SET-BC students win awards from BC Council for Exceptional Children

Introducing Sky: Recipient of the BC Council for Exceptional Children “Yes I Can” Award for Technology

Sky is a grade-9 deaf-blind student who has no vision and partial hearing. His computer skills are nothing short of amazing! Thanks to the many pieces of equipment he has through SET-BC and the friendly and knowledgeable SET-BC support staff, he is now able to independently operate a wide-range of technology and software designed for the blind.

Among the technology that Sky is currently using from SET-BC is a laptop computer with JAWS screen reader software, a Braille Lite Refreshable Braille System, and a Bookport. He will also soon be getting two new pieces of equipment, including a PacMate and hopefully some GPS equipment.

Sky is always eager to try new technology and he has assisted in giving several technology workshops at the school and post-secondary levels. He has a home computer recording studio where he digitally records from a variety of devices through mixing software such as “Soundforge”.  He has created his own webpage and he regularly submits software reviews to www.acbradio.org, providing audible reviews of software for the blind or visually impaired.   

He is familiar with many computer games for the blind and visually impaired people all over the world contact him for information about them. Sky is also a beta-tester for Macromedia and several other gaming companies. Not only is he very knowledgeable in the area of technology, but he is also a strong advocate for disabled people. When a piece of software is not accessible, he will email the company to let them know this.  Several companies now ask for his assistance in making software accessible when producing programs. Without the access to equipment through SET-BC, Sky’s world would be very different today.  Thank you SET-BC and keep up the great work Sky!

Introducing Tye: Recipient of the BC Council for Exceptional Children “Yes I Can” Award for Academics

Tye is an extremely dedicated and bright grade 8 student.  His accomplishments are many, despite having mild cerebral palsy and being both visually and hearing impaired. Tye’s SET-BC equipment has helped him immensely throughout the years. He uses a laptop computer with Zoomtext screen magnification software and Kurzweil software.  This equipment has enabled Tye to do the same activities as the other students with very little hassle and it has helped him to maintain a straight ‘A’ average throughout middle school.

He has won various awards, including a national creative writing award where his work was published in a Canadian book of short stories written by children. He is not only a high-achiever academically; he also excels in the areas of leadership, band, and athletics. He has another piece of equipment from SET-BC, called a Betacom telescope, which he uses when on fieldtrips or outings to easily see things in a distance.  He can now read the McDonald’s menu with ease!

Since 2002, he has competed and won several track-and-field events in the BC Disability games. He is also a member of the Peninsula United Soccer Team and a member of Team Canada, a soccer team for those who have cerebral palsy. He is hoping Team Canada will qualify for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. Tye’s own words summarize his philosophy to life and school best.  He states, “I hope I can be a role model to show others how much people with disabilities are capable of”. With the help of technology from SET-BC, Tye is living this dream.  Congratulations on your many accomplishments Tye!