Quantum Technology/Freedom Scientific JAWS Scholarship Program 2006 Winners

Maysa Abouzeid

Maysa is planning to study at La Trobe University next year, undertaking a Bachelor of Arts.

"This year the impact of JAWS has helped me enormously especially with reading. Materials given to me electronically is a lot quicker then other resources. The JAWS I’m using at the moment will be return to my school that owns it. JAWS is essential for me for study and to continue with my life.

I’m a comedian I’ve done twenty four gigs, one gig including is the Melbourne Comedy Festival in the last two years. In my leisure time I like to write up comedy materials. I type them up because I cannot write. JAWS helps with this process. JAWS is always turned on when I’m using a computer. When I’m on the internet for leisure JAWS is used on MSN messenger when I’m chatting with my cousin in Egypt. Even to go through my email for receiving work from my teachers. Also I used JAWS and the internet to find a design for a formal dress. Everyone world wide is using the computer and the internet. JAWS make it heaps better for someone who’s blind and visional impaired to have access to modern technology."

Glen Baxter

"My name is Glen Baxter, I am 35 years old and married with three young children. Prior to the onset of RP, I worked full time as a Customer service adviser in the motor trade. Although the RP has prevented me from continuing in this line of employment, it has provided me with a fresh perspective on life and presented new opportunities that I had not previously considered.

Looking ahead, it is my goal to work with people with vision impairment and hopefully to assist them to overcome the hurdles that I have faced and to see that life can be fulfilling and rewarding. The Quantum Technology / Freedom Scientific Scholarship will assist me in achieving this goal."

Sarah Hirst

"After completing my Higher School Certificate I hope to study Arts/Law or complete a degree in a similar field and I feel that my tertiary study would benefit enormously if I were awarded this scholarship.

For the last few years I have been using a school laptop equipped with Zoomtext. The version I use has magnification combined with a screen reader.Unfortunately, with the increased work load of senior years and subsequently long hours spent struggling to distinguish writing on the computer screen, I began to suffer severe eye strain and I find the magnification option has offered me less and less assistance...JAWS would greatly increase my independence in conducting research related study and other daily computer tasks which would otherwise require a sighted assistant."

Nicole Holmes

Picture of Nicole with

"As a year 12 student I have applied for enrollment in University and TAFE courses in 2006, hoping to complete a Bachelor of Arts, or a Welfare Diploma. I am therefore excited by the use of technology to further my studies.

At present I use JAWS 3.7 for my studies. As this system is outdated there are certain websites and programs which I am unable to access. Consequently, I look forward to upgrading to JAWS professional, which will enhance my ability to undertake research tasks and essays in my tertiary course next year.

The freedom scholarship will provide the means for me to excel further in my tertiary education, as it offers a suitable and efficient product. I look forward to JAWS professional enhancing my educational experiences in 2006."

Duncan Meerding

"I have applied to the University of Tasmania (UTAS) for full-time studies commencing in 2006, in either Arts, Law, Social Work or a combination of these.

Before I lost my sight I was a relatively competent computer user. I am now on a fairly intensive learning curve regarding the use of assistive software including screen magnification and voice synthesis software – in addition to ergonomic keyboards, mice and CCTVs.

I have a passion for music and am quite involved in several not-for-profit organisations including Resistance and the United Nations Youth Association.

Unfortunately, I have needed to take a leave of absence from some of my committees as I have not been able to keep up with the necessary reading. I know that once I acquire JAWS, this will allow me to successfully study and to keep up with committee and social reading."

Chass Moller-Nielsen

"I am Chass Moller-Neilsen, a totally blind 16 year-old, completing grade 12 at Trinity Bay State High School, in Cairns, North QLD.

I am wanting to get into full-time music at TAFE up here in Cairns, which required me to be able to research composers, write up assignments, read music, compose music and play it, all independently. Without JAWS, this would be impossible, making me unable to do the course, which I need in order to get into university, leaving my life long dream of becoming a music teacher in tatters."

Natasha Paterson

"My name is Natasha Paterson and I am currently a VCE student completing my final year of secondary school education. I suffer from an eye disease called “Retinitis Pigmentosa” ... I intend to go on to study at university either here in Australia or in the United States after I finish school.

My school purchased JAWS for me when I was in year seven. As I am unable to see regular print text, I use the JAWS computer program to read my text books, class handouts and other reference materials at school. As my vision has deteriorated further, I have begun to rely on JAWS more and more.

Using JAWS has not only given me access but it has also given me independence, and I am sure that it will continue to do so in my future career."

Merinda Pearce

"I am a year 12 student at Don College, Devonport. I have just had my eighteenth birthday and I am planning to attend the TAFE College in Burnie in 2006. I will do an office administration course.

I enjoy writing sotries and journals. With JAWS I can edit quicly and move on to the next paragraph. It is important that I keep up my keyboarding skills for any position I gain in the future as well as for my own recreational use. I know that a copy of JAWS professional would be a valuable asset in my future career."