Region One ESC Prepares Students Who Are Blind, Deaf for Life After High School
Over 150 students, parents and teachers visited the Region One ESC Conference Center Wednesday, Jan. 25 for an all-day seminar dedicated to assisting students who are visually impaired, blind or deafblind transition out of high school.
Students who are preparing to enter the workforce or begin post-secondary education had access to an abundance of information about available tools and resources from colleges, universities, and advocates.
“It is very important to come together as a community because sometimes it is difficult for students with disabilities in rural areas to find organizations to help them take the next steps after high school,” said parent Rebecca Sanchez. “It has been a blessing to attend Region One events like this and learn about ways I can inspire self-advocacy in my child.”
The seminar also offered advice and insight to students and families via a Q&A session with university students who are visually impaired, blind and/or deafblind.
During the Q&A session, the university students spoke about their experiences and how they worked toward independence despite adversity.
“Go out and live the life you want to live,” said Carolina Gonzalez, a student at the University of North Texas. “Network and meet blind teachers, blind singers and blind lawyers.”
Throughout the seminar, students from across eight counties in the Rio Grande Valley had the opportunity to make connections and share their plans for life after high school with their peers.
“From talking to others, students are able to learn that they’re not the only ones who are experiencing a transition,” said Jaclyn Garcia, Weslaco ISD, Teacher for Students with Visual Impairments. “They’re able to come together and learn that they are not alone.“
The Region One ESC Special Education Program focuses on improving performance and program effectiveness for students with disabilities ages. Region One ESC supports school districts and charter schools in meeting the requirements of law and service effectiveness through training and technical assistance for teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, support staff and administration.