Washington, D.C. — Rensselaer freshman student Richard Booton, who suffers from cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, and epilepsy, and was diagnosed with dyslexia, will be honored at the White House for his achievements on Wednesday, March 6.

Booton, a computer science major, received a prestigious 2001 National Achievement Award from the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D).

The annual award is one of six given by the RFB&D to high school seniors with learning disabilities who have demonstrated superior scholarship, leadership, enterprise, and service to others. The award includes a $6,000 prize.

Booton, who was diagnosed with dyslexia as a young child, had a difficult time learning to read. His mother enrolled him into RFB&D when he was in fourth grade.

The program allowed Booton to excel academically and to gain self-confidence. He graduated with a 3.83 GPA from Cold Spring Harbor High School, where he was a member of the Math Team, the Science Club, Spanish Club, Varsity Swim Team, and Varsity Wrestling Team.

He served as a swim coach for the Special Olympics Team, and developed an after-school computer club to help students who have difficulties with their programming assignments.

“This is a terrific honor for Richard and reflects his hard work and dedication,” says Debra Hamilton, assistant dean for disabled student services at Rensselaer. “Most of our students who are familiar with our office are, like Richard, very independent and goal-oriented, and they know that we are here with a variety of disability-related services to assist them in meeting their goals.”

Established in 1948, the New-Jersey based RFB&D is the largest national nonprofit organization providing accessible recorded textbooks to students of all ages who cannot read standard print effectively because of a visual impairment, dyslexia, or other physical disability.

Contact: Jodi Ackerman
Phone: (518) 276-6531
E-mail: N/A