Brent Devloo says that his iPad is the reason why he could graduate from high school after he suddenly became blind in the 11th grade.
Now, the Langley resident is raising funds to give iPads to other young people with visual disabilities.
Devloo was 16 when he lost his vision one day in the history class in 2011. He was finally diagnosed with a rare DNA mutation called Leber’s hereditary optical neuropathy, which can cause a loss of sudden vision.
He said his mother’s friends donated an iPad at that time. The built -in screen reading technology called Voicever helped him do his homework.
“It is the reason why I finished school because I could write and read and do everything quickly without learning a complete computer,” he said.
He says that technology also helped him start his clothing line, “the blind child.” He uses funds to buy iPads for other blind children.
Until now, Devloo has given five iPads and says he has almost enough money for another.
He hopes to inspire children who become blind not only their education continue, but also to return to their passions as soon as they can.
Brett Devloo lost his vision 13 years ago, but did not prevent him from skating and adapt to a limited vision in Skate Park. He and his friend, Mike Faux, are working on a documentary about Devloo’s life to raise funds and buy tablets to help blind children.
For him, it was skating, a sport that he considered challenging even when he still had his eyes.
But instead of seeing him as a challenge, Devloo said he found him liberator.
“If I’m in a skatepark, I have to start in the corner and simply feel … and eventually increase enough commitment and courage,” he said.
Devloo also pursued another passion, creating music, using his iPad, an effort that put it Stevie Wonder radar and gave him the opportunity to record music with Wonder producer.
Devloo said that becoming blind made him grow quickly, and he hopes that his gifts can make this process a little easier for others.
“I can help children with school and connect them with creativity, and just because I knew how much it helped me,” said Devloo.
DOCUMAR IN THE WORKS
Mike Faux, owner of Indoor HMI Skatepark in Hope and friend of Devloo, is working with Devloo to create a documentary about his experience as a blind skater.
The two became friends when Devloo began visiting Faux skatepark.
“Every time I see Brett out there, it simply surprises me,” said Faux, who is a skate instructor and has taught the Olympics in the past.
“This documentary will show that to people, and will inspire them that nothing can stop.”
Devloo expects the documentary to inspire those who are in the situation he was in. And your message for those young people?
“Let me bother you when people tell you that you can’t do something.”
