I think that’s the only solution.". When Asli Knowles saw Dr. Brian Travers’ clear masks on Instagram she had to have one. But for Travers, the experience felt personal. I spend my days at the sewing machine making masks. From there, the “paying it forward” has begun. “It’s very, very tough times. While he asked the employees if they could lower their masks so he could read their lips, they refused. And please jump on board people,” said Barber. A touching video captured the moment Brian heard his wife say, ‘I love you’ for the first time in 25 years. Brian Travers, a Coconut Creek man, had an idea that started with his family but has since gone global. I have a few hundred orders that are waiting and still coming it. He got right to work sewing her a green mask to match her uniform and mailed it to Vero Beach. Travers sews the windowed face masks himself. He made us these home made see-through masks within a day, we are so thankful! It is a great way to support Kate in any way we can, the masks are very hard for her to understand or have clear communication. And, she wanted to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing customers without risking their health. Travers shared the letter with her and her managers and on social media and thought little of it. “I’m still a full-time dad, house husband and now business owner, mask maker. But, in the world we are living in today, masks are covering those up. Small plane with 7 onboard crashes near North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport. Gretchen Whitmer, court records show, Fed Slashes Mortgage Rates to Insane Lows, President Trump admits 'we really need' coronavirus stimulus, Pelosi responds: 'We’re at the table', Trump still fighting last election, rips Barr and Pompeo for not pursuing Clinton hard enough, No charges for Wisconsin officer in killing of Black teenager. Knowles says that a smile is a part of her uniform. “She wanted to make everyone comfortable.”. We just need to keep smiling, put our mask on and wash our hands. In 2008, he was in a coma and on life support after suffering a spontaneous subdural hematoma. A stranger reached out to her saying he noticed she did not have a website and offered to make one for her, for free. Knowles saw the mask and reached out to Travers requesting one. Ruby Tuesday files for bankruptcy following COVID-19 closures, CNO Financial Group Recognized for the Seventh Year in a Row for Its Health and Well-Being Programs, 4 takeaways from a weirdly normal vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, Jimmy Kimmel Thinks Donald Trump Jr. Just Said 'One Of Saddest Things I’ve Heard On Fox News', Wisconsin is nation's new Covid-19 hot spot. His wife Erin, inspired by the care he received, went to nursing school. “Every time they come to my register or they ask me a question, I have to pull off my mask and talk with them. “I get to hear my kids. Travers had lost his hearing because of a rare condition, osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also called “brittle bone disease.” He broke his first bone at 6 months old and has suffered between 70 and 80 fractures throughout his life. “Every day, I wake up and see new orders. And that’s why I emailed you and said listen, we’re in real grim times and this woman has gone the extra mile and I feel she really needs recognition and show the world there are positive things and people out there doing things to help the community. She said I cannot believe it, you are just like holding my heart on your hands now, you are touching my soul,” said Knowles as she described some of the feedback she has received. Looking for someone to talk to? Hearing-impaired man makes masks for those with same condition. A few months ago, a face mask had to be added to the outfit and the smile, well it didn’t disappear, but it was clearly no longer a visible piece. John Krasinski, from the hit TV show “The Office” got wind of Knowles’ story and shared it with his 1 million followers on Instagram. She is so deserving of this. His wife Erin was ready to honor his wishes by donating his organs. It is not just the product, it is the purpose. FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Face masks are meant to protect people during the coronavirus pandemic, but for the deaf and hearing-impaired community, they have caused some challenges. Knowles works at a grocery store and wanted people to see her face. “It’s only fitting that when I woke up from that coma, the first person I saw was my wife,” said Brian. Feds charge six militia members in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Connect with friends faster than ever with the new Facebook app. (Brian Travers) Thankfully, a parent behind Travers realized the issue, helping the stay-at-home dad to ultimately get a computer for his daughter. SHIELDOFGLORY Clear Mask Face Shield Reusable 1 Set 4 Replacement Clear Face mask Shield (2 Cover Nose, 2 Mouth Shield) - Food Handlers Anti-Fog Transparent Mask, 100% Polycarbonate Made in Korea 4.0 out of 5 stars 823 Brian, meanwhile, has struggled to communicate as someone who relies heavily on lip-reading. “A simple employee of a huge market chain, she basically just said I want people comfortable in this time, to come into this store and if they don’t see anything else other than my smile, my job is done. Travers loves hearing from people who want his masks about why they need them. CDC: White men still aren't washing their hands. A smile is the greatest way to introduce yourself,” he said. Being deaf all these years, a person’s smile tells me right from the get-go (what they’re like),” Travers told TODAY. A letter to her manager making sure they knew what an incredible frontline worker they have in their store. Knowles has a side business making customized lollipops called Turco Pops. I am honored about that.". But with face masks becoming a part of the “new normal” amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, reading lips has become impossible, leading him to create a special type of face mask for those who rely on this method of communication. Tap to try Match! (Courtesy Brian Travers) He sat at his dining room table and examined the masks made since learning to sew in March. He went home and his wife, an ICU nurse, taught him how to use her sewing machine. Trump, Melania deal with COVID-19: How have past first ladies handled health crises? The former physician knew there had to be something to make communicating easier. But, he was stuck. When we are out in public anywhere if people are able to lower their mask In 2008, he experienced a spontaneous subdural hematoma and was in a coma for a month. Then another parent pulled his mask down so Travers could read his lips. From there, “Anchor Homemade Designs” was born from his Coconut Creek home. "I completed a few hundred orders. Brian Travers, a Coconut Creek man, had an idea that started with his family but has since gone global. Asli Knowles, a Publix employee in Vero Beach, Florida, shows a specially designed mask for deaf people created by Brian Tavers, owner of Anchor Handmade Designs. I want to play my game,” said Brian Travers, chair of the Math Department at Salem State University and captain of the Providence Grays. Soon, he felt himself pulling away from activities where he might have to communicate with masked people, such as at the grocery store. Brian was born with a rare genetic disease called osteogenesis imperfecta, a bone condition. He still runs a website, offering resources for insurance for those who are disabled. My whole life has been giving back to people.". He sat at his dining room table and examined the masks made since learning to sew in March. Dr. Brian Travers creates see-through masks for people like him who have a hearing impairment.When a grocery store staff ordered a mask, he was touched by her story and decided to post it on social media.It was reposted by Some Good News and thousands of people are loving his masks and how Asli want “All these times we may have taken granted interacting with people.”, Affidavit: Man fatally shot by Texas cop offered handshake. It’s an incredible experience,” said Brian, “Biggest perhaps communication thing that you could receive is a smile.”. Coronavirus update: New England Journal of Medicine says Trump should be voted out over pandemic management as U.S. death toll tops 212,000, PHOTOS: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg — A look back, Justice Dept. I don’t want to put anyone in danger,” said Knowles. Soon, he designed a prototype with an opening covered by clear plastic. My life is just so wonderful,” said Brian. Hearing-Impaired Man Makes Masks For Those With Same Condition. “I can hear the wind. Travers found himself feeling defeated the day he went to his daughters schools to retrieve laptops for their virtual learning. Travers suspected that other deaf and hard of hearing people had similar experiences. UB40's Ali Campbell has claimed his former bandmates 'betrayed' him and says there is no chance of the reggae group ever reforming. "I fell in love with sewing," he said. After only one parent lowered his face mask for Brian at his child’s school, Brian felt he should make face masks with plastic coverings over the lips for his family members. "Why don’t we adopt this idea of masks with a window for open communication?". “It sounds greater than ever.”. This one, to WPTV from a viewer and Publix shopper, Darlene Barber. “He lowered his mask at each station allowing me to read his lips to find out what information I needed to provide. I wouldn’t be here without her.”. Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. But, in the world we are living in today, masks are covering those up. She came across a Broward County man named Brian Travers. “The mask is required. And we’re going to get through this together. He was having trouble communicating with school employees who were wearing masks because he couldn’t read their lips. Travers, a former doctor who lost his hearing in 2002, started sewing the masks with clear panels after he struggled to communicate with people in masks. Brian was born with a rare genetic disease called osteogenesis imperfecta, a bone condition. Eases Pre-Election Constraints on Investigating Election Fraud. She now works in the ICU and is on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic as a health care worker. Born with a rare genetic disorder, in 1995 Travers started to lose his hearing. There’s not much more I need.”, Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, FBI says it foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. “I wish I had his name. “Alsi’s reason for wanting my clear, see-through facial covering with a plastic window is the most selfless reason I have ever come across. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. In 1995, he woke up one day and started losing his hearing over time. That something small has turned real big, bigger than Knowles ever imagined. “Fitting that when I could hear Friday for the first time, my wife to be sitting there. Travers relied on lip reading for the last 10 years until his recent cochlear implant surgery. Brian Travers sewing his custom masks. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A Florida man who has suffered from profound hearing loss for 25 years knows first-hand how critical lip reading is for those who are hearing impaired. Travers found himself feeling defeated the day he went to his daughters schools to retrieve laptops for their virtual learning. Travers says the messages and requests are endless. Throughout his life, Brian has experienced being homeless and eventually transitioned into financial services, becoming a success story overnight by speaking about what happened to him and also advocating for disability insurance. Why Are Seniors Snapping Up This $49 Health Watch? “The other day there was one other customer, she said she’s teaching sign language and she started crying. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. “How great is life when there are no barriers? Luxury Rehab Centers May Have Room Availability! VERO BEACH, Fla. — They say a smile is worth a thousand words. 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