Post Secondary Education
Donation protected
My name is Johnnie Jean Duran, I am 17 years old, and I am currently enrolled as a junior at John F. Kennedy High School in Denver Colorado. When I was 5 months old, I was diagnosed with a disease called Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, which is a genetic eye condition rendering me totally blind in both eyes. From a young age, I have always been passionate about receiving a quality education, which is why I've attended 3 different high schools in order to ensure I was in total control of my schooling.
Right now, I currently have a youth case opened with the department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DOR), which is a program through the state whose goal is to assist me in seeking and successfully pursuing employment. Although the DOR will assist me in purchasing some of the technology necessary in order for me to receive a good college education, they are not capable of providing everything, and funding is not always approved for certain equipment without strict and proper justification.
Immediately after high school, I intend on applying for the Independence Training Program at the Colorado Center for the Blind which will more than likely be funded by the DOR. The program can last from 6-9 months, and strengthens skills in Braille, technology, cane travel and home management. After completing the program, I intend on enrolling in college; I am still undecided between studying to become a paralegal/lawyer, or a teacher of the visually impaired.
By may of 2018, I will be a high school graduate. My family's finances have always been limited, and it is nearly impossible to afford the costs of graduation let alone college tuition. I am also aware that I may not be able to completely depend on the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation or scholarship funds to provide enough money to be able to accomplish my goals.
All funds donated will go towards the following:
* College tuition
* Assistive technology
* extra money for support during the independence training program
* college textbooks
* college residential housing
* purchase of class ring
* cap and gown costs
Right now, I currently have a youth case opened with the department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DOR), which is a program through the state whose goal is to assist me in seeking and successfully pursuing employment. Although the DOR will assist me in purchasing some of the technology necessary in order for me to receive a good college education, they are not capable of providing everything, and funding is not always approved for certain equipment without strict and proper justification.
Immediately after high school, I intend on applying for the Independence Training Program at the Colorado Center for the Blind which will more than likely be funded by the DOR. The program can last from 6-9 months, and strengthens skills in Braille, technology, cane travel and home management. After completing the program, I intend on enrolling in college; I am still undecided between studying to become a paralegal/lawyer, or a teacher of the visually impaired.
By may of 2018, I will be a high school graduate. My family's finances have always been limited, and it is nearly impossible to afford the costs of graduation let alone college tuition. I am also aware that I may not be able to completely depend on the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation or scholarship funds to provide enough money to be able to accomplish my goals.
All funds donated will go towards the following:
* College tuition
* Assistive technology
* extra money for support during the independence training program
* college textbooks
* college residential housing
* purchase of class ring
* cap and gown costs
Organizer
JJ Duran
Organizer
Denver, CO