Ten things that surprised me about college, written with a special focus on students with IEPs and disabilities

A while ago, a clarinet player with low vision asked me if I had any tips for how to read marching band drill sheets and talking to their director about marching with low vision. The conversation made me think of my time in marching band…

One of the most frequently requested resources that I receive from technology teachers and elementary school teachers alike is strategies for learning to type with low vision and typing for visually impaired students. Since I run my own website and take a lot of virtual…

How I participated in high school marching band with a vision impairment, thanks to an optimistic band director

As a student with low vision who spends a lot of time in computer labs, I’ve worked with several teachers to create a list of options on implementing computer lab accommodations for low vision students. Whether students are taking virtual classes, completing in-class activities, or…

My tips for being successful in college admission interviews

I’m a huge fan of the Bookshare accessible online library for people with print disabilities, and have been using the service since I was a freshman in high school. I interact with Bookshare in some capacity every day, whether it’s checking out new books, reading…

Before I started attending college, I had very limited assistive technology education, as most of what I had learned had come from reading articles online. My school had extremely limited funding and resources for assistive technology, so I never got the chance to explore different…

When I was in high school, I sometimes had difficulty explaining how common technology behaviors or other technology in the classroom would hurt my brain, also known as give me a migraine. Many teachers assumed that I was refusing to participate in class, but the…

Between tech internships/events and flash sales at the college bookstore, my collection of backpacks and tote bags has grown to include multiple items, all of which were chosen with my visual impairment in mind. Choosing a backpack with low vision isn’t just about making sure…

As a student living with chronic pain, I often joke with my friends that I have to over-think several decisions, which includes choosing a backpack for bringing materials to class. Choosing a backpack with chronic pain isn’t as straightforward as just making an aesthetic choice…

My experiences taking gym classes in the general curriculum, why I was later exempt, taking adaptive PE, and taking gym/health online