Disability no handicap for top CyberTech student
KENNESAW‚ Ga. (July 30‚ 2007) — Wilkens Eugene can’t see to open a classroom door…
Georgia (Jul 30, 2007) — Disability no handicap for top CyberTech student
Jennifer Hafer
Abstract
Technology changing what it means to be disabled
Director of University Relations
Frances Weyand Harrison
770−423−6203
fharris4@kennesaw.edu
Writer: Jennifer Hafer‚ 770−423−6711 or jhafer@kennesaw.edu
KENNESAW‚ Ga. (July 30‚ 2007) — Wilkens Eugene can’t see to open a classroom door‚
but his recent graduation from CyberTech at Kennesaw State University has opened the
program’s doors for future disabled students.
With the help of a screen−reading program called JAWS‚ Eugene not only completed the
required course work‚ he excelled in the program winning the annual “Dean’s Choice
Award” – the program’s top honor for achievement – and a new Dell computer.
“Completing this program raised my level of confidence‚” the rising Campbell High
School senior said. “If I can do this‚ anything is possible.”
CyberTech is a strategic educational initiative based in the computer science and
information systems department at Kennesaw State. Funded by the National Science Foundation‚
CyberTech is designed to attract under−represented high school students into careers
in the sciences‚ particularly computer science.
“It’s amazing what a person can do in technology without being sighted‚ and Wilkens
is a prime example of what can be accomplished‚” CyberTech program director Dale Benham
said. “Wilkens has laid the groundwork for other students with disabilities to become
part of the program.”
Dr. Pamila Dembla‚ assistant professor in the CSIS department‚ has been working to
develop a pilot program within CyberTech aimed at attracting visually impaired students
like Eugene to the field of computing. The pilot test will be used to apply for National
Science Foundation funding to increase enrollment of visually impaired students.
“We believe that professions that depend significantly on technology‚ such as programming‚
would be ideal for students with visual impairments as they can work at their own
pace in their environments‚” Dembla said.
Because of Eugene’s success‚ next year there will be an emphasis on recruiting disabled
students for future CyberTech programs. This outreach effort will build upon KSU’s
already strong commitment to attracting and retaining disabled students.
The university boasts a large selection of adaptive software and hardware for students
to use including text readers‚ voice recognition programs‚ computer display enlargement‚
whiteboard capture devices‚ assistive listening devices and adaptive keyboards. There
are currently 285 students actively enrolled with the office of disabled student support
services.
“We work with the students to help them learn to apply technological supports to their
academic pursuits in a way that enhances their endeavors and contributes to their
success‚” Carol Pope‚ assistant director of disabled student support services‚ said.
“I believe that the tools provided by technology are key to a productive work life
for many individuals with disabilities.”
For further information‚ or to schedule an interview‚ please contact the writer.
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A member of the 35−unit University System of Georgia‚ Kennesaw State University is
a comprehensive‚ residential institution with a growing student population approaching
20‚000 from 132 countries. The third−largest university in Georgia‚ Kennesaw State
offers more than 60 graduate and undergraduate degrees‚ including a new doctorate
in education.
MORE NEWS…
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its nearly 43,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
