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Americo Castillo, who has Usher syndrome, urges stronger accommodations and awareness
Summary
Americo Castillo, a junior who said he has Usher syndrome, told the Santa Cruz County Board he would push for better awareness of student accommodations and staff practices if chosen as student trustee. He said those changes would improve access for students with disabilities.
Americo Castillo introduced himself as a 16-year-old junior at SoCal High School and said his lived experience with Usher syndrome motivates him to advocate for students with access needs. "Usher syndrome is the leading cause of deaf blindness," Castillo said, explaining that his perspective informs his priorities.
Castillo told trustees he would launch an initiative to improve awareness of accommodations and to work with schools to ensure students know their rights and staff adopt accessible practices. "I would work for an increase of awareness for student accommodations," he said, adding that he wants to ensure students "have equal access to education."
He described involvement in robotics, student clubs and volunteer mentoring, and argued those experiences equip him to collaborate across diverse student groups. Castillo framed his proposals as practical steps to remove barriers so students with visible and invisible disabilities can participate fully in school life.
