My name is Aziza Cano and I am a fully blind student in California. I grew up with the impression that being blind was the most normal thing in the world. However, when I entered high school, that sense of comfort disappeared. Teachers referred to me as "different," and "special." I was devastated and clung desperately to what until then I have been so sure was a life that would be all right. It did not take me long to realize that what the teachers were saying and doing was wrong, and was in fact a violation of my rights as a student with a disability. For the next three years, I struggled through legal proceedings. I was determined to prove the teachers wrong, and get the alternative and
assistive materials necessary to ensure I received the education I deserved. Right before my junior year, I met with members of the Channel Islands Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. These individuals reinstated my belief that being blind was unquestioningly ok. Since that moment, I have refused to allow anyone make me question the security I was feeling about my blindness. In January of 2008, I went to Washington Seminar where I met four members of the California Association of Blind Students of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). This was an important experience for me because I was thrilled to meet students in college who could guide and mentor me. Over the last year, I continued to rebuild my self- esteem. On October 2008, I accepted the position as Secretary of California Association of Blind Students (CABS). I accepted the position for a few different reasons. I want to be a role model for other students in the same way the students I met at Washington Seminar were for me. I also want to teach students, parents, and teachers what their rights and responsibilities are about blindness. I realize that some students may have to learn the hard way, and although I would not wish my experience on anyone, I know others can learn from it. CABS serve an important purpose in the lives of students. It strives to assist blind students to reach their full potential in not only education but mainstream activities that sighted students partake in, such as volunteer work, social events and athletic activities. The members of CABS realize that there is more to being a blind student then simply taking classes. All students have their social lives and it is just as important for blind students to be seen as active members of society, whichever campus they happen to attend. Being a part of CABS can be beneficial to blind students of any age. Surrounding oneself with people going through similar struggles can always decrease the sense of loneliness that sometimes envelops people when difficult times ensue. Having an active support group can also make the transition throughout one's education much easier. I am personally looking forward to the transition between high school and college with the realization that I will have many supporters with me. All blind students should reach out to one another, and one simple, effective and indescribable way to do so, is by joining one's state student division like the California Association of Blind Students.
Aziza Cano
February, 2009
My name is Aziza Cano and I am a fully blind student in California. I grew up with the impression that being blind was the most normal thing in the world. However, when I entered high school, that sense of comfort disappeared. Teachers referred to me as "different," and "special." I was devastated and clung desperately to what until then I have been so sure was a life that would be all right. It did not take me long to realize that what the teachers were saying and doing was wrong, and was in fact a violation of my rights as a student with a disability. For the next three years, I struggled through legal proceedings. I was determined to prove the teachers wrong, and get the alternative and
assistive materials necessary to ensure I received the education I deserved. Right before my junior year, I met with members of the Channel Islands Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. These individuals reinstated my belief that being blind was unquestioningly ok. Since that moment, I have refused to allow anyone make me question the security I was feeling about my blindness. In January of 2008, I went to Washington Seminar where I met four members of the California Association of Blind Students of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). This was an important experience for me because I was thrilled to meet students in college who could guide and mentor me. Over the last year, I continued to rebuild my self- esteem. On October 2008, I accepted the position as Secretary of California Association of Blind Students (CABS). I accepted the position for a few different reasons. I want to be a role model for other students in the same way the students I met at Washington Seminar were for me. I also want to teach students, parents, and teachers what their rights and responsibilities are about blindness. I realize that some students may have to learn the hard way, and although I would not wish my experience on anyone, I know others can learn from it. CABS serve an important purpose in the lives of students. It strives to assist blind students to reach their full potential in not only education but mainstream activities that sighted students partake in, such as volunteer work, social events and athletic activities. The members of CABS realize that there is more to being a blind student then simply taking classes. All students have their social lives and it is just as important for blind students to be seen as active members of society, whichever campus they happen to attend. Being a part of CABS can be beneficial to blind students of any age. Surrounding oneself with people going through similar struggles can always decrease the sense of loneliness that sometimes envelops people when difficult times ensue. Having an active support group can also make the transition throughout one's education much easier. I am personally looking forward to the transition between high school and college with the realization that I will have many supporters with me. All blind students should reach out to one another, and one simple, effective and indescribable way to do so, is by joining one's state student division like the California Association of Blind Students.