The Michigan Chronicle
July 14-20, 2004

Detroit Resident Reaches Milestone

DeShaun Young of Detroit was one of six students from The Hadley School for the Blind to 
receive a much anticipated high school diploma on June 17 at the graduation ceremony in Winnetka, Ill.

At a young age, Young was diagnosed with glaucoma. After numerous surgeries, the glaucoma
 continued to progress. Young was placed in visual impairment classes during middle school 
but later dropped out of high school. She was devastated at the thought of no longer 
attending classes.

With that devastation, Young found new opportunity. By the age of 18, she was completely 
blind, but in 1995 she enrolled in The Hadley School for the Blind's High School program. 
She took courses in math, independent living, general science and health.

"Hadley has made a difference in my life because I have learned of other adults who have 
learned to adapt to their vision loss," Young said. "Hadley kept me in touch with learning."

At the age of 33, Young is working with the Michigan Commission for the Blind to further her 
education and is hoping to achieve another dream - becoming a pharmacist.

"Now that I have graduated from the Hadley High School Program and received a diploma, I 
feel I have accomplished a major goal in my life. I can achieve anything and do anything,
" Young said.

For more information on The Hadley School for the Blind, call 1-800-323-4238 or visit the 
Web site at www.hadley.edu.