MERIDIAN -- A Meridian man is doing something quite remarkable.
For more than 30 years now he has been making things out of wood -- but he has been doing it without a crucial tool.
It's not a saw, hammer or chisel that he's missing, but instead -- his eyesight.
And you might just be able to argue Jerry Gibson isn't missing it at all.
Gibson lost his sight in a construction accident about 35 years ago.
Soon after that, Jerry began teaching himself how to operate all these tools.
"You know I just think that people need to know that blind people can do stuff, and any disabled person can do whatever." Jerry Gibson said.
Jerry creates unique, hand made furniture, like this bench that pays homage to his favorite team -- the Boise State Broncos.
"They'll take and put one in the bookstore. Two of them will be autographed, and then one of them will be auctioned off for the college. And another one I want to send to President Obama."
Jerry told KTVB he started doing woodwork as a way to cope with losing his eyesight.
It started as a hobby -- but it has now become his way of making a living.
"He's a good cook too, he doesn't just build furniture, he's a great cook" Jerry's Friend Sharlynn said.
Jerry's friend Sharlynn has watched him build furniture for years. She says Jerry is the smartest and most talented carpenter she knows, "And he still has all of his fingers and such, and he's just smart and he makes wonderful things."
Jerry might not be able to see -- but his vision is clear.
"Eventually I'd like to be a philanthrapist. But what I'd like to do is encourage other people with disabilities to show them what you can do if you're willing to put out the effort."
Jerry hopes to one day get a nonprofit organization going which helps other people with disabilities tap into their talents.
