Student, Who Is Legally Blind, Receives Technology Award

HUNTLEY, IL — A Huntley High School student who is legally blind has been honored for his achievement in overcoming challenges and personal goals by using assistive technology. Owen Cravens, a senior at Huntley High, was one of 12 students chosen for the 2020 Infinitec North Technology Achievement Award this past month, according to a news release from District 158.

Once a year, the Infinitec Coalition recognizes students who excel using assistive technology to access curriculum and demonstrate functional independence at school. Infinitec, which stands for infinite potential through technology, is the technology program of UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago. The mission of Infinitec is to advance independence and promote inclusive opportunities for children and adults with disabilities through technology.

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Cravens was diagnosed at age 10 with Stargardt Disease, which is a juvenile form of macular degeneration. Cravens uses a variety of assistive technology to help him at school. He's also succeeded in athletics, becoming a a two-time national junior paratriathlete champion.

“Owen uses AT with such consistency and confidence, that it has become a part of who he is and how he thrives in this world,” said teacher Kateri Gullifor. Cravens' success in school lead to Gullifor's selection as the Braille Institute’s 2019 national teacher of the year.