Katie Unertl's Story

“What I’d really like to be is a librarian,” Katie says as if confessing a secret. “I love to read and I love information. I really like computers, too. I think I could help incorporate technology into that kind of work.” Katie is currently participating in a Related Services Occupation class, which has really fueled her ambition. She is doing a Service Occupation Internship at Crestview Elementary School, in Cottage Grove, working in the Library.

Katie is a vivacious, eighteen-year-old senior at Park High School in Cottage Grove. As captain of the district adaptive soccer team, she was part of a successful season that took the team to State. Last spring, Katie traveled to Costa Rica with her Spanish club where they enjoyed the Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano and various waterfalls. Nevertheless, the trip was more than just touring; Katie met the jungle head-on with white-water rafting, kayaking and zip-lining through the rainforest.

Katie seems like your average American teenager – but she has had to deal with something most kids take for granted: vision. “I’m pretty used to it by now. So it doesn’t really bother me. I used to get teased when I was younger, but it’s not really a big deal anymore.” Katie was born with optic nerve damage, leaving her with a significant vision loss.

SSB has been extremely helpful to Katie. Their Assistive Technology Specialists have assessed her technology needs for school and her transition to college. They have made recommendations and helped her understand how these technologies can work for her. Katie has also been involved with BLIND Inc. and Vision Loss Resources. Both organizations have been useful in teaching her how to perform basic tasks at home, as well as real-world applications.

With the help of SSB, the MN Department of Education and her school district, Katie attended the Summer Transition Program, (STP) a two-week residential program. Through STP, Katie participated in team-building activities, job shadows, mock interviews and other considerations that go into becoming a working adult.

“SSB has been really educational. They help teach people how to be independent and give [the visually impaired] tools we can really use.” The transition from high school can be difficult, but with Katie’s attitude and ambition, and with SSB’s help, Katie is taking the right steps for her success.