A touch above

By Leonna Heuring

leonnah@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- For third grader Kailey Couch, one dot makes all the difference when she's reading and writing braille.

The Matthews Elementary in Sikeston student has been learning those skills since preschool, and most recently, her work paid off with recognition on the regional and national levels.

In February, Kailey placed second at the regional Braille Challenge, which qualified her for the national competition this summer in Los Angeles. Kailey, who is the daughter of Brad and Laura Couch of Sikeston, was one of 12 students in her age group from across the United States to compete at the national competition.

"It was great," said Kailey's mother, Laura Couch. "It was a very, very awesome experience for her."

Since preschool Kailey who is visually impaired has enrolled in a dual curriculum, which means she learns her school work in both print and braille.

For the full story, see today's e-edition.