Ashleigh from Dubbo Dances for JAWS [0]
Nastasia's on a Winning Stream [0]
Syeira Achieves with Assistive Technology [0]
Ashleigh from Dubbo Dances for JAWS !
I received JAWS through the Freedom scientific scholarship on 10 November 2004. I remember this date clearly, as it was the day I completed my final HSC exam. I came home from my exam to be told that I had to phone Quantum, which I did. I remember holding on, getting annoyed with the Britney music playing in my ear, wondering what I had done wrong with the scholarship that I needed to fix. Then I was informed I had won! I danced around the house, and was so excited I kept doing everything wrong as I tried to set up the fax machine so forms could be faxed through!
JAWS has had a significant role in my study. Without it, I doubt whether I would have been able to attend university. As Braille is so bulky, and uni rooms so small, I had to opt for electronic versions of my textbooks. I initially found this difficult, as I was, and still am, an avid Braille user. However, I eventually got used to it, and am now able to keep pace with the others in my course.
I also use JAWS on my laptop to keep in touch with people at home via E-mail and MSN Messenger. I am also able to access features such as the library databases, fill out online forms for maintenance and IT issues, among other services offered by the university.
I am very grateful to Quantum and Freedom scientific for giving me these wonderful opportunities. Without this scholarship, I am doubtful as to whether I could have afforded my own copy of JAWS, and participated in this unique and wonderful educational opportunity and lifestyle that is university.
Nastasia's on a Winning Stream !
For me 2006 was a jam packed year. If sitting the stressful HSC wasn't cause enough to be busy and filled with adrenaline then completing a TAFE course, winning a Prime Minister's award and becoming a first year journalism student definitely is. I have recently received a jaws scholarship and thought that I'd give something back to Quantum Technology and readers of the news letter by sharing my latest successes and let you know just how hard jaws will need to be working for me.
In 2005 and 2006 I elected to take up Entertainment as part of my HSC package along with 3 unit English and other various subjects. Entertainment is just one of the courses offered to students as a part of the Australian Government's new vocational and technical training initiative to get students involved in TAFE courses while at school. It was a fantastic opportunity to gain an accredited certificate in an industry which I am so passionate about while also being able to include the subject Entertainment in my final HSC mark.
During the Entertainment TAFE course, I learnt about sound design, stage management and lighting concepts. It is about being part of the backbone to a production, watching it grow from the start to the finish. The course was so practical and that's what I loved about it. It gave me an opportunity to work with music and do work experience. Over the two year period I did work for a variety of companies including Nova, SBS, The Federal Publishing Company, Next Media and Australian Consolidated Press. I was also able to do my First Aid Certificate as well as attend some short courses at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), including voice-overs and sound production. I have also worked in the media, hosting my own radio show at a community radio station and writing many articles for local newspapers and national magazines. Throughout this time I made significant contacts, with whom I am still friends today and who I take direction from as I slowly move into working in the media.
Subsequent to coming first in the Entertainment subject at my school as well as having high recommendations from employees, I was nominated and then went on to win many coveted awards. Firstly, I won the Australian Vocational Student Prize which recognises Year 12 students who demonstrate exceptional skill, commitment and achievement while undertaking a school-based Vocational Education and Training program. Secondly, I received the Vocational and Technical Student of the Year Regional Award which acknowledges the highest achievements in Vocational education and training in my area. Thirdly, I was awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Skills Excellence, being recognised as one of the highest achievers in Australia. The Prime Minister's award was presented to me in Canberra at a ceremony in early December at Parliament House. The event was hosted by Steve Liebman and was attended by Julie Bishop, Minister for Education, Science and Training.
The ceremony was so overwhelming, I still get a rush now when I think back to how great it felt being there. I felt like a little superstar getting my photo taken multiple times as well as doing a live radio interview. Meeting Steve and talking to him about the media and his success in radio was amazing. I definitely learnt a lot just listening to what he had to say.
On top of receiving the award at the ceremony I was asked to give the acceptance speech on behalf of the 20 recipients. I only had 2 hours to memorise the speech and felt completely nerves. Yet when the time came I was assisted to the lectern and all the butterflies flu away. A feeling of professionalism replaced the nerves.
I feel that going to Canberra and receiving such a prestigious award has really opened doors for me in terms of my career. I spoke with a few journalists and my story featured in 3 newspapers. I received a few business cards from media advisers in Parliament which, for me was quite emotional as it felt as though I had actually impressed someone.
The excitement continued to role on when I returned from my trip away in Canberra. I returned to discover that I had gained a UAI mark of 95,75 and successful entry into a Bachelor of Arts Communications (journalism) degree at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). I think I cried for about 3 hours non stop. I just couldn't believe it. You work so hard for something for so long and then to see all your hard work paying off is just uncomprehendible .
To have received a jaws scholarship is also an amazing opportunity. Jaws is so important in order for me to be successful in my course. It means I can do internet research independently and write articles and ultimately will mean I become a better journalist.
I'd like to thank the team at Qquantum Technology for their support, advice and opportunity to share my achievements with other jaws users. Thanks most of all for allowing me to have the latest copy of jaws, it will play a vital part in my road to success.
Syeira Achieves with Assistive Technology !
Syeira Ferguson is a bright, energetic student from Ulladulla who is currently studying Theology at St Mark’s theological university in Canberra.
However, the difference between Syeira and her class mates is that she uses assistive technology to enable her to study.
When Syeira was nine years old she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor inside her optic nerve. She is unable to read standard print and relies on assistive technology such as ZoomText computer screen enlargement programs, a scanning and reading appliance (SARA), and the computer screen reading program JAWS for Windows, which she won early in 2007, as a scholarship from Quantum Technology.
With the help of her assistive technology Syeira completed her HSC at Shoalhaven Anglican School in 2006 and has completed her first year at University in Canberra.
“There is a lot of reading to do at university and the JAWS screen reading program relieves the strain on my eyes” Syeira said. “I’ve just finished my first year at Uni in Canberra. SARA helps me with reading the many textbooks I have to study, while the computer programs help me with making notes and using the internet. During the uni semesters, I am using the products all the time, but I also use them for leisure like reading novels and assisting with email. The best thing especially about the computer programs is that for the first time, I’ve learnt to use the internet and send emails” she said.