The stories below are from students with print disabilities and learning challenges, told in their own voices from their unique perspective, and are reflective of where they are in their personal learning journey. Students, educators, and parents will find student reviews of favorite assistive technology tools, tips for using academic support services, and strategies for building successful study skills.
Featured Learning Journeys
Meet Alessia
When I was really little, I always found school really hard. My parents could see that I was struggling.
Watch Alessia's StoryMeet Justin
I remember the story from the pictures in the book but when it comes to reading words, I never could.
Read Justin's StoryMeet Amir
When I first discovered the option to listen to audio books, I was really excited.
Read Amir's StoryMore Learning Journeys
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VideoIsabel Arathoon
It’s really important to remember that when you’re trying to get from point A to point B and you have an LD, sometimes you need to take in between steps.
AIM Format: Digital TextDisability: DyslexiaAge Group: Post-Secondary -
EssayAlan B.
[Alan's] favorite thing to do in school is using Jaws on the computer. Jaws is a screen reading program that allows Alan to navigate Windows, which helps him a great deal because he is visually impaired.
AIM Format: Braille, AudioDisability: Visually ImpairedAge Group: Elementary -
EssayAmir Bar
When I first discovered the option to listen to audio books, I was really excited.
AIM Format: Digital TextDisability: DyslexiaAge Group: Post-Secondary -
EssayMichelle Blowers
I am a visual and auditory learner and so being able to see and hear the words helps me comprehend the reading.
AIM Format: Digital Text, AudioDisability: ADHDAge Group: Post-Secondary -
VideoLukas Bratcher, Susanna Martini, Vishal Saraiya
Assistive technology is the major foundation of my life. Without it I could not exist as I am today. I mean without a computer I couldn't do my homework. -Susanna
AIM Format: Braille, AudioDisability: Blind and Low-VisionAge Group: High School, Post-Secondary -
Audio, VideoCurtis Holman
Positively, [AIM has] helped me because the more you read the more you learn about different scenarios and the more your brain can grow.
AIM Format: Digital Text, BrailleDisability: Visually ImpairedAge Group: High School -
EssayFelix M.
The school has ordered [Felix] his own personal laptop computer, which includes a voice-activated program so that it will be easier for him to take notes in class.
AIM Format: Digital TextDisability: Cerebral PalsyAge Group: Elementary -
VideoAmy MacLaren
[Before having textbooks on an iPad], since it was large print and braille, I had to go to this big table back in the classroom and it was just harder and much heavier than the iPad.
AIM Format: Digital Text, Large PrintDisability: Visually ImpairedAge Group: Elementary -
Essay, AudioJustin MacNeil
I remember the story from the pictures in the book but when it comes to reading words, I never could.
AIM Format: Digital TextDisability: Dyslexia, ADHDAge Group: Post-Secondary -
VideoAlessia Mondlane
When I was really little, I always found school really hard. My parents could see that I was struggling.
AIM Format: **Unknown**Disability: DyslexiaAge Group: Post-Secondary -
Audio, VideoJessica Pinto
It’s much easier now that I don’t have to ask someone like Ms. Heather, my aide, because I can do it independently and on my own.
AIM Format: Digital Text, AudioDisability: Cerebral PalsyAge Group: High School -
EssayWhitney Randol
Becoming more aware of how I learn helped me choose which strategies would complement my learning profile.
AIM Format: Digital Text, AudioDisability: Dyslexia, ADHDAge Group: Post-Secondary -
EssayEmily S.
Emily uses text-to-speech software that allows her access to textbooks without the struggle of turning pages.
AIM Format: Digital TextDisability: Cerebral PalsyAge Group: Post-Secondary -
EssayAli Williams
The following study strategies have helped me get through high school and my first two years of college successfully. I use a combination of a master notebook, a planner, a specialized highlighting system, and Kurzweil.
AIM Format: Digital TextDisability: DyslexiaAge Group: Post-Secondary