Chicago Sun-Times  June 15, 2004

"Long Wait For Diploma Well Worth It For Graduates of School For Blind"

By Brenda Warner Rotzoll
Staff Reporter

The numbers are small, the effort and achievements great.

The Hadley School for the Blind in Winnetka will hold high school graduation ceremonies 
Thursday for six students from across the nation ranging in age from 24 to 44. They have 
struggled through distance learning courses for anywhere from three to 18 years.

Since its founding in 1920 the school has provided courses to 200,000 people in 100 countries. 
One of the largest worldwide educators of blind and visually impaired people, Hadley is funded 
completely by donations, and its offerings are free.

"I was the most excited graduate of the year," said Charles King, 40, of West Pullman, who earned 
his diploma last year.

King was born with glaucoma, dropped out of school his junior year and lost all sight at 21. In 
1996 he decided he wanted a high school education and started taking the first of 25 courses from 
Hadley. 

He used some braille but mostly relied on tapes because he has diabetes, which sometimes affects 
sense of touch.

Rebecca Malone, 24, a 2004 graduate from Lehi, Utah, has optic nerve atrophy. She can't see 
things far away or ordinary type, and has trouble crossing streets because she can't see the walk 
signs.

"I felt stupid in school because I didn't get the best grades, but most of the reason was I just 
couldn't see it. When I started getting A's from Hadley it made me realize I was smart enough to 
do it," she said. "She will start college in the fall.

Other 2004 graduates include Fatima Perez, 40, Waterford, Conn., who took courses for 18 years.

The school was founded by William A. Hadley, who lost his sight at 55. Finding no educational 
opportunities for blind adults, he thought of teaching braille by mail. He started with one student 
in Kansas and had 800 students at his death in 1941. For details call 800- 323-4238 or visit 
www.hadley.edu