Vision for the future: Grad works toward more accessible world
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Family is everything for Jeffery Crouch.
"I am a blind, full-time single father to an awesome daughter," he says proudly. He's excited to add another layer to that title soon: Western Michigan University graduate.
His little girl will be watching as he walks across the stage in Miller Auditorium during Western's Summer 2025 Commencement on Saturday, June 28, to receive his bachelor's degree in healthcare services and sciences.
"I wanted to show my daughter that despite her father being blind, you can do whatever you put your mind to," he says. And he's not done yet; he’s set to begin two master's degrees at Western in August in orientation and mobility and vision rehabilitation therapy.
"Western has provided me an environment where I feel welcomed, emboldened to share my opinions and the confidence to stride forward into the next chapter and tackle my dreams to make them a reality."
Those dreams include helping people experiencing vision loss better navigate the world around them, either by owning his own consulting business or working for the State Agency for the Blind.
"In terms of orientation and mobility, I would be teaching either newly blinded individuals or individuals who need refreshers on ways to travel confidently," he says. "On the vision rehabilitation side, I would be helping with all other aspects of independent living—cooking, cleaning, Braille, technology—to help integrate the individual into society and help them live the best life they can."
Crouch is motivated by a passion for helping others. Born legally blind and fully losing his sight to glaucoma, he's overcome a number of challenges and learned to persevere. "There's no greater feeling than the 'aha moment' when you finally understand and you finally achieve something. And I love being a part of that process, helping individuals realize their full potential and that they aren't limited."
Building a solid foundation
Crouch hasn't always been so optimistic. His first attempt at college ended abruptly in 2017 when a dramatic increase in glaucoma pressure led to excruciating pain and required surgery to prepare for prosthetic eyes.
"It was not a fun time. So that, in conjunction with preparing for the birth of my daughter, led to me leaving school after just one semester and taking the next five years off," he says. "And honestly, I didn't really have plans to go back to school, but I had a friend who really pushed me."
The renewed sense of purpose paid off. From being unsure about higher education at all to earning an associate degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and bachelor's degree from Western in just three years, Crouch has seen his career trajectory soar.
"During my time at WMU, I have become a better critical thinker and have found solutions that enable me to think outside the box to solve challenges," he says.
An internship with Western's Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies allowed him to combine his own lived experience with the skills he's developed in the healthcare services and sciences program. "I was able to offer my expertise in technology and blindness skills to provide the department with alternate ways of thinking about things when working with clients in the future. I also provided them with opportunities to learn more about assistive technology that blind individuals use."
Now, as he prepares to step into the next chapter of his career journey—the first in his immediate family to complete college and pursue graduate school—Crouch is ready to make an impact.
"Western has set me up for success by creating an atmosphere of acceptance. No matter the challenges, individuals are always there to help figure out solutions," he says. "When we put our minds together, we're able to accomplish even what seem like insurmountable tasks."
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