Megan Orth
The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities is excited to welcome two new members to the Assistive Technology Team: Kaitlyn Hlywa and Caitlin McCarthy.
Hlywa and McCarthy may be new faces of the tech team, but they are veterans to RCPD. Last year, both were members of Tower Guard, the sophomore honors organization that works closely with RCPD in fulfilling their commitment to help students with disabilities.
Some of their duties on Tower Guard included working with E-texts, scanning books into electronic formats, reading exams to students, and helping one-on-one in a classroom setting. Their experiences in Tower Guard gave them the impetus to take on long-term positions with RCPD. Both believe strongly in the mission of RCPD and “did not want to leave” when their time with Tower Guard was complete.
McCarthy, a Physiology Pre-Med junior, is looking forward to working at RCPD because she “loves helping fellow MSU students.” Hlywa, a junior studying English and Spanish with a TSOL minor, agrees that she wants to continue making an impact on students’ lives through the work at RCPD.
This year they will be responsible for training students on how to use certain technologies as well as showing students the technological options that are available to help them succeed. Hlywa and McCarthy will research Mac products like the Ipad, apps for jobs and studying, and text programs to help students learn online.
There are tremendous benefits to the assistive technologies offered at RCPD in helping students learn and succeed. Hlywa wants to show other people these technologies because “we live in such a technological world - there is so much out there but not everyone knows all their options.”
Both appreciate that Al Puzzuoli and Stephen Blosser, Assistive Technology Specialists at RCPD, are always trying to find new and innovative technologies to introduce. This helps them continue to learn new features and options for students while staying current and up to date with what is accessible.
Puzzuoli is glad that they are joining the team, as he notes that “both are very enthusiastic and helpful and will be a great asset.”
Hlywa and McCarthy are motivated to work hard this year developing their skills and improving opportunities for others. McCarthy looks forward to building a strong foundation with other MSU students, learning new things as they learn them as well. Both are excited to help students utilize what is out there and embrace everything that they can do.
Caitlin McCarthy and Kaitlyn Hlywa check out some features on an Ipad at RCPD with Tech specialists Tom Hwang and Al Puzzuoli.