[nfbmi-talk] MSU Article: StudentUsesDifferingLearningTechniques to Give Back

Tue Dec 4 00:10:14 UTC 2012

Well said, Terry.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Terry Eagle
Sent: December 03, 2012 09:32
To: 'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] MSU Article: 
StudentUsesDifferingLearningTechniques to Give Back

JIM, It is because of NFB that today we reap the benefits that the NFB sowed
decades ago, and consider that which we reaped 30 years ago, that our
parents did not have in opportunity and support.  That is why to whom much
is given, much is expected. Jordon and many, many young adults are
demonstrateing by their giving back, for a much enhanced and prosperous
future for their children and our grandchildren.

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jim in
Detroit
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2012 6:10 AM
To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] MSU Article: Student
UsesDifferingLearningTechniques to Give Back

Jordyn, I wish we had this 30 years ago.  "You go girl!!!"

-----Original Message----- 
From: Jordyn Castor
Sent: December 02, 2012 22:31
To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] MSU Article: Student Uses
DifferingLearningTechniques to Give Back

The contents of the article is copied below, just in case people can't get
the link to highlight properly
. I think it looks worse copied here though lol. I used Safari reader so
maybe that's why.
But here you have it.

Student Uses Differing Learning Techniques to Give Back

November 29th, 2012

Courtney Meyer & Megan Orth

Jordyn Castor is a sophomore majoring in computer science. But Jordyn isn't
your average sophomore.  In spite of her blindness, Jordyn is pursuing a
major that is highly visual and graphical while helping other students to
overcome similar visual barriers in learning.

In September, Jordyn spoke at a lecture series by the University Activities
Board entitled "Real Heroes: No Capes, No Masks, No Distractions."

Reflecting on the intended message of her speech, Jordyn said "People might
look at me as an inspirational hero, but to me it is everyday life, and
despite challenges I am going to live my life to the fullest."

She adds, "There were a lot of jokes and fun in my speech, and I just tried
to show them that I have adaptive techniques for doing things like math,
physics, or even crossing the street, but I am just a normal person."

"Life isn't always fair, but you have to adapt and play the hand you're
dealt."

Although Jordyn can read her textbooks using a refreshable Braille display
on her computer, she requires tactile graphic images to study graphs, line
drawings or maps. These images are prepared by RCPD staff and Tower Guard
members.

To complete high-level math and calculus, she uses Nemeth Braille and other
auditory techniques like Math Speak.  Jordyn and a team of engineering
students have been working to build apparatuses that will aid individuals
with visual impairments in understanding complex graphical problems. One
that assistive technology trainer Kaitlyn Hlywa has already built allows
Jordyn to tactitly "visualize" 2D graphics and problems involving 3D vectors

with angles and Cartesian coordinates.

Jordyn and Kaitlyn work with a graphing apparatus.

Jordyn has also been assisting the RCPD's Tower Guard and the College of
Engineering in producing an accessible physics book. Another team of
students in Electrical and Computer Engineering is working to create a
refreshable haptic display that cannot only convert text into Braille for
users to feel from a small device connected to their computer, but also
allow users to interpret graphic images.

One of the innovative graphic images that Jordyn and other students who are
blind can use.

Her time has not only been dedicated to helping students at Michigan State
University understand disability-related challenges to learning; she has
volunteered as a part of the RCPD and College of Engineering's efforts to
design anatomical models for students at the Asian Aid India School for the
Blind in Bobbili, India. In consulting with the students constructing the
accessible models, she has conveyed how technology like screen readers and
Braille make textbooks accessible.

Jordyn found the experience of working in a group with other engineering
students and giving them advice about anatomical models for students who are

blind to be "awesome". She is thrilled that the students in India have loved

the models, and says that it is "really cool to see a product I helped make
get put to use."

Jordyn is not only a scholar, but also a humanitarian.  "It is rewarding to
see the talents of students like Jordyn combine with the passion and skill
of Team RCPD, Tower Guard, and the College of Engineering to create
opportunity in an area of study where the challenges are abundant while the
possibilities remain endless. The power of engineering, creativity and
persistence to solve problems and create opportunity is exactly what Hal
Wochholz had in mind as he invested in our engineering partnerships," said
RCPD Director Michael Hudson.

After graduating, Jordyn hopes to pursue a career in software engineering.
Her fascination with computers dates back to 2nd grade when her family
bought their first computer and her school helped install a screen reader.
In 7th grade Jordyn further learned how exciting computers can be when she
attended a conference by the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore,
Maryland. The conference was her first exposure to programming, showing her
that in spite of a visual impairment, she could pursue a career in computer
science, and she has been interested ever since.

There is no doubt that computer science is an extremely difficult major, but

Jordyn lives by the mantra that "nothing is impossible." Jordyn is glad to
pave the way for other students who are blind to pursue a computer science
related career. She is grateful for the help provided by her fellow
Spartans, noting "I never expected to come to a university where people
would be so accommodating and these helpful apparatuses would be made for me

by students."

"People are so giving and willing to help, and that is all part of
engineering and what we are trying to do. It is great that students get
hands on experience and it is exciting for me to see the end product and put

those products to use."

Jordyn feels that "it is awesome to be a Spartan because people are so
willing to help.and people put their heart into everything." Jordyn is no
exception.

On Dec 2, 2012, at 10:06 PM, "Terry Eagle" <terrydeagle at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hey Jordon,
>
> The URL link goes to a message that says page cannot be found.  Can you
> please copy-and-paste the article here?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbmi-talk [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> Jordyn
> Castor
> Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2012 9:33 PM
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] MSU Article: Student Uses Differing
> LearningTechniques
> to Give Back
>
> Hey everyone!
> I just wanted to share this article with you. I'm also hoping to get it
> featured in our campus newspaper. :) Hope you enjoy, and go green!!!!! :)
>
https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/blog/post/student-uses-differing-learning-technique
> s-give-back
> Jordyn
>
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om

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