Alumnus Comes Full Circle with
Junior Blind
Patrick Murphy may have graduated from Junior Blind's Davidson Program for Independence (DPI) more than ten years ago, but his influence on current students is now stronger than ever.
As an alumnus of DPI and now a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), Murphy has helped many blind or visually impaired individuals achieve higher levels of independence through his guidance and by referring them to Junior Blind.
After losing his vision at only nineteen years old due to complications from Type 1 diabetes, facing renal failure less than ten years later and going through a kidney transplant and surgery to enable him to receive a pancreas transplant, Murphy thought his dreams of entering the workforce seemed just that…dreams.
It was after his last surgery that he finally felt well enough to turn his dreams into reality. Together, with his DOR counselor, he examined his skill sets, life experiences and possible career options, including joining the DOR as a counselor.
With this vocational goal in mind, he researched residential programs for the blind or visually impaired where he could acquire the skills he needed. That's when he found Junior Blind.
"Since I had heard high praises from other blind friends, deciding to go to DPI was easy!" recalls Murphy.
As part of the program, Murphy learned Braille, Orientation & Mobility, Independent Living Skills and assistive technology. More importantly, he was able to receive additional career counseling and meet other individuals who were blind or visually impaired, including staff with whom he connected immediately.
"The staff were experienced, supportive and served as role models for me," says Murphy. "I strive to provide that for my clients as well."
Today, as a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Murphy is responsible for helping individuals with disabilities to achieve autonomy through employment. Important parts of that role are understanding his clients' needs and referring them to reputable organizations, like Junior Blind, where he feels they'll succeed.
Junior Blind has been helping adults who are blind or visually impaired since 1970. The Davidson Program for Independence is a residential program for individuals, ages 18 and over, in need of developing new skills to lead more fulfilling and productive lives in the home, community and workplace.
Reviewed by: Nicole Mahoney, Parent from Junior Blind's Infant & Early Childhood Program
BOOK REVIEW
Reach Out and Teach: Helping Your Child Who is Visually Impaired Learn and Grow
Author: Kay Alicyn Ferrell
Publisher: American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
"Reach Out and Teach: Helping Your Child Who is Visually Impaired Learn and Grow" is an amazing resource for families with children who are blind or visually impaired. With the child's best interest at heart, the author provides readers with a guide of what to expect, how to cope with daily challenges and where to find resources. The book uses simple language that is easy to understand. For our family, this book will be a good resource for many years to come, helping to guide us through our journey.
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