Sight-challenged second-grader in Ceres gets learning tools from a surprising source
Stefanie Alvarez was looking for ways to help Leilani Gonzalez, a sight-impaired second-grader, to learn.
The Ceres Unified School District support inclusion specialist turned to the source of inspiration for so many topics — Pinterest. The social media resource suggested 3D-printed Braille magnets. Students with sight problems use the magnets much like their sighted peers use a whiteboard and marker.
Alvarez then asked Ceres High School teacher Owen Brown if his Manufacturing, Production and Green Technology Academy students could help. The students and Owen eagerly accepted the challenge, the school district said in a news release.
“Although there were obstacles along the way, the students approached these as opportunities to problem-solve while fine-tuning their technological skills,” the release said.
On Friday, the project culminated with a visit to Adkison Elementary, where Leilani attends school. There, the Ceres High students presented the 8-year-old with the magnets.
The presentation marked “the culmination of a project that illustrates the profound and positive impact of school communities working together toward an inclusive culture where everyone can succeed,” the district said.
This story was originally published March 1, 2019 at 3:27 PM.
