Jessica and Tara
Me with Tara, My inspiration for this project

As the official teen spokesperson for The International Dyslexia Association I have been working diligently to raise $20,000 which will be donated towards installation of the newest and most innovative educational software available for dyslexic learners, the KReader PC and Mobile. This software will enable students with learning disabilities to see their textbooks in a 3-D format featuring realistic animated page turning, easily accessible study and reference tools, will highlight and read aloud in high quality text to speech, and offer study tools, dictionary, thesaurus, translation, internet search, plus much more. This gift of computer technology will be made available on both the main campus of The University of Cincinnati as well as the Raymond Walters branch campus. I will also be presenting a KReader Mobile to one special dyslexic student from each of these campuses as well. With this mobile phone these dyslexic individuals will be able to take a picture of any text and the phone will read the information flawlessly back to them! The KReader Mobile will also translate text from almost any language into English to promote independent travel and business opportunity for all dyslexics who struggle to read.

What was my catalyst for this project you might ask? It is my pleasure to tell you about my inspiration… On May 29, 2009 I had a conversation with one of the Learning Disabilities Educators from the University of Cincinnati. We were discussing the benefits of technology and support for dyslexic students. In the course of our conversation I learned of two students that this dedicated teacher was working with but was unable to reach. I was told that these struggling students were both very intelligent, very hard working, and also very much dyslexic. As a dyslexic student who has overcome the challenges of dyslexia I immediately identified with their battle to succeed in the academic environment. I knew immediately that my mission was to raise enough money to donate the cutting edge dyslexic software that would enable these students to learn and function to the best of their ability. The teacher, Mary Lou Ellison said that she had been “praying, praying, and praying for a way to help these students” and that she felt that I was “the answer to her prayers.”

Jessica and David Williams
Meeting with David Williams, CFO of Chemed & financial contributor.

I am proud to be the teen representative for UGIVE Organization and this project would not be possible without their unfailing support. I am living proof that the UGIVE philosophy does work. With UGIVE's guidance and expertise they have empowered me, a young student, to choose my passion, get involved, create my own independent project and make a real difference in my community. The generous contributions from companies such as Etechnologies, Chemed, Roto-Rooter, Kurzweil Technologies, Dixon Builders, the Lindner Family and my personal fundraising through the “Dyslexia: Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” walkathon, have also made this dream into a reality. Please join me this fall at the University of Cincinnati for the official dedication ceremony. I am so proud to be able to make a real and tangible difference for the dyslexic students of Cincinnati. I am pleased to say that, as a result of my efforts, I have been asked to represent Kurzweil Technologies and the KReader Programs across the United States throughout the next year!

Jessica and Ray Kurzweil & Aaron Kliener
Me with Ray Kurzweil & Aaron Kleiner, creators of the KReader dyslexia software as well as my mentors
Since winning my title one month ago, I have traveled to our nation’s capitol, Washington DC, and met with congressmen and senators to promote the forthcoming Dyslexia Bill for earlier identification, better teacher training, and more efficient use of technology. In fact, I even traveled to the United Kingdom as a guest and speaker for the International Dyslexia Association to gain a more global perspective! Today marks the beginning of a more even playing field for dyslexics in Ohio…tomorrow it’s the world!

All the Best,
Jessica