Tri-County Tech Student Doesn't Let Blindness be a
Roadblock to Achieving His Personal and Professional Goals

CONTACT: VINSON BURDETTE, EXT. 2166

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/22/99
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Dean Schoen decided 13 years ago that he would never let his blindness be a roadblock to achieving his personal and professional goals.

When he was suddenly struck blind at age 27 while working on the road as a chemical salesman, he vowed that "I would never let my disability stand in the way of my accomplishing anything." Schoen, of Seneca, vividly remembers the day he exited the hotel and saw spots. "I went to the eye doctor, and he diagnosed me with diabetic retinopathy and began immediate laser surgery. The disease was advanced, and I was soon completely blind."

Several months later he began a three-month stay at the Blind Rehabilitation School in Columbia, where "I learned to live independently and to get back to being productive," Schoen remembers. "I have never been one to feel sorry for myself," he said. "If I can do something about my situation, then I will. If I can't, I move on. My blindness wasn't life threatening. There are ways to adjust, and I found them."

He made a quick career change and worked as a massage therapist for more than a decade. A diabetic since the age of four, he suffered renal failure two years ago and survived a potentially life-threatening kidney/pancreas transplant. Once again he was forced to change careers to avoid the chance of infection and an attack on his immune system. Throughout his life, Schoen has found ways to deal with the unexpected. This time he looked to Tri-County Technical College for direction.

"I wanted to make this [pursuing a college degree] happen. I knew it's not impossible, but I didn't know if Tri-County Tech could work with me," he said. "I want others with disabilities to know that Tech can help you. Don't let a disability stand in your way of an education. The College can accommodate you as well as any sighted student."

After talking with Don Bradley, regional manager for the Upper SC Commission for the Blind, Schoen was referred to Vinson Burdette, coordinator of counseling, at Tri-County. "Vinson jumped in with all fours and has been wonderful," said Schoen.

"The first step for students with a disability is to contact the Counseling Center, and we can develop a plan," said Burdette. Last semester the College served 51 students with disabilities and special needs, including students with a hearing impairment, vision impairment, Attention Deficit Disorder and various learning disabilities.

"When Dean decided to come back to college, he first contacted the Commission for the Blind. Then he met with me and Mr. Bradley to make the arrangements. We worked collaboratively for him," said Burdette.

The Commission supplies Schoen with a specialized tape recorder and pays his tuition, books and fees. The College's Counseling Center gives him access to a computer with specialized software. "We contacted the Library for the Blind and Dyslexic and worked with each of Dean's instructors," said Burdette. "He also uses a computer with assistive technology software (voice activated software for word processing). We helped to identify a Computer Technology student who has helped Dean to learn this assistive software," said Burdette.

Schoen also is tutored by the College's tutoring lab staff, and the College provides an assistant to help him with math class. This is a paid individual who works during class time," explained Burdette. Schoen takes all of his tests orally in the Testing Center.

"All of my textbooks are on tape," said Schoen. "The Library for the Blind and Dyslexic offers all textbooks on tape. I tape all classes. The faculty has been very accommodating. For some classes, I have someone who writes down the boardwork for me, and my wife reads it to me at night. I dictate my English papers to her. I give big praise to her."

He and his wife, Brenda, also a massage therapist, were married two years ago when he was in ICU after the transplant which cured his diabetes. "I haven't taken an insulin shot for two years. After 31 years, I'm not a pin cushion. I tell people I got a new life and a new wife," said Schoen.

"Dean is very sociable and makes friends easily. He has a positive attitude and is a hard worker. He's determined. I have talked with his instructors and they have good things to say about his progress," said Burdette.

One of those instructors is Priscilla Kanet, his English instructor and director of the Writing Center. "Dean is a good role model to give someone else the courage to come back to school," she said.

"I have English as a Second Language (ESL) training which taught me to be open to people with different methods of learning," said Kanet. "I try to give as much feedback as I can to Dean. I met with Vinson and suggested what Dean needed in the English class. He tapes each class so I face him while I speak. I make sure the classroom is quiet. When I am using an overhead or writing on the board, I also read the material out loud. I give written enforcement through handouts."

ESL training enforces 'tell it, show it, write it.'" added Kanet. "For class, I suggested that Dean have a student assistant, a volunteer who attends class with him and records notes from the board. She also reads the test to him and records the answers."

Bobby Walker, of Liberty, a Business major, is Schoen's guide and friend. "I have the same schedule as Dean. I volunteered my services," said Walker. "My brother is deaf so I know that people need a friend to help them out."

"Dean has the same fears all students do," said Kanet. "The Writing Center is a comfortable place to ask questions. The class has accepted him well and has been supportive. I'm accustomed to working with students with all different needs. We've done well –he knows my style, and we've figured out a method to work together."

Schoen admits it was hard returning to school since graduating from Oakway High School in 1977. "I learned quickly to develop good study habits and to stop procrastinating. I also learned to slack off and let people help me.
I have a hard time asking for help," said Schoen. "It's nonsense. I have learned not to be afraid to ask for help because everybody is more than willing to do so."

For more information, contact Vinson Burdette at Ext. 2166 at one of these numbers: Anderson County, 225-2250; Oconee County -- 882-4412; Pickens County -- 859-7033; or Clemson/Anderson/Pendleton -- 646-8361. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled should call TDD/VOICE 1-800-735-2905.
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