Mercy College senior Amanie Riley won the Lighthouse International Scholarship for her success as a student challenged by loss of sight. Riley was one of seven blind or visually impaired students out of 60 the scholarship which recognizes outstanding students who have overcome the challenges of vision loss, this year.
“I am honored and very humbled by this recognition,” replies Riley who is pursuing a degree in psychology and education. “It goes to show you that hard work pays off. I want people to know that despite my visual impairment, I can do anything as long as I put my mind to it.”
Riley said she had the support of her parents and teachers as well as technical support that helped her complete assignments and exams. “I used the BrailleNote Apex, the Victor Reader Stream, Kurzweil scanning software, and the screen reading software known as Jaws,” Riley said. “The BrailleNote Apex is a portable electronic device that is used to write and read braille, take notes, and complete assignments.”
Riley hopes to be a teacher of the blind and visually impaired after she graduates from Mercy College.
Black Westchester
Black Westchester - News With The Black Point Of View is an online news magazine for people of color for Westchester and the Tri- State area of New York at every economic level. Our mission is to promote the concept of “community” through media.
