2 Central MS Students Applauded For Using Tech To Conquer Challenges

TINLEY PARK, IL — Two Central Middle School students who use assistive technology to bypass obstacles in their learning process were recently celebrated by District 146.

The District 146 Board of Education recognized the students, who received awards from the UCP Seguin Foundation and the Infinitec Southwest Coalition.

Sixth grader Kayleigh McCormick, of Tinley Park, and eighth grader Lily Brown, of Oak Forest, with Outstanding Technology Awards for their achievement and progress in the use of assistive technology.

“These two incredible students have both come so far with the support of a wonderful team at CMS, dedicated and caring families at home, and an administration and Board that understands their needs and continuously strives to meet them,” said Kelly Voliva, Director of Student Services.

Kayleigh and Lily were recognized at an awards ceremony at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest on March 2, with other award winners.

The awards celebrate the accomplishments of learners who attend schools in the Infinitec Southwest Coalition area. Students who receive this award have demonstrated outstanding achievement in overcoming challenges and accomplishing personal goals using assistive technology.

Kayleigh, who is legally blind, has learned to braille fluently, using a talking brailler and a regular brailler. She also uses an iPad with VoiceOver, an abacus, and many other manipulatives to help her access her community and school more independently.

“We are very proud of Kayleigh and the things she’s accomplished,” said Jacqueline Gersach, Kayleigh’s grandmother. “It’s wonderful District 146 and members of her team recognize those accomplishments as well.”

Lily uses augmentative and alternative communication systems to interact with her peers, teachers, and family. Using a gaze bar and an app on her computer, answer buzzers with recorded responses, and adaptive cooking materials, she is able to participate in classroom activities with her peers.

“Lily has gotten really strong at utilizing her gaze bar and it has become a great outlet for her to communicate her thoughts and needs,” said Jennifer Brown, Lily’s mother. “Rett Syndrome impacts her so much every day, and we are extremely proud of her for overcoming and doing the best she can. Her teachers and one-on-one aids have been such a huge help. We couldn’t have done it without them.”