Meet Brian
Meet Brian Gordon, a lifelong Iowa farmer who has been growing corn and soybeans since he was 14 years old. For Brian, farming is more than just a career—he enjoys watching things grow and taking care of his crops, with harvest season being his favorite time of year.
In 2006, Brian experienced a farming accident that left his right eye with partial vision and his left eye totally blind. After the accident, he underwent a cornea transplant in his right eye and was able to continue working on the farm. But years later, his vision in that eye declined, and he eventually became totally blind. That’s when Brian realized he needed more support to stay independent and keep doing the work he loved.
Training at IDB
Brian and his wife discovered the Iowa Department for the Blind after she came across it in a Google search. Soon after, they connected with a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. From day one, Brian recalls, his counselor encouraged him to tour the Orientation Center in Des Moines—but he was hesitant. Instead, he began weekly in-home training with a rehabilitation teacher. After a few short months, Brian realized that the weekly 1.5-hour sessions weren’t enough for the progress he wanted. He decided to tour the Center, and shortly after, he enrolled in training from March through October of 2024.
At the Orientation Center, Brian focused on skills that directly impact his daily life and work on the farm. Technology training was especially important—he now uses his phone daily to stay connected and apps like Be My Eyes and Seeing AI to remain independent. He also learned cane travel, something completely new to him, and spent time in the shop, a relaxing space that reminded him of working with power tools on the farm. These experiences, combined with the support of staff, helped Brian build confidence he never thought possible.
Final Insights
Reflecting on his time at the Center, Brian shared:
“Oh, I’m just more confident in general. Hands down. Any potential students thinking about doing the Center, don’t wait, just jump into it. If you stick to it, you will not regret it. It’s the best thing I’ve done since this has happened.”
Brian’s journey shows that while change can feel overwhelming, the right tools, training, and support make it possible to achieve independence. Today, Brian is back working on his farm with the skills and confidence he gained at the Center.
Learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month