Jessica and Jocelyn, who live in a remote region of North Eastern British Columbia, are enrolled in separate grade five classrooms so that they can develop and grow as individuals with their own circle of friends. The girls read and write braille and navigate using white canes. They often teach each other what they have learned at school during the day. Jessica might learn certain features of the Braille Lite on one day and shows these features to her sister after school. The next day, Jocelyn is ready for additional information from her vision teacher, Graham Cook. |
 
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Through a partnership with the school district, SET-BC has provided technology and support for the twins since kindergarten. Jocelyn uses a Braille Lite 40 which is a specialized braille note taker with 40 cells of refreshable braille. Jessica's Grandparents purchased a Braille Lite 2000 for her use, which has 18 cells of refreshable braille. Jocelyn and Jessica use their Braille Lites as a sighted student would pen and paper. They are very proficient at using this technology and they nip in and out of the Braille Transcription Room where they independently print and/or braille out copies. SET-BC has also provided the Duxbury Braille Translation Software and Versapoint braille printer. The braille printer is kept humming throughout the school day by the twins or by our two Braille Transcription/Support Staff.
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| SET-BC has also provided Jocelyn and Jessica with laptop computers. These computers provide speech output using navigation software called JAWS, specifically designed for users with visual impairments. Instead of using a mouse to navigate, Jocelyn and Jessica rely on various keystroke commands with speech feedback. They are using a CDROM encyclopaedia that, after modifications, now works with JAWS and find it a very useful way to gather information. The internet has also opened up a wealth of resources and information.
Support from the school district, SET BC, as well as the PRCVI, has been exceptional and allows the girls to be on an almost level playing field with their sighted peers. It is wonderful to see how Jocelyn and Jessica's technological competency has flourished and how technology has enhanced their learning opportunities. |
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News Flash! Jocelyn and Jessica go to Space Camp...
It will be a busy start to the school year for Jocelyn and Jessica. The twins will travel to Space Camp this week. Through local fundraising and scholarships, eight British Columbia students will participate in SCI-VIS week at the camp. (Space Camp is a week long camp that takes place at the US Space and Rocket Center in Hunstville, Alabama.) |