In a recent government meeting, 17-year-old Mia Walker, a blind student, shared her inspiring journey toward achieving equal access to education, particularly in standardized testing. Mia, who has been blind since birth, emphasized the importance of inclusion and representation for disabled individuals in literature and media. She expressed her desire to publish stories featuring blind characters that reflect their humanity and capabilities.

Mia's testimony highlighted the challenges she faced while preparing for the ACT, particularly the lack of accommodations for braille testing materials. With the support of her school district and dedicated staff members Tracy Guli and Jessica, Mia was able to secure the necessary accommodations. However, she encountered significant obstacles during the test itself, as the math and science sections were provided in an incorrect braille code, making them nearly impossible for her to understand.

Despite these challenges, Mia persevered and successfully retook the test with the correct materials, resulting in a significant improvement in her math score. She underscored the need for a supportive environment for disabled students, advocating for equal access to educational resources and standardized testing.

Mia's story serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by disabled students and the importance of systemic change to ensure that all students receive fair opportunities to succeed. Her call for better accommodations and inclusion resonated with attendees, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and awareness in educational settings.