“Hi everyone! Welcome to my first YouTube video! My name is Caleb Adams, I’m 18 years old, and just graduated from the Kentucky School for the Blind! I’ve always wanted a YouTube Channel but my mom made me wait until I was 18 and had graduated high school. I hope you learn a little bit about me and that you’ll stick around for future videos.” – Caleb Adams, July 2nd, 2023.
If you are regular reader of BrickNerd, then it is likely that you have a passion for building with LEGO, either sets or your own creations. Now imagine also living with a genetic disorder that has been degrading your vision since birth, with the potential for becoming completely blind by the time you reach 20 years old. What would you choose to build with your limited time? How would you adapt?
“My name is Caleb Adams.”
Caleb Adams is a young man, now 20 years old, who is facing these exact challenges. Caleb was born with Alström Syndrome and is legally blind. Alström Syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that is characterized by a progressive loss of vision and hearing, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and numerous other complications. Caleb has been in and out of hospitals all his life, and his mother, Jody, has been at his side through it all. This video explains a bit more about Alström Syndrome and the impact it has had on their lives.
Since he was 8 years old, Caleb had always wanted to start his own YouTube channel about his passion for LEGO and his many adventures with his mom. Once he finally graduated from high school, he got permission to start his own channel with his mother’s support. In his first video, he talks a bit about himself and the magnifier lens/globe that he uses to help him read LEGO set instructions (and that airline security inconveniently considers to be a potential weapon and nearly confiscated from Caleb during their trip to Alaska).
Below is one of his set review videos that shows him “speed building” the 2024 LEGO Marvel Spider-Man’s Mask. The video shows Caleb using his magnifier to read the instructions and identify parts and colors. Although Caleb is not technically color-blind, he does have some “color confusion” due to his visual impairment.
Taking On Challenges…
Since that first video, Caleb has posted many, many more, always having a positive attitude and sharing his genuine reaction to whatever he is doing at the time. Most times, his videos are about his experiences building one of the recent LEGO Icons sets or doing set giveaways. Other times, he is taking on personal challenges like the “drive-thru challenge,” ordering whatever fast-food items the car in front of them had ordered.
“MTN DEW BAJA BLAST!!!” (…but was not huge a fan of all the lettuce on the Beef Chalupa Supreme…)
One of the other challenges Caleb set for himself was displaying builds at a LEGO convention for the very first time.
“I had the best time at the BRICK CONVENTION this past weekend! It’s great being surrounded by so many people that love LEGO and to see the builds from such creative people.” – Caleb Adams, Nov 12th, 2024.
I first met Caleb during the Brick Convention show held in Louisville, KY in July 2023, just as he was launching his YouTube Channel. Caleb decided he wanted to display publicly himself the next time Brick Convention came to town, which was in November 2024. His display tables were set next to mine and were filled with his various LEGO Christmas-themed sets.
Seeing this during set-up, I encouraged Caleb to clear some table space so that he could build some LEGO sets during the show and demonstrate how he uses his magnifier to read the instructions. It was inspiring to watch him build in person, despite the many challenges of his visual impairment. Jody and Caleb told me afterwards that quite a few public attendees planned to purchase magnifiers for themselves, seeing how well it worked for Caleb while reading the instructions for one of the Wicked LEGO sets.
…and Dealing with Setbacks
“I was building a LEGO set last night and lost my vision (mostly in my left eye). After about 30 minutes, it came back. Momma took me to the ophthalmologist today and I need a brain MRI and maybe a spinal tap.” – Caleb Adams, June 18th, 2025.
Caleb’s recent post about how he had completely lost his vision for 30 minutes hit me hard, realizing that his ability to build and enjoy the LEGO sets that he loves may eventually be taken away from him. I had been holding back on telling his story up until now, as he had been doing that for himself through his own YouTube channel. Now with the warning signs that this chapter in his life may be ending, I chatted with Caleb & Jody and we decided that the time to share his story more broadly was now.
Caleb’s story is one of perseverance, despite facing challenges that might make many of us give up the LEGO hobby. It is also a reminder not to take anything for granted in our lives; Appreciate what time you have, the blessings you have been given, and the people who love and support you.
I reached out to Caleb and Jody and asked if there was anything else they would like me to convey on their behalf. Their message was simple: “Thank you” for all of the kindness and support that people have given Caleb in his journey, and that they hope watching his channel brings you joy.
Much love to you, Caleb. As always, we are wishing you all the best!
If you would like to learn more about Caleb, his mom, and his journey, please consider subscribing to his YouTube channel linked below. You can also find Caleb on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Caleb’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@cdadams1004
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