Students with Visual Impairments to Participate in January 26 Technology Olympics in Waco

WACO, Texas – The visually impaired see life differently. The feeling of warm sunshine on skin is more refreshing than the bright morning sky. The smell of melted butter on hot toast is more enticing than the browned bread.

For visually impaired students in central Texas, Thursday marks a chance to join other students who experience the world the way they do. These students will have the opportunity to make friends through friendly competition in the 16th Annual Technology Olympics, an event that showcases the use of assistive technology, with competitive events using such equipment as Braille writers, slates and styluses, abacuses and magnifiers. Each of these tools makes either writing or reading a more manageable task for a visually impaired student, allowing them to excel academically regardless of their disability.

“Assistive technology allows students with disabilities access to the general education curriculum and the ability to perform tasks like any other student,” Melba Bunch, ESC Region 12 education specialist, said. “That is important to the success of any child.”

Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 and the Division for Blind Services (formerly Texas Commission for the Blind) are co-sponsoring this free event (open to pre-registered participants only) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday at ESC Region 12, 2101 W. Loop 340, in Waco. Traveling from all around the region, 57 students from 28 districts are already registered for the event.

Technology, particularly the assistive technology demonstrated at the Technology Olympics, also plays an important role in making the print medium accessible to these students. Technological advances made each year allow students to overcome obstacles they may face from visual impairment. Activities will include students taking tests and using adaptive devices, such as an electronic note taker, 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.

The unique event will also include a creative writing and art section, which gives students an open-ended opportunity to express themselves without the fear of making mistakes.“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,” Bunch said.

Participating parents will also have the chance to experience leisure activities like playing board games under a blindfold. This allows parents and guardians to participate in a simulation that mimics visual impairments, teaching them how they can better assist their children.This year, information about postsecondary options and career exploration will be available to parents of secondary students as well, to help students transition from high school to college or the workforce.

As an in-kind sponsor, Waco Founder Lions Club will supply trophies and medals, which they have done for the past 15 years. The local service group will also provide lunch for attendees.

For more information about the event, contact Melba Bunch at ESC Region 12 at 254.297.1145 or mbunch@esc12.net or Greg Mason at the Division for Blind Services at 254.753.1552 or greg.mason@dars.state.tx.us.

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.

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About ESC Region 12
One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, Education Service Center (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, ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills and Navarro Counties.

About DARS Division for Blind Services
The DARS Division for Blind Services (DBS) assists blind or visually impaired individuals and their families. Depending upon their goals and needs, DBS offers services to help regain independence or find a job.