Sammy’s Story

Sammy (Samantha) is 22 and lives in Queens, New York. She was born with a condition known as Degenerative Myopia, a severe form of nearsightedness that can lead to vision loss. She also has Nystagmus, a disease that causes rapid, uncontrolled eye movements.

Her dream is to be a Teacher’s Assistant for pre-k and elementary students. She says, “I love kids. They are filled with energy and love to learn, just like how I love learning new things at a job.”

Sammy came to Lighthouse Guild to prepare for the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) exam through our Academic Services program that helps people who are blind and visually impaired attain their educational goals. As part of the exam preparation, she took English, Instructional Support, and Math classes. 

She says, “All of my teachers were great. They provide the students with one-on-one instruction, making the classwork fun and easy to understand. They work together to accommodate each student based on their need so they can learn and get the most from the classes.” 

“I learned so much from the classes and felt completely confident when I took the ATAS exam,” Sammy says. She took the ATAS exam and passed it with flying colors. She continues, “It’s all thanks to the wonderful team at Lighthouse Guild!”

Sammy has received work readiness preparations from another organization and is actively applying for Teacher’s Assistant positions. 

For anyone considering taking academic test preparation classes, Sammy says she would tell them they should go for it. The instructors at Lighthouse Guild will work with them to get the most from their classes and will do what they can to accommodate their requests. She shares, “It’s an excellent program because of the kindness and helpfulness that the instructors provide.”

If you are dreaming about the day you graduate from college, we are here to offer support and cheer you on. Our Academic Services can supercharge your educational goals with your visual abilities in mind.