Daring To Be Brian: A DeafBlind Story of Living Without Limits

Meet Brian Channey. Brian is a woodworker, a builder, and a lifelong do-it-yourselfer who takes on his own plumbing, electrical, and landscaping projects. He is also DeafBlind.

In our new video, Brian shows us his woodworking and talks about his life, his work, and how he communicates. He uses a Pocketalker, a personal listening device, along with tactile American Sign Language support from Vicki Scarboro, his Support Service Provider. A Support Service Provider, or SSP, is different from an interpreter. An SSP helps a person who is DeafBlind access information, communication, and their surroundings, so they can make their own choices and live independently. Together, Brian and Vicki use an approach called Total Communication.

Thank you, Brian, for welcoming us into your home and sharing your story with our community.