Brent Devloo credits his iPad for helping him graduate high school after he suddenly lost his vision in 11th grade. Now, the Langley resident is raising funds to provide iPads to other visually impaired youth.
Devloo was 16 when he went blind during a history class in 2011. He was later diagnosed with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, a rare DNA mutation that causes sudden vision loss. His mother’s friends gifted him an iPad, and its built-in VoiceOver screen-reading technology allowed him to complete his schoolwork.
“It’s the reason I finished school because I was able to type and read and do everything quickly without learning a whole computer,” Devloo said.
The technology also helped him launch his clothing line, The Blind Kid, which funds iPad donations for other blind children. So far, he has given away five iPads and has nearly raised enough for another. His mission is to encourage blind youth to continue their education and pursue their passions.
Devloo, who lost his vision 13 years ago, is also an avid skateboarder. He and his friend Mike Faux are working on a documentary about his life to raise funds for more iPads. Skateboarding was once a challenge for Devloo, but he found freedom in the sport.
“If I’m at a skatepark, I’ve got to start at the corner and just go by feeling … and eventually build up enough commitment and bravery,” he said.
Music became another passion, leading Devloo to record with Stevie Wonder’s producer. He hopes his efforts will help blind kids embrace their new reality and continue chasing their dreams.
“I can help kids with school and connect them to creativity, and just because I knew how much it helped me,” said Devloo.
His friend, Mike Faux, owner of the HMI Skatepark in Hope, is co-producing the documentary to showcase Devloo’s journey and inspire others.
“Every time I see Brett out there, it just blows my mind,” said Faux, who has coached Olympic skateboarders. “This documentary is going to show that to people, and it’s going to inspire them that nothing can stop you.”
Devloo hopes the documentary will send a powerful message to visually impaired youth:
“Let it piss you off when people tell you that you can’t do something.”
Source: Swifteradio.com
