63. Homeschooled, Harvard, & Blind: Interview with Liza and Campbell Rutherford

School to Homeschool

Despite popular, albeit ignorant belief, homeschoolers REALLY CAN and DO go to college!

How did a blind student overcome the odds and make it to Harvard? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Campbell and Liza Rutherford, who share their unique journey from public school struggles to the enriching world of homeschooling. Campbell, now a junior at Harvard studying applied mathematics with a focus on biology, faced significant challenges in public school due to the lack of adequate support for visually impaired students. When the local school district could no longer meet her needs, her mother Liza took the bold step to homeschool her, leading to a more personalized and effective educational experience.

Explore the transformative power of accessible education resources like Bookshare and BARD, which offer a wealth of eBooks and audiobooks tailored for students with print disabilities. Hear about the benefits of homeschooling for children with unique needs, including the flexibility to adapt learning approaches and the shift from traditional materials to a literature-based education. Discover the crucial role of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the persistent fight for essential resources such as braille textbooks and assistive technology.

Navigate the complexities of the college application process through Campbell’s journey, from dual enrollment in high school to securing admission offers from nine prestigious universities. Learn about the strategic planning involved in creating effective high school transcripts and the significant financial aid opportunities that made Harvard more affordable than state schools. This episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for parents considering homeschooling and highlights the resilience and adaptability required for a successful educational path.

Resources Referred to In this Episode:

Guest Hollow: Curriculum used for History

Braille BARD: For Braille

Libby: Audiobook/ebook app

Brave Writer: Curriculm used for writing

Learning Ally: Resource for Struggling Readers

Common App: For College Applications

Coalition for College: For College Applications

STAMPS Scholar Program

Bookshare: Free Audiobooks for Learning, Reading, and other Disabilities

College Applications Secrets: Your Teen's Unique Game Plan to ACE Their Applications and Get Into Their Dream School by Dr. Gena Lester

*Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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