Schaumburg Township School District 54 wins Community Partner Award February 23, 2023, Naperville

At the state-wide conference of the Illinois Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (IAER), Schaumburg Township School District 54 was recognized for their annual Pathways to the Future Conference for students who are blind or visually impaired, their teachers and family members.

This award is presented annually to honor an individual, business or organization who has provided unique opportunities for children or adults who are blind or visually impaired.

For over 20 years, a team of teachers of visually impaired, administrators and staff from Schaumburg School District 54, along with High School District 211 and School District 15, and the Palatine Lions Club, have organized "Pathways"- a unique all-day program to provide an opportunity for information and education in areas specifically relevant to those living with a visual impairment. Since their initial event in 2000, they have hosted hundreds of participants in this one-of-a-kind program.

In addition to learning from outstanding presenters, the program provides relevant hands-on activities to allow the students to apply what they have learned into practical situations. Subject matter has included safety, travel, technology, sports and fitness, socialization, and even home maintenance.

IAER is one of the largest chapters of the national organization, AER, whose mission is to develop and promote professional excellence through the support of those who provide services to people with visual impairments.

Award nominator Susan Dalton, Northern Illinois University College of Education faculty, stated,"School District 54 deserves to be recognized for this tremendous effort that they have supported year after year that not only benefits their students and educators, but reaches out to children, their families and teachers from across the state."

Accepting the award was Gianna Guskey, teacher of students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility specialist. "It brings us so much joy to know that we are providing a fun, hands-on experience for students; teaching them skills that will promote meaningful independence." The next Pathways conference is scheduled for October 26, 2023.