With Support from DPSCD’s ‘Exceptional Student Education’ Program, One Cass Tech Sophomore Is Redefining What It Means to Thrive

Born from the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) belief that every student can succeed, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program supports students with unique learning, developmental, and health needs, like fifteen-year-old, Zaraiyah Bell. The accomplished Cass Technical High School sophomore boasts the usual academic success characteristic of a bright mind yet, with the tenacity of an adult. To DPSCD Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, Candace Wilson, her teachers and family, Zaraiyah’s determination despite her blindness is nothing short of amazing. 

Zaraiyah doesn’t consider herself a role model or an inspiration. In fact, the Detroit teen wishes she could blend in, not stand out. She sometimes feels people attribute her accomplishments to her blindness rather than her drive or hard work — a belief only reinforced when people marvel at how seamlessly she adapts to her environment. Wilson challenges Zaraiyah’s perception of special treatment regularly, citing her natural brilliance, tenacity and fearlessness are the factors behind her achievements. Since meeting the tenacious teen at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she often marvels at how Zairaiyah’s motivation and willingness to try new things surpasses that of some adults.

“I don’t think she knows how smart she really is. She sets such high goals for herself, but sometimes underestimates her own abilities,” Wilson said.

Outside her academic feats, Zaraiyah excels as a sprinter in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash and has even dabbled in wrestling. But music is where she truly comes alive. A talented pianist and exceptional second soprano, her vocal teacher describes her voice as “perfect pitch.” Earlier this year, she joined her fellow choir members at Cass Technical High School, along with other DPSCD middle school and high school students, for an electric performance at Detroit Public Schools Community District’s 57th annual An Evening of Fine Arts inside the historic Fox Theatre – one of the choir’s many noteworthy appearances including the Tree Lighting ceremony in downtown Detroit’s Campus Martius.

“The Fox Theater was one of my last performances. It was my favorite because it was my last performance with the seniors. I never been on [that] stage before. ’”Zaraiyah shared, “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m on this stage where all these celebrities performed. It’s really so cool, but it was kind of overwhelming.”  

Like her aspirations, music runs deep in her blood. Her grandfather also attended Cass Tech and sang with the school choir. His musical talents spanned the piano and violin and extended to playing with a band. To Zaraiyah, the piano is more than an instrument or a performance vehicle — it’s therapy, a source of calm essential to her mental health. The legacy Cass Technician aspires to bring a similar kind of therapy to underprivileged teens. 

“I feel like teens are kind of overlooked. People don’t give them space to voice how they feel. So they keep all that bottled up and it comes in other ways,” Zaraiyah said. “I personally want to work with kids that have less. [Those are] the kids that are targeted. A lot of teens, even if they don’t say it, don’t feel like they have a safe space.”

The welfare of Detroit’s youth is a singular mission DSPCD also shares. The district’s ESE program operates under the principle that every student deserves to thrive, working closely with schools, families and students to promote inclusive classroom environments and expand learning opportunities. Central to that work is reframing impairments as exceptionalities — a deliberate departure from the stigma of labels that set unique needs students apart from their peers. They receive specialized instruction, orientation and mobility (O&M) training, and assistive technology designed to boost confidence, empower and nurture talent. 

“The success Zaraiyah has achieved is a testament to her determination and perseverance but also to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team committed to helping her reach her fullest potential.” Wilson said. “I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the outstanding visual Impairment team who have supported Zaraiyah throughout her journey; Mr. Pollock, her Orientation and Mobility specialist, her paraprofessionals, Ms. Cain and Ms. Hicks and our Braille transcription team, Ms. Davis and Ms. Terry.”

Heading into her sophomore year, Zaraiyah wants to improve her GPA, challenge herself further and venture outside her comfort zone. In the meantime, her hopes are simple: a summer job in retail, and for people to stop making assumptions about what those with exceptionalities can do.

Wilson has no doubt that whatever Zaraiyah puts her mind to, she will soar – like a fearless butterfly emerging from its cocoon.