A KEIGHLEY student was among a record number of 26 students who graduated from Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate.

Sam McDermott joined Henshaws in 2015, has a visual impairment and uses a long cane.

With support from the college’s mobility specialist on and off campus, Sam can now travel independently on foot and by bus.

Following his graduation he has moved into supporting housing at Henshaws and is now looking for a job.

Sam’s communication skills have also improved significantly during his time with Henshaws and he is supported to record a weekly radio programme for staff and patients at Harrogate Hospital Radio.

As part of his Supported Internship Programme, he also undertook a work placement with Sainsbury’s and made an exceptionally positive impression.

The customer-facing role allowed Sam to demonstrate his remarkable ability to recall information as well as an opportunity to interact directly with members of the public.

Sam’s mother Gail said: “Our aspirations were for Sam to be able to live as independently as possible and use the skills he has learnt at Henshaws in his home and working life.

“Henshaws has supported Sam to develop a range of skills and experience and I hope he will be able to help employers have a greater understanding of people with disabilities and the positive contribution they can make.”

During the ceremony at Henshaws, new chairman of governors Chris Oates told a packed audience that the students’ achievements well “truly inspiring”.

For the second year running, the speaker at the event was Jono Lancaster, who has Treacher Collins Syndrome and has travelled the world visiting other people with the same condition.

He shared his experiences of his difficulties with the students and told them it was important to love themselves for what they were.

The event ended with a performance by student magician Matthew Glass who won the annual Henshaws Got Talent competition in 2019.

He is usually non-verbal at college but wowed the audience by overcoming his challenges to speak on the microphone after his performance car to a huge round of applause.

Henshaws College is part of Henshaws, a charity that supports people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to achieve their ambitions and go beyond expectations.

Henshaws Specialist College is described as a “transformational place” with a personalised approach to education, learning and care.