A Double Student Success Story: Colby and Corey

The transition to high school can be difficult for any teen. Add twin brothers, visual impairments due to Ocularcutaneous Albinism, and brand new Windows laptops in a wireless Mac environment. You'd expect a few bumps, right? Wrong. Twin brothers Colby and Corey made the transition to grade 8 with ease, both achieving the honour roll in their second term. The secret of Colby and Corey's success lies in their hard work, their proficient use of technology, and the dedication and communication between all members of their school-based team. The learning curve for all involved has been large!

Colby and Corey use a range of technologies. The school district has supplied a Flipper Port room viewing system, used mainly in science class, and a Clearview CCTV. This fall they received upgraded Windows laptops with Kurzweil 3000, Zoomtext, and Write OutLoud from SET-BC. A Book Port book reader provided by PRCVI is the latest addition to their technology.

Corey reports that the high school schedule, with larger blocks of time devoted to fewer subjects, is actually easier for him than the elementary school time table. He is able to focus more on particular subject matter, finish more work in school time, and receive help in a resource block. He uses Kurzweil 3000 extensively. Colby says that the upgraded computer and software have helped eliminate a lot of his frustration. He is finding French easier because they are working from a text and he can copy and paste much of his work. He is also enjoying meeting new friends and playing four-string bass and guitar in the school band.

Technically savvy resource teacher Keith Gosse credits Corey and Colby's smooth transition to high school with the fact that the boys' technology is now so "transparent". Their Windows laptops have wireless access to the high school's network, and the boys can access the Internet or print from anywhere in the building. Both boys are proficient typists and proficient users of Kurzweil 3000 and Write OutLoud. They take their laptops to class but return to a central base in the Resource Room during the day to use the scanner or CCTV.

SET-BC District Partner and Teacher of the Visually Impaired Nici Decario ensures that the boys know how to use their technology and that classroom teachers understand the adaptations that need to be made in order for the boys to be successful. Teaching assistant Karen MacDonald receives materials in advance from an exceptionally cooperative school staff and scans them into Kurzweil 3000. She also helps the boys learn and implement new technology on a daily basis. The boys' parents, both teachers, are available to lend a hand with homework if necessary.

Congratulations on making the honour roll, Corey and Colby. Keep up the good work!