digital and audio materials for Ohio students with
print disabilities, including those with visual impairments.
I like to cook but prefer baking, especially
cookies. I make a mean pumpkin chocolate chip
cookie. I enjoy canoeing/kayaking and listening to
nature. I like to crochet, but haven't quite mastered it yet. I like to read; the best book I recently
read was The Fault in Our Stars. I am active in
Bible Study Fellowship and try to live my best as
a Christian woman. I enjoy spending time with
people I love.
Q: How has your visual impairment impacted
your education through the years?
Katie: My visual impairment has impacted
my education in different ways as I have aged. I
received very little assistance in elementary
school and suffered academically and socially. I
was a very angry child who dared anybody to
look twice. I felt like I was less of a person because I couldn't participate and constantly felt left
out. My classmates did not understand my differences and bullied me. I had a few friends but
overall had a low morale.
In middle school, my mother moved me to
the Ohio [State] School for the Blind. I did a complete 180 in my time there. I learned to read
braille and had access to large print. I made
many lifelong friends. I learned to utilize technology to lead [an] easier, independent life. I played
sports and excelled as an athlete; this has [led] to
a lifetime of exercising for enjoyment. My view of
myself and the world greatly improved. I became
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