MANOA — Brian Kajiyama may be unable to talk, but he is a man of many words.

Kajiyama, who developed cerebral palsy at birth, is one of the brains behind the brawn on the University of Hawai'i Warriors football team. He's a member of the team that analyzes countless hours of video footage of opponents to prepare the Warriors.

"I've always loved football and always thought I'd be just a fan. Now I'm a grad assistant for the football team," said Kajiyama, 31, through his DynaWrite, a computer that speaks what he types. "I've never thought it would be possible.

He became a paid graduate assistant in August after volunteering hundreds of hours for the team.

Kajiyama also serves on the state's Disability and Communication Access Board, and he is the former co-executive director of Pathways, an electronic forum for the National Institute on Multicultural Competence. Two weeks ago, he flew to Los Angeles to accept the Jacqueline Brand Leadership in Assistive Technology Award.

"Brian is an inspiration to all those who watch UH football and saw him living his dream," said Rep. Gene Ward, R-17th (Kalama Valley, Queen's Gate, Hawai'i Kai). "He couldn't physically play, but he could be a part of what he loved. He's an inspiration to the community and a lesson to go for what's your passion."

Kajiyama said he is motivated more than ever to volunteer and get out in the community so others can see that they can also achieve their dreams.

"The way I see my part in all this is I'm helping to promote awareness for persons with disabilities and hopefully change the perception of cannot into one of can-do," he said.

"I feel everyone has a responsibility to give back to their community."