BANGOR (AP) – Exchanging her white cane for Chica the guide dog has given University of Maine student Hope Paulos a newfound sense of freedom.

The petite, dark-haired 22-year-old junior is the only blind student enrolled this semester at the university, according to school records. And while she may be in the minority at Maine, Paulos isn’t alone.

Young people who are blind or visually impaired are continuing to post-secondary education in record numbers, according to Karen Wolffe of the American Foundation for the Blind.

A 2004 Stanford University study indicated that 64 percent of blind or visually impaired people are attending college or obtaining additional training, up from 57 percent in 1992.

During the last 15 years, the University of Maine has enrolled about five totally blind students who have used guide dogs to get around, said Ann Smith, director of disability services, who looks after Paulos’ needs.

And many see accessible technology as reason for the increase.

Such advancements include computer programs or compact discs that can be installed in home computers and read aloud using a synthesizer.

The devices make life easier, but time is always of the essence, Paulos said.

“Everything takes longer for me,” she said. “If for some reason the speech synthesizer doesn’t work, I can’t just say, I’ll use the computer without it.”‘

Owen Logue, dean of the College of Education and Human Development and Paulos’ academic adviser, has known Paulos since she was in the fifth grade and said watching her succeed over the years has been exciting.

“It’s a wonderful testimony of her drive. Lots of people might have given up but she seemed to embrace challenges and want even more,” he said.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com

AP-ES-04-24-05 1523EDT

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