by Amina Orzueva

My name is Amina Orzueva and I am an incoming senior who is completely blind in both eyes. My three years in high school have taught me how to advocate for myself, learn to accept my disability, and help me become confident regarding my disability. I strongly believe in independence and advocating for yourself and others.
During my eighth-grade year, the pandemic started, and we were remote for the rest of the year. It continued till the spring of my freshman year. During the spring of my freshman year, students had the chance to go in person or remote. I decided to go in person so I can familiarize myself to my new school. Also, I wanted freshman year to be the last year having a one-to-one paraprofessional also known as a para. It worked out for me because there were not too many students, so I did not feel as awkward, and it was easier to learn the layout of the school. That year, I got cleared to be without a para.
            Sophomore year was my first year without a para and it has been the best thing throughout my whole academic life. At first, it was frustrating because all the staff would ask me if I had a para, and they would suggest that I should get one. But as time went on they all realized that I am able to walk around independently without a sighted person always present next to me. Students also started to interact with me more because there was not an adult hovering over me the entire day. I finally felt “normal” because I was able to do what everybody else was doing. Not having a para also improved my self-advocacy skills because usually when teachers see an adult with me, they ask the adult directly about what I need. But this year, there was no adult so they had to talk to me, and I had to explain to a sighted person how all my assistive technology works and how I can fully participate.
            Junior year was much easier in terms of socializing and advocating but I was struggling with time management. I feel like since I complete all my work online, I would do it last minute or right before the marking period ended. At this point, all the staff members were comfortable with me not having a para and they started to treat me exactly like the other students. Students also invited me to hang out outside of school which helped my mental health and acceptance of my disability.
            If you are currently in middle or high school, make sure you attend all of your IEP meetings. Even if you do not feel comfortable to speak just yet, you can disagree with any of the suggestions the adults make about your life and academic journey. If you get support for certain tasks, be sure to speak up if they are helping you too much. Before you head off to college, figure out what works best for you and what accommodations you need. Also, reach out to the Office for Student with Disabilities at the college or colleges that you are interested in.