Aaron

Hello all, my name is Aaron Gilbreath. I am so excited to join this year’s Transition Institute as a DB mentor. I just turned 28 on April the 13th. I am originally from Boaz, Alabama but I currently live in Jacksonville, Alabama. I was first introduced to the Transition Institute last year as a volunteer.

I have Usher Syndrome Type II. I was born with 60 percent of hearing loss. The doctors confirmed this when I was three. When I was 14 I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Oh, the adventures this took me and those around me on. I wouldn’t change a thing. 

I am a senior at Jacksonville State University with a Major in Social Work. I am set to graduate in spring of 2017. I volunteer for Gentiva Hospice and if AIDB needs me to volunteer for something I am always happy to do so. I sit with elderly patients and do office work for Gentiva. This past semester I helped with AIDB’s Transition Day where I spoke with a parent group of high school students with vision impairments. I am also a Social Work Club member. Basically, if I am asked to volunteer and I am able to, I jump in and ask questions later.

I love adventures and outdoor activities. I have canoed down a river (it wasn’t that big but still fun) and gone white water rafting several times.  I did parasailing this past summer, and I currently trying to put zip lining on that list. I always say you live once. One day I would love to skydive and bungee jump.

I am literally an open book. If there are any questions or anything please don’t hesitate to ask me. I love to share my story and hear other people’s stories. I am so excited to work with the team, the students, and the parents this year. It’s going to be a lot fun and we are also going to learn a lot from each other.