An Interview with Brandon and Teresa Gruber
In our latest interview, and in celebration of Disability Pride Month, we sat down with Brandon—a dynamic 29-year-old artist whose multidisciplinary talents span music, fashion, modeling, acting, painting, and even baking—to explore his creative journey and the life lessons born from his diverse experiences.
Brandon candidly reflects on the transformative power of art, sharing how an early recognition of his unique eye for color sparked his lifelong passion and led him to launch his innovative 3-2-1 project, which uses art sales to fund charitable initiatives like providing prom dresses and inspiring awards for deserving young individuals.
Anchored by a steadfast philosophy of working hard, choosing kindness, and staying true to oneself, Brandon recounts overcoming challenges in creative fields—from theater to fashion design—in tandem with the empowering support of his mother, Teresa, who nurtured both his talents and his independence. This engaging conversation not only highlights Brandon’s remarkable achievements but also frames critical issues around inclusivity, resilience, and the transformative potential of embracing differences, setting the stage for broader discussions on disability advocacy and global creative empowerment.
We hope you join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month by honoring all of the Brandons of the world who each contribute their unique gifts to the world in their own inimitable fashion!
Discovering a Lifelong Passion for Art
When Brandon recalls his first encounter with art, his eyes light up.
“I started painting in first grade,” he explains, remembering how teachers noticed he had “a special eye for color.”
His journey—from tiny sketches in elementary school to complex paintings that capture moments from travel—is a testament to the power of self‑expression and creative exploration. His work, much like his life, is an evolving canvas that reflects experiences both big and small. I asked Brandon about his recent travels and painting, and of course those worlds align:
Dave Manson: You’re such a talented artist. What are you painting right now?
Brandon Gruber: “It’s still in the making, but it’s Austria! I’m making a new painting about Vienna in Austria. I visited Vienna, and I loved the city, so I wanted to show its beauty in my work. And we went at Christmas time, so the art is all about Christmas in Vienna.”
A Guiding Motto: Work Hard, Choose Kindness, Be Yourself
At the heart of Brandon’s story is a simple yet transformative motto:
Work hard. Choose kindness. Be yourself.
Dave: Can you kind of talk a little bit about what that motto means to you?
Brandon: Well, the first one – “Work Hard” actually means to give 100% of the effort needed.
“Choose kindness” isn’t just a decorative phrase—it’s a daily commitment to empathy and inclusion.
Brandon: Just kindness it’s a simple word, but we do it every day.
And “be yourself” is a challenge to define one’s identity on one’s own terms.
Brandon: Just be you or be original.
In his view, if more people woke up every day with the resolve to live by these words, the world would be a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone. This message is particularly resonant during Disability Pride Month, a period dedicated to shifting the narrative from perceived limitations to empowered and authentic identities.
Art with a Purpose: The “3, 2, 1 Life Plus One” Project and Community Impact
Brandon’s art is more than personal expression—it’s a vehicle for social change. His innovative “3, 2, 1 LIFE” project combines art cards, paintings, and inspiring personal performances to raise funds for community initiatives.
Brandon: “I use my art to help others, by selling my art cards and sharing my painting talent with the world.”
100% of the proceeds from his work go toward projects that empower young people and support educational and cultural programs for under resourced individuals. For instance, his fundraising efforts have enabled the donation of prom dresses to young women in need and supported annual “Never Give Up” awards for educators.
Dave: When I met you at the Supported Life Conference, we touched on this briefly, but can you walk us through how you use the proceeds from your art-card sales?
Brandon: Sure—those funds fuel projects like our 21 Dresses program where we provide prom dresses.
Dave: How many dresses did you distribute this year?
Brandon: Seventy-two.
Dave: Seventy-two prom dresses—is that right?
Brandon: Exactly.
Dave: Without this, many of those young women wouldn’t have had brand-new prom dresses.
Brandon: For a lot of them, it’s their very first.
Dave: That’s fantastic. What else do you support with the money?
Brandon: I also run the “Never Give Up” awards each year—I’m coming up on my eleventh annual event.
Dave: Tell us about those awards. Who gets them?
Brandon: We partner with school principals, who choose one male and one female student from each school to receive the honor.
By channeling creativity into community impact, Brandon demonstrates how art can break down barriers and open doors to opportunity.
Defining Moments: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Victories
Like many whose paths are not always smooth, Brandon has faced challenges that tested his resolve.
Dave: We’re featuring this for Disability Pride Month to highlight the moments that shape us. Can you share a time when you felt truly proud of who you are or when you overcame a challenge?
Brandon: Definitely. One of my biggest hurdles was moving and transitioning into high school—it was a really tough adjustment.
Dave: And you made it through that transition?
Brandon: Yes.
Dave: That must give you a real sense of pride.
Brandon: Absolutely. Another moment I’m proud of is being crowned Homecoming King.
Dave: Congratulations—when was that?
Brandon: It was during the 2014–2015 school year, right around graduation.
Dave: That’s fantastic.
Brandon: After that experience, I felt even more driven to change perceptions and show what people with disabilities can achieve.
Brandon’s mother Teresa was able to join us for the interview, so I took the opportunity to bring her into our conversation:
Dave: What’s one of your favorite memories of watching Brandon become the young man he is today?
Teresa: Academically, the first time he made the honor roll in elementary school stands out. In fourth grade he told me, “My goal is to be an honor-roll student,” even though general-education classes were challenging. When he actually did it, I was over the moon—at first I thought, “We’re just glad he’s thriving in Gen Ed,” and then he surpassed every expectation.
Dave: Brandon, you’ve spent your life setting goals and smashing them—no wonder your mom beams with pride. Tell me about the time in junior high when you really proved that drive.
Brandon: In seventh grade I auditioned for our middle-school play. They split a hundred students into three casts, and my drama teacher called my parents: she wanted me in a major supporting role. That meant extra speech coaching, memorizing lines, learning dance steps—everything.
Dave: That’s a big ask—how did you prepare?
Brandon: The teacher assigned an understudy, my friend Patrick. He’d shadow me at rehearsals, learned my every cue and line, so if I froze onstage he could jump in seamlessly. It was supposed to be a safety net.
Dave: So opening night arrives—what happened?
(Mom steps in at this point, too full of pride in her son to sit quietly without sharing her view of events that night!)
Teresa: The first performance went off without a hitch. In the second, right before intermission, Brndon accidentally exited stage left instead of right. Patrick saw Brandon miss his entrance and—without skipping a beat—stepped up, delivering Brandon’s lines and hitting all the dance moves until the curtain.
Dave: Amazing—he really bailed Brandon out.
Teresa: But here’s what really happened: So, Patrick finished Brandon’s part and heads backstage, and the teacher tells Brandon ‘You know your’e supposed to be on!” and Brandon responded “Oh, I know!” and when he is asked “Well why aren’t you out there?,” Brandon’s response was “Because I’m Patrick” (saying his friend’s name) “I want him to have the same chance I have.”
Patrick was a total newcomer – a straight-A student, athlete, popular kid – so seeing him shine on stage was incredible!
Dave: That’s such a generous choice, Brandon!
Brandon Gruber: He’d earned it, coming to every rehearsal, learning everything. After intermission I returned to finish the show.
Teresa: Brandon’s father Tim and I were fighting tears as the lights went up. Parents were buzzing—Tim and I were exchanging proud glances. Only Brandon’s teacher, and us knew the full story. It was one of those nights I’ll never forget.
Inclusion and Empathy: A Message for Disability Pride Month
Brandon’s narrative is a vibrant illustration of what Disability Pride Month stands for. His personal journey underscores the importance of access, representation, and self‑advocacy. Drawing from experiences at school, on stage, and in everyday life, he emphasizes that every individual—not just those without disabilities—has the right to shine. His story dovetails with key issues of the month:
• Raising awareness of the challenges and triumphs faced by people with disabilities.
• Promoting inclusion in areas such as education, employment, and the arts.
• Challenging stereotypes that limit individuals by framing disability as a deficit.
In sharing his challenges and victories, Brandon invites us all to rethink what it means to belong. As he puts it, “Downs Syndrome doesn’t define me. I’ll do it myself!” His unwavering determination encourages communities to push past societal barriers, much in the same way that CPCIDD continues to advocate for policies that ensure self‑determination and equal opportunity for all.
Final Reflections and a Call to Dream Big
When asked for final advice, Brandon’s words are both simple and profound: “Dream big, go for it, and don’t stop.” His message is clear—set your goals high, be resilient in the face of setbacks, and use every opportunity to define your own identity. This call to action is not only a personal mantra but also a rallying cry for families, advocates, and policymakers who seek to build a more inclusive society.
In the spirit of Disability Pride Month, Brandon’s journey reminds us that every individual’s creative expression and determination can transform barriers into bridges. His story is a celebration of diversity and a powerful illustration of how art—coupled with hard work, kindness, and authenticity—can pave the way for social change.
At CPCIDD, we are proud to share stories like Brandon’s as part of our commitment to advancing disability rights and inclusive policies. His courage and creativity reflect the very best of what the disability community offers to our society. To learn more about our initiatives, read our news articles, or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit https://www.cpcidd.org
