learningally

What do young school kids love to do when they come home in the afternoon?Play outside, of course. But it was different for Keith Amundsen, who has dyslexia and other processing disorders. He struggled with reading and remembers his parents having to re-teach the day’s lessons to him when he came home — “Basically it was like I would come home and have to go to school, again.”

Today this 18-year old from Staten Island is relishing his freshman year at State University of New York, Oswego, pursuing courses in graphic design and management information systems, and singing in the popular student performance ensemble, “Vocal Effect.” As a Learning Ally National Achievement Award winner, he’ll be coming with his family to Washington, DC this week to accept his award, meet the media and talk up LD advocacy with public officials. Keith and his fellow NAA winners represent Learning Ally’s mission in action. You’ll meet all of them here in coming days.See More

Talk about making the grade…This just in from Melanie Struthers Bryant on the Learning Ally Facebook wall:

“Thank you for all that you do to help myself and others. After joining and getting my textbook on audio I went from a low C to an A in just 5 weeks. Thank you!”

“People who are blind can be a blessing for the rest of the world.”

Looking for insight into how valuable accessible audio textbooks can be for blind people who have academic and professional aspirations? Listen in on a far-reaching conversation with Dr. Charles Walker — counselor educator, scholar, college professor, public speaker, assistive technology trainer, tireless advocate for people with disabilities, and long time Learning Ally member. A towering figure with a warm demeanor and endless stories to share, Walker has been quietly redefining what blind people can do and be.

Read his interview on the Learning Ally Blog.

Husband and Wife Graduate College Together…

Great news from a great friend: Since he was blinded by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004, retired U.S. Marine Corps serviceman Michael Jernigan has gone the distance - returning to college, advocating for wounded warriors, getting married, and building a vibrant life of service to others. Click on the photo to read the heartening news from Mike and his wife, Leslie.

You can also watch a video about Mike Jernigan’s amazing story on Learning Ally’s YouTube page.

THE IMPACT OF ACCESS: At Learning Ally’s national Roundtable at the U.S. Capitol, six star college and grad school students with print disabilities came face to face with community supporters, volunteers, parents and media. Click the photo for our blog report.