Easter Seals Disability Services

Austin is a typical 4th grade student. Perpetually in motion and always smiling, he talks of football (his favorites are the Tennessee Titans and FSU Seminoles). He talks of this year’s vacation at Tybee Island, where Miley Cyrus just happened to be filming her new movie. He also talks of wanting to play guitar or percussion in the Bleckley County High School Band where his sister, Britleigh, is currently playing trumpet.

What he doesn’t talk about is his limited vision. Austin has no sight in his right eye and has limited vision in his left eye. Born with this condition, Austin faces challenges each day. His mom, Danette, states that they have chosen to focus on Austin’s academic skills now, hoping that he retains what sight he does have in his left eye. Helping him with his school work is a new computer with software and a big monitor which allows him to work on his own. Spelling words, sentences and research are easier for him to see using the special monitor rather than trying to write his schoolwork by hand.

Danette states that the Easter Seals Champions for Children Program "has been very helpful to them. It was the only way to get the computer for Austin. Even with insurance, the out of pocket medical expense is hard to handle. It was great when we were able to get in the Champions for Children Program at Easter Seals."