Here is a cocktail napkin version of my story.
I had excellent vision until the age of 34, never wore glasses. My world started getting darker, and moving objects suddenly disappeared from sight – not good when driving.
My initial academic goal was to get a Bachelors in Information Technology (IT). Life hands you a lemon, make some lemonade. I changed my major to Psychology. The brain and the mind for me were analogous to computers and software, just a little more complex. Earned my B.A. in Psychology with a 3.95 GPA, and a M.A. in Professional Counseling with a 3.72 GPA.
I was awarded my license in Texas, as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor (BCPCC). I counsel individuals who have experienced, homelessness and addictions, often resulting from physical and sexual abuse as a child or sexual trauma as an adult.
I have to be honest. I had help. I didn’t do it alone, thanks to the advent of assistive technology.
I initially started out with Dragon Naturally Speaking, and trained it for dictation. A.I. Squared Zoom Text Screen Reader/Magnifier, then transitioned into JAWS for Windows as my blindness progressively became worse. Kurzweil 1000 for scanning books not available in audio format. I have an iPhone with assistive technology enabled for keeping up with my counseling appointments, and a timer to let me know when my sessions with clients have ended. I have a digital recorder to take notes during sessions.
I enrolled at California Southern University and, with four classes under my belt, I have 12 credit hours towards my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), as a Clinical Psychologist. I have four “A”s with a 4.0 GPA. All despite being completely blind. By the time I complete my doctorate, I will have my Licensed Chemical Dependency (LCDC) license as well, and my LPC upgraded to an LPC-S Supervisor level LPC.
It has definitely been a challenge for me. Flying back and forth from Lynchburg, Virginia back when I was working on my Master’s Degree presented unique challenges. When I was doing my LPC Internship, my LPC Supervisor took me on for free, because he didn’t believe that a blind person could be a counselor, or effective as one.
You have to advocate for yourself. When faced with challenges with your disability, develop creative solutions to overcome and adapt.
My name is Dan W. Miller. I live in Amarillo, Texas. I have been married to the same women, Elizabeth Miller for more than two decades and have two adult children. I go barefoot everywhere even in the snow all year round, because I also have some nerve deterioration, and equilibrium/balance issues. It was a recommendation from my doctor. My white cane is great, and even better doing it barefoot. I am a Seventh-day Adventist Christian.
For more insight from Dan, visit his website, SignificantDirection.com, or connect with him on Facebook.
