July 22, 2024
This summer, Infosys Foundation USA is proud to partner with the In-Step program to welcome a cohort of summer interns who are part of a distinguished accessibility initiative. These future leaders bring a diverse range of talents, perspectives, and experiences to bear, including their exceptional resilience and determination in overcoming accessibility challenges. Join us in welcoming Parrice Leach to the Foundation team. Among other projects and initiatives, she will offer technical improvements that make our signature digital learning platforms - Infosys Springboard USA - more accessible. Below are highlights about Parrice’s own life journey. Stay tuned for future spotlights throughout the summer.
1. Please introduce yourself - where are you from, where do you go to school and what do you study?
My name is Parrice Leach, I go to Wake Technical College (in Raleigh, NC) and I am studying art and communication with a focus on accessible technology and accessibility.
2. What about your summer In-Step internship with the Infosys Foundation USA are you most excited about and what do you hope to learn over the next 8 weeks?
I am most excited about bringing my personal experience and knowledge to this internship opportunity. I hope to learn more about how much of an impact the Foundation is making in the LMS community and how I can assist in ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all learners.
3. What are your thoughts about the future of AI in education?
I believe that AI will be a key factor in creating a more accessible world by facilitating independence which will improve the quality of life for many.
4. What are your career aspirations?
I hope to use my experiences, as well as the skills and certificates I earn in the field of accessibility consulting. I would also love to put my extensive certifications to use, specifically my WCAG certification.
5. What media, podcasts, blogs, news outlets do you use?
I follow Freedom Scientific podcast, WRAL news, ABC 11 Raleigh/Durham, Durham Public Schools, BPN (Blind Professional Network), ACB/NCCB and a plethora of blind groups on Facebook and Reddit.
6. If you wish to share an interesting fact, or something unexpected about your career / life journey so far?
My life journey has taken me down many roads I would not have known possible. I have met so many wonderful people, experienced so many amazing things and learned so many life-altering facts. When I lost my sight at age 15, I thought that many aspects of my life were gone. I could not have been more wrong. I can still interact with people, care for my children, help others who need me and even more surprisingly – I can still create and be a part of the art community. I am currently an Accessibility Art Consultant at The Durham Art Guild. Although I am unable to sketch and draw, I can still create sculptures using different types of clay. Please take a look at the elephant I made below. He took a lot of patience and concentration to create😊