Published: May 15, 2008 11:14 am         

Schools for Deaf and Blind deserve our support

Recently, I enjoyed the letter to the editor by Betty Jo Dohrman, "Let's celebrate W.Va. Schools for Deaf, Blind," (May 3 Times-News) Many years ago, 10 to be exact, I had the privilege of teaching business, computer keyboarding, and computer applications to the students at the Blind School.

But before that teaching assignment, I taught office technologies at Allegany College. Within that curriculum, I was very fortunate to have taught both Karen Swauger and Jessie Rayl, both graduates of the Blind School in Romney, W.Va.

These two young women were exceptional students and were very adept in their field. In fact, Jessie went on to receive her Ph.D. I remember having Karen in keyboarding when we had the huge, clunky, electric typewriters. No speech program at that time and no other special provisions were made for her except one piece of adaptive equipment. She was able to realize when she made a mistake and then go back to that mistake and correct it. Karen was also my student in a transcription course that was taught. She was totally blind - an amazing young lady. But anyone who has ever come in contact with the students of the Deaf and Blind school will agree ... they are all amazing.

Their parents/guardians have to have trust in the school to allow these young students to stay there. The Deaf and Blind school is the only school of its kind in the state of West Virginia. Imagine allowing your visually handicapped or handicapped student to trek across the state to live in a dorm completely devoid of family. These are not college-aged students, but K-12. The Deaf and the Blind schools do amazing work with these youngsters.

I also remember having a young man in my computer applications course in Romney. He knew exactly how many tabs or keystrokes it would take to go through the program such as Access or Word or Excel and put in the correct information, using correct formulas and functions. This young man went on to graduate from Allegany College ... his name is Glen Pinkard. I'm sure many others have many other stories to tell.

The Deaf and Blind Schools need the support of the community as well as the Tri-State area. Travel down to Romney some time and see for yourself what they do there. It'll do your heart good. If gas prices are too high, take a group; I'm sure the administration there would be more than willing to give a tour to those interested. We have so much right here in the Tri-State area. And, I agree with Ms. Dohrman ... Let's celebrate what we have. We do so much good when all hearts work as one.

Keyoung Gill
Cumberland