Like most fifth graders, Jayda Sulaiman can be a bit shy around people she doesn’t know well.
At first, while talking Tuesday about her favorite things about being a student at Brook Forest School, Jayda whispered her thoughts to resource teacher Danielle LaBarre to pass along.
But eventually, Jayda was more than happy to show some photos on a phone of a wedding she attended over the weekend, complete with a description of who was in the photos. She also used an iPad to show some of the work she’s done in school, including using an app to write a book about an octopus.
With involvement from her family, the Brook Forest School staff and fellow students, Jayda, who has Down syndrome, has used technology as a tool to help her thrive in school.
Her accomplishments led to her recently receiving the Empowered by Assistive Technology Award, established three years ago to honor students within the La Grange Area Special Education Association cooperative who have used assistive technology to progress in their independence.
LaBarre said Jayda began mastering technology while in second grade.
“She’s continued to use it more and more and uses an iPad for many projects, including creating her own books,” LaBarre said. “She expresses herself through different activities and is getting much better at remembering the steps she needs to take to get things done.”
Jayda’s mom, Lara Suleiman, said her daughter’s use of technology has been a huge help for her being able to thrive in school.
“The technology allows for more modification of the work she’s doing, which makes her work look very similar. She has a place in the classroom and always is learning and progressing,” Suleiman said.
Jayda has some extra help at Brook Forest, but she is part of a regular classroom and fits in just fine, said fifth grade teacher Ellen Wozny.
“She brings a lot of joy to all the students in class with her kindness, and she brings a lot of excitement to the activities in class,” Wozny said. “She’s just part of the class, they really enjoy working with her.”
Catherine McGovern, an aid who has been working closely this year at Brook Forest with Jayda, said the girl who named Chinese noodles as her favorite food flourishes in the classroom environment.
“She’s way up there, socially,” McGovern said. “She’s not always able to say what she wants, but she finds a way to let you know. She is very persistent and very, very organized.”
LaBarre said Jayda also is very caring.
“She’s so empathetic,” LaBarre said. “She’s the first one to ask if you’re OK if something happens.”
Jayda is one of seven students among LADSE’s member districts to receive the Empowered by Assistive Technology Award. LADSE is comprised of 15 member districts providing special education services and supports to more than 3,000 students.
Its assistive technology team works with school teams to identify ways in which technology can improve a student’s access to education.