MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - At age 14 Pat Cannon learned that he was legally blind. From there, his dreams of becoming a truck driver was less of a reality as his vision completely depleted.

During the time his vision began to fade, Pat's parents were the biggest influence on him. Through the support of his family and friends, he kept a positive attitude towards life and moved forward.

Through the years the biggest struggle was overcoming biases from other people who didn't understand blindness.

However, Pat didn't allow his loss of vision to get in the way of having a fulfilled life.

"I have learned that it's okay to be blind," Pat said. "I did not wake up this morning and say "dang it, blind again."

He reached out to other people who were blind, and overcame prejudices that came within the work force. After acquiring the ability to move without vision, he began his career in the broadcasting industry. He worked in radio broadcasting for 13 years in various positions including a DJ and Programming Director.

Pat met his wife Janeile during a state wide tour on blindness. Janeile struggled with going blind, and Pat helped show her possibilities.

"He opened the door for the understanding and how to use alternative techniques and how to gain the skills of blindness," Janeile said. "Blindness doesn't have to be a tragedy."

The Cannon's went on to have five children, and currently have grandchildren.

Today Pat is celebrating his recent appointment to the U.S. Access Board given to him by President Obama.

Being on the board Pat will have a hands on impact to the accessibility guidelines for the American's with Disabilities Act and other federal laws to help pave the way for people with disabilities.

"With your disability, if you can access the right training, and the right supports and you have the right attitude, and opportunities, you can still realize your dreams," Pat said.