using adaptive devices, such as an electronic note taker, monocular, laptop with speech and magnification programs or a braillewriter.

Based on the number of correct answers for each project, participants will be awarded a gold, silver or bronze medallion. The Waco Founder’s Lions Club is the in-kind sponsor and has been the provider of the trophies and medallions each year. The local service group will also provide lunch for the students and parents. Trophies will be presented by DARS Division for Blind Services.

Parents and guardians will also be able to partake in a simulation activity that mimics visual impairments, and teaches parents how they will better be able to assist their children with performing daily living tasks - such as eating, house work and personal grooming. Information about post-secondary options and career exploration will also be available.

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

For more information, contact Melba Bunch at 254.297.1145 or mbunch@esc12.net, or Greg Mason in the DARS Division for Blind Services at 254.753.1552 or greg.mason@dars.state.tx.us.

Tentative Event Schedule

 

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