Now in its 65th year, the awards celebrate students who are redefining what success looks like when accessible learning tools and strong support systems help unlock their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many students with dyslexia, blindness, low vision, and other print disabilities, academic success can be shaped as much by access and support as by ability. Research<\/a> shows that students with learning differences and print disabilities often face significant barriers in education and future employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet this year\u2019s award recipients demonstrate what becomes possible when students are equipped with accessible learning tools, strong support systems, and the confidence to advocate for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While each student\u2019s journey is unique, they share common strengths: persistence, adaptability, leadership, and the determination to succeed on their own terms. Along the way, they developed skills that extend far beyond academics\u2014building resilience, independence, and confidence that will continue to serve them long after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their achievements also highlight the importance of accessible learning environments that empower students to fully engage with grade-level content, pursue their interests, and recognize their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening\u2122 Awards honor high school seniors with learning disabilities who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion Huber Learning Through Listening<\/strong>\u2122<\/strong> Award – Top Honor Winners ($6,000):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion Huber Learning Through Listening<\/strong>\u2122<\/strong> Award – Special Honor Winners ($3,000):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Award recognizes college seniors and graduate students who are blind or visually impaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Award: Excellence Despite Visual Impairment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After struggling with reading confidence at a young age, Zahara discovered Learning Ally in elementary school and began to experience reading in a new way. The support helped her build confidence academically while developing a passion for helping younger students facing similar challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLearning Ally allowed me to access the same materials as my peers in a way that worked for my brain. Slowly, something unexpected started to happen\u2014I began to fall in love with stories.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f Watch Zahara\u2019s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning Ally helped Lukas access books independently for the first time in fourth grade, opening the door to a lifelong love of learning and history. Through accessible audiobooks, he discovered confidence as a reader and developed a strong interest in World War II history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat was once a barrier became a bridge. Instead of just getting through the words, I could focus on understanding, thinking, and actually enjoying what I was learning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f Watch Lukas’ Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As dyslexia began impacting both her academics and self-confidence, Eleanor found renewed confidence through Learning Ally\u2019s human-read audiobooks. Access to literature in a format that supported her learning helped her reconnect with reading and pursue her academic goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLearning Ally opened me to all that books have to offer, allowed me to achieve academic success, and pursue my dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f Watch Eleanor\u2019s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before Learning Ally, Owen struggled to read independently and relied heavily on others for support. Accessible audiobooks helped him engage with books on his own, both for school and personal enjoyment, while building confidence in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAfter Learning Ally was introduced to me, I suddenly did not just read books for class; I read things on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f Watch Owen’s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dominique transformed her relationship with reading after discovering Learning Ally. What once felt frustrating and difficult eventually led to success in Advanced Placement Language and Literature courses, along with a newfound love of books and storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt just changed my view on reading. Before I thought reading was hard and I just didn\u2019t like it. Learning Ally made me want to reach out and strive for more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f Watch Dominique\u2019s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a student with dyslexia, Evan once felt disconnected from the joy of reading. Discovering Learning Ally in fourth grade changed his perspective entirely, helping him find confidence, adventure, and a love of stories that inspired his future goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLearning Ally gave me adventure. It gave me community. It helped me realize that I could go on adventures of my own.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f Watch Evan\u2019s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning Ally helped Alexandra strengthen her reading comprehension, gain independence as a learner, and discover a genuine love of reading. Her academic growth eventually led to a perfect score on the reading comprehension section of the ACT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLearning Ally gave me the confidence to read on my own and expand my vocabulary and understanding while truly enjoying reading.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f Watch Alexandra\u2019s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a visually impaired student, Ella often faced barriers accessing traditional print materials. Through Learning Ally, she gained independent access to books and educational materials, including her favorite series, Harry Potter<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLearning Ally really changed the way I access material. Being able to read the books that I love and access the same things as my peers meant so much to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f Watch Ella\u2019s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Global Inclusion and Social Development, Alexandra credits Learning Ally with helping remove barriers throughout her academic journey as a legally blind student by providing accessible course materials in flexible formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLearning Ally highlights the fact that there are no limits for people with print disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f Watch Alexandra\u2019s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n After experiencing sudden vision loss during an academic semester, Isabelle turned to Learning Ally for accessible course materials and support. She credits the organization with helping her continue pursuing her education with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLearning Ally was the difference between being able to continue my education and feeling like I might have to stop.\u201d\u25b6\ufe0f <\/strong>Watch Isabelle\u2019s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Students with learning disabilities and print disabilities continue to face disproportionate educational and employment barriers. According to national data<\/a>, approximately 41% of students with learning disabilities fail to graduate high school<\/strong>, and more than 70% of working-age adults with significant vision loss are not employed full time<\/strong>. These outcomes reinforce the importance of early intervention, accessible educational tools, and supportive learning environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessible educational tools, including human-read audiobooks<\/a> and assistive technology, help students engage with curriculum at grade level while building critical literacy skills and independence. Equally important, they help students recognize that reading challenges do not define their intelligence or potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The students honored through the National Achievement Awards serve as powerful examples of what becomes possible when learners are given equitable access to education and the opportunity to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning Ally congratulates the 2026 National Achievement Award winners for their extraordinary accomplishments, perseverance, and leadership. Their stories inspire educators, families, and students everywhere while reinforcing the importance of creating learning environments where all students can thrive. Learn more<\/a> about the National Achievement Awards and the students recognized through this program.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.learningally.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/NAA-awards-03-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Skills Behind Their Success<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Meet the 2026 National Achievement Award Winners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Student Winner Spotlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Zahara \u2014 Learning Through Listening Top Honors <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLukas \u2014 Learning Through Listening Top Honors <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nEleanor \u2014 Learning Through Listening Top Honors <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nOwen \u2014 Learning Through Listening Special Honors <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDominique \u2014 Learning Through Listening Special Honors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nEvan \u2014 Learning Through Listening Special Honors <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAlexandra \u2014 Learning Through Listening Special Honors <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nElla \u2014 Spotlight on Achievement Award Top Honors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAlexandra \u2014 Spotlight on Achievement Award Top Honors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIsabelle \u2014 Spotlight on Achievement Award Top Honors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why Accessible Learning Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Celebrating Student Potential<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n