WALTER WITTICH
Stories & Testimonials
WALTER WITTICH
- Montreal, QC
- Modern dance (Graham technique), classical ballet, musical theatre
- Career Pathway: Certified low vision therapist & university professor in sensory rehabilitation
Walter Wittich is an Associate Professor at the School of Optometry, Université de Montréal. Following a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Psychology(Concordia), a PhD in Neuroscience (McGill), and a postdoctoral fellowship in audiology at the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montreal, his research focuses on the rehabilitation of individuals living with both vision and hearing loss. He is the inaugural chair of the Deafblind International Research Network, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and Quebec’s first Certified Low Vision Therapist.
WALTER’S STORY
“Joysanne Sidimus [DTRC’s Founder] wisely advised me to take a year and “try things out” before applying for my first grant (Stream I). I was insecure and initially looking for a safe path, and I had no idea whether going to university was for me. Not only did I fall in love with learning, but to this day I am excited to go to work in a place where something new happens every day. Not having to worry about money at this new beginning eased this transition in ways that I now want to facilitate for others. I know first-hand how our little demons can show themselves in times of crisis, and the DTRC was and is an exquisite ally for my transformation into the new me.
In retrospect, I realize that I was most afraid that I would never find something else in my life that would parallel the passion I felt for dance. The multitude of supports that I received from the DTRC (financially, philosophically, and inter-personally) helped me discover that I am simply a passionate person, and that this passion does not go away just because I now have a different career.
It was complicated and stressful enough to manage the end of my dance career. Knowing that the DTRC had my back, both financially and as a sounding board, allowed me to focus, calm down, and discover my passion for my new career.”
ON BECOMING A DONOR
“The least I can do is to return the favour and support the next generations of dancers, given that previous generations raised the funds to help me on my path. I am simply paying it forward.”
DTRC’S SUPPORT
- Good advice from good people
- Skills Grant
- Retraining (Study) Grant
- Karen Kain Award
- Special Award
- Zella Wolofsky/Doug Wright Bursary
