“Always say yes to opportunities” is a motto our family tries to live by. So, when the North Dakota School for the Blind invited Titus to the state capitol to demonstrate his brailling skills using technology, we didn’t hesitate—we said, “Yes!” 

For the first time, NDSB/SV was invited to participate in the ND K-12 Technology Showcase. Held every two years at the North Dakota State Capitol, this event allows schools to present their innovative technology to stakeholders and state leaders. Attendees get a hands-on experience with the tools students use in their education. Titus was asked to showcase the Chameleon 20, a 20-cell refreshable braille display that he uses for reading and writing. Also featured at the table were the Monarch, a 32-cell refreshable braille and tactile graphics display, a braille typewriter, and a tactile coding game. 

The event was filled with exciting technology displays from other schools as well. We saw coding gadgets, interactive robots, and even a tall robotic Santa gliding across the floor. The energy in the room was fun, with students eagerly demonstrating their projects to curious visitors.Titus did an incredible job demonstrating his brailling skills and answering all the questions that came his way. He seemed to enjoy himself, especially with the steady stream of curious visitors eager to learn. He even took requests to braille students’ names onto cards, providing them with a unique keepsake to take home. 

At the end of the showcase, Governor Armstrong joined the event to present awards to high school STEM students. After the ceremony, we were invited to take a photo with him in his office. As we waited, we noticed a cool art piece made entirely of red and white baseballs. The red baseballs formed the number 34 among the white ones. 

When we finally met the Governor, we discovered a shared love of baseball between him and Titus. He explained that the number 34 represented his position as North Dakota’s 34th Governor and that his entire inauguration had been baseball-themed. When we asked if Titus could “see” the artwork through touch, the Governor kindly agreed. Then, to our surprise, he presented Titus with a personally autographed baseball from his inauguration—a gift we will always treasure. 

Afterward, Titus couldn’t stop talking about the experience. He loved sharing his tech skills, meeting so many people, and, of course, adding a special baseball to his collection. 

This experience was a beautiful reminder of why we always say yes to opportunities. You never know what doors they’ll open—or what special baseball might be waiting to join your collection.