Jack Killeen
Business Manager
Since his sophomore year, senior Casey Scott has had a second shadow. He’s being followed by Roy Stevens, who assists Scott during the day because of his tunnel vision.
Scott calls Stevens his “personal assistant,” but Steven’s official title is paraprofessional.
“I provide support to Scott within the classroom in order for him to be successful and fulfill his educational needs,” said Stevens.
Stevens was assigned to assist Scott through the Special School District, which assists local districts in teaching special needs students.
Wikipedia defines tunnel vision as “the loss of peripheral vision with retention of central vision, resulting in a constricted circular tunnel-like field of vision.”
Stevens is in class with Scott during Latin, Pre-Calculus and Ac lab. During these classes, Stevens takes notes and proof-reads for Scott.
Stevens nominated Scott for the Rosemary Zander award, which is for students with disabilities who show outstanding leadership in the community. Scott won the award.
Scott plans to attend Missouri State University after graduating. He will no longer have the help of paraprofessional, so Stevens is giving Scott as little as possible to prepare Scott for college.
At Missouri State, Scott will still have someone to take notes; he will be given audio textbooks and private places for tests with a reader and scribe. Missouri State has 20-30 blind or nearly blind students, making it well adjusted to fit Scott’s needs.
Stevens is typically assigned to more than one student in multiple schools, but this year has been an exception. Scott is Stevens’ only student. After Scott graduates, Stevens will be assigned to a new student and continue giving help in school.
