Семиклассница из Ланкастера доказала, что потеря зрения не ограничивает её будущее

Lancaster County seventh grader proves vision loss won’t limit her future At just three months old, Charlotte was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. For most students, getting ready for a new school year means shopping for school supplies, packing a backpack, and getting ready for the first day. Building independence from an early age But for Lancaster County seventh grader Charlotte Frank, back-to-school means something bigger: building independence. Charlotte is blind and has spent years developing the skills she needs to navigate the classroom, participate in activities and do more on her own. Her journey began when she was just a baby. When Charlotte was only a few months old, her parents began noticing differences in her eyes and ears. “We very quickly noticed some changes, with her eye size difference, ear shape, things like that. And we inquired at the hospital, and they suspected some genetic difference,” said Kim Frank, Charlotte’s mom. At just three months old, Charlotte was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, a condition that can affect multiple parts of the body, including vision and hearing. She started learning Braille when she was just three years old. Today, those skills help her keep up in school while giving her another way to work independently. Finding confidence through music But the classroom isn't the only place where Charlotte has found her confidence. She has also found a passion for music. With accommodations at school, Charlotte is able to participate alongside her classmates in band. She uses a large screen to view her digital music and a foot pedal to advance through the music herself. That independence has been years in the making. Jennifer Eaton, a VisionCorps teacher, began working with Charlotte when she was three years old, helping her learn to use a cane and providing Braille instruction. Inspiring children with vision loss Now, as Charlotte prepares for seventh grade, Eaton says she hopes Charlotte's journey can inspire other children with vision loss to see what's possible. “Now's my time to give back to those kids with vision loss and show them that blindness is not a barrier to adventure,” Eaton said. Charlotte's journey hasn't always been easy. Eaton says she sometimes experiences anxiety, but she continues to persevere. Now, Charlotte is taking those skills, that confidence, and that determination with her into a new school year, ready to see where her next adventure takes her. To learn more about VisionCorps and the work the group does in our community, click here.