eS eS Oe OS OU Ameriena’s Leaders Sar a a Se er ee a a A Beautiful Story Of Learning And Achievement by Rebecca Stone, Miss Teen US Continental. (NAPSA)—My elementary school teachers may have a hard time believing I am now thereigning Miss Teen US Continental. Introverted ‘/and extremely frustrated by school, I wouldn’t talk or raise my hand. Thesituation was painfully familiar to my uncle—and tests done at his urging determined Rebecca Stone that, like him, I have severe dyslexia. My parents ensured I was provided with accommodations that included recorded textbooks from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic’ (RFB&D’). The change was dramatic. By middle school, I was an outgoing, self-confident teenager entering talent and dance competitions. By the time I graduated high school in 2002, I owned and operated my own dance studio, was a tutor for special needs children and, as Miss Teen Florida US Continental, had earned a college scholarship. AlthoughI feared exposing my dyslexia during my early yearsof competitions, I credit a recent decision to make RFB&D and learning disabilities my national platform with helping me earn the title of Miss Teen US Continental. My main messageto others, especially teenagers, is, “If you have a dream, don’t let anything stand in your way.” I know how important educational success is to acquiring the independence and self-confidence it takes to make dreams come true. I also know that for many students with dyslexia and other disabilities, educa- tional success means more than motivation and intellect. Sometimes it means finding the right accommodations, like recorded textbooks. RFB&Dis a national nonprofit organization that makes textbooks and educational materials accessible for nearly 117,000 students who have disabilities that make reading challenging or impossible. Today, RFB&D maintains a collection of more than 93,000 textbooks in every subject area and grade level from kindergarten through postgraduate school. These books, recorded by highly trained volunteers, are available as RFB&D’s Classic Cassettes” and now, as RFB&D’s AudioPlus” digitally recorded textbooks on CD. Unlike standard books that are on tape, RFB&D’s recorded textbooks include not only text, but also detailed descriptions of all graphic elements within a book, including photographs, illustrations, charts, maps and graphs. In homes and classrooms around the country, RFB&D makes a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. For more information about RFB&D's unique library and services, visit www.rfbd.org or call toll-free, 1-866-RFBD-585.
