SNHU Spotlight: Heather Schey, BA in Human Services Grad

Heather Schey '22 always dreamed of earning a degree. However, being visually impaired, she knew there would be obstacles.

She was doing well in community college until she hit a wall with accessibility. None of her professors were making accommodations for her, despite requests from the accessibility center. After three months of frustration, Schey made the difficult decision to leave school. But she found she couldn't advance in her career without a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Services.

“That led me to Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)," she said. "Seeing that it was completely online, that it was something that might be feasible for me."

Schey said it was exciting to be able to do schoolwork from her home without having to worry about transportation. She noted that accommodations were also made to help her succeed in classes.

“The online accessibility center (at SNHU) was priceless,” she said. "Anything that wasn't accessible was made accessible."

When Schey walked across the stage at her Commencement ceremony, she had her service dog, Asher, by her side.

“This moment means the world to us," she said. "It’s given me confidence in myself and belief that I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to. Having this little soldier beside me made it all the better.”

Schey works at an independent living center, whose mission is to assist individuals with disabilities so they can remain independent. Her human services degree helped her achieve a new position. It allows her to work with people one-on-one to plan their treatment and help them achieve their goals.

Schey is also a board member for the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority and a chairperson for the Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee.

The goal of this committee is to improve the accessibility of public transportation for people with disabilities.

“Currently, what I’m striving for is just to continue helping people in my community," she said. "My goal is just to continue providing services within the community to make life better for people with disabilities." 

Ashleigh Worley '22 is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at SNHU. Connect with her on LinkedIn.