Keenan Brignall

Age: 19
Occupation: Student

WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING AND/OR WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL AMBITIONS?

I’m currently studying film at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). I hope to work in sound on film sets in the future. 

WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS, INTERESTS, AND HOBBIES?

I’m into film, history, and biology. I love the Transformers film series and the video game series Five Nights at Freddy's.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH BRAIN-BASED DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES?

I’m autistic and I have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. 

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CHILD-BRIGHT?

Through my mom’s friend, who is a researcher. 

WHY DID YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH CHILD-BRIGHT?

To help people like me without concrete support systems.  

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH ADVocACY COUNCIL?

That more voices like mine are amplified, leading to better care for people with lived experience of a brain-based developmental disability.

Is there anything else you want to share about yourself?

I once met a retired fight pilot. After speaking with me for a few hours, he said I had enough knowledge to be a member of the fighter pilot brotherhood and gave me a challenge coin (a small, metal coin typically given to members of the military). It’s a cool thing that happened in my life! I can also identify most fish by sight.