ANNUAL TECHNOLOGY OLYMPICS INSPIRES STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS TO HANG 10 WITH TECHNOLOGY

WACO, Texas – Students with visual impairments will reunite and show off their skills at the 15th annual Technology Olympics. The event will be from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 27, at ESC Region 12- 2101 W. Loop 340, in Waco. This year's event will be Hawaiian themed, with the motto “Hang 10 with Technology.”

City of Waco Councilman Randy Riggs will be present to read a proclamation from Mayor Jim Bush declaring Jan. 27, 2011 as “Technology Day.” The event is free and 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.

More than 50 students are expected to attend from 20 districts: Belton, Blum, Bryan, Connally, Corsicana, Fairfield, Gatesville, Hillsboro, Hubbard, Huntsville, Killeen, Marlin, Mart, Mexia, Midway, Riesel, Robinson, Temple, Waco, and Whitney ISDs.

“Each year we look forward to bringing these students together and offering them an opportunity to grow their knowledge using assistive technology and build lasting friendships,” said Melba Bunch, education specialist for ESC Region 12.

Technology Olympics is unique because it allows these students to demonstrate skills with their assistive technology devices, and also provides an opportunity to socialize with other visually impaired students. Bunch notes that through these relationships participants are inspired by the successes of one another and grow with technology.

Students will participate in activities and take tests using new devices such as an electronic note taker, monocular laptop with speech and magnification programs, and a braillewriter. Based on the number of correct answers for each activity, participants will be awarded a gold, silver or bronze medallion. The Waco Founder’s Lions Club will provide trophies and medallions, as well as lunch for participating students and parents.

Parents and guardians will also have the opportunity to participate in a simulation activity that mimics visual impairments. This activity teaches parents how they can better assist their children perform daily living tasks such as eating, house work and personal grooming.

Information about post-secondary options and career exploration will be available for participants. Additionally, technology vendors will be available to answer equipment questions and display the latest assistive technology.

Note to Media: Onsite photo and interview opportunities are available only for attendees 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 about the event 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.masin@darsstate.tx.us. For media inquiries please contact Jennifer Marshall-Higgins at 254.297.1198 or jhiggins@esc12.net.

Tentative Event Schedule

About ESC Region 12
One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, the Education Service Center Region 12 (ESC Region 12) is dedicated to serving school districts, charter schools and area private/parochial schools in improving student performance. ESC Region 12 partners with school districts to deliver services and solutions to educators so they may help all children be successful. Based in Waco, with satellite offices in Corsicana, Hamilton, Nolanville, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills, and Navarro counties.

About DARS
The Division for Blind Services within the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services provides services to Texans of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Our goal is to assist you in developing confidence in your skills and abilities, maintaining or securing employment, and living as independently as possible.