I'd like to ask for suggestions on hiring a speaker to deliver a

[Bunny]

keynote address of sorts on disabilities, specifically mental retardation/developmental disabilities.

Some specifics - my agency is celebrating a milestone year this year, and we're having a special event in October as part of the festivities. We'd like to get a speaker with national name recognition and a connection to disabilities. The speaker can be from any field, be it politics, acting, punditry, etc. but they need to have some tie-in to disabilities. Perhaps they've sponsored legislation affecting disabled individuals, perhaps they have a relative with mental retardation, etc.

Can you help me think of someone who we could approach about this? One caveat: my agency is located in a heavily Red county, so getting someone from the Kennedy/Shriver clan (they invented Special Olympics and they would be my first choice) probably wouldn't attract much of a turnout.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Richardo]

1. Except for that last part, I would have suggested Michael J Fox.

Hm. have to think on that.

As to the Shrivers, at least Maria did marry Ahnult, so that may not be too bad for your red county.

On edit: I see that Scott HAmilton, Nadia Comaneci and Vanessa Williams are also on the Board for Special Olympics.

[Bunny]

4. Michael J. Fox would be a good idea, but I agree that in my county

he may not go over so well. I suggested Maria because she is married to Arnold - it's a possibility. Thanks Richardo!

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. Doctor Frist.

He's a long-distance expert. Currently available.

Rickie Santorum
He's a another expert on diasabilities, but in a much more personal way. Currently available.

[Bunny]

5. I thought of those two as well, believe it or not. I think Santorum

actually sponsored legislation on autism, and believe me, the people around here would love it. He's a native son, so to speak. Thanks!

[DakotaDemocrat]

3. There are quite a few...

I know Al Roker has emceed a benefit for people with disabilties.
Clay Aiken work with people before American Idol.
I think The Rock did some benefit stuff.
Albert Pujols has adopted his wife's daughter, who has a disability.
Of course, Maria Shriver comes to mind.
Other sports who are parents of people. Boomer, Doug Flutie and Jim Kelly.
That's all I can think of.

[Bunny]

6. Thank you! That's a great list - I'll have to add Dan Marino too.

I think he has a son with autism and he's a local boy as well. Thanks for your help!

[Richardo]

7. Marino's a good call. Pittsburgh native, plus:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Marino :thumbsup:

Dan Marino Foundation
The Dan Marino Foundation, was established in 1992 by Marino and his wife, Claire, after their son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism.<18> The foundation has distributed over $7 million to research, services and treatment programs serving children with neurodevelopment disabilities. The Dan Marino Center, which opened in 1995 along with the Miami Children's Hospital, is an integrated neurodevelopmental center specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of children at risk for developmental and psychological problems. The center saw more than 48,000 children last year alone.

[Bunny]

8. Thanks Rich! He may be our best bet, actually, if we can afford him.

I'm not involved in the budget side of the festivities, so I can't say how much money we have available for a speaker.

[Traveling_Home]

9. Here's a thought

I would suggest you contact "The ARC". They have Chapters througout the US and usually have a access to speakers. Also ask them about "People First" a self-advocacy organization with a speakers bureau.

http://www.thearc.org/

Try not to get a non-disabled person to talk about us disabled folk. Or not to use a person in a wheelchair to talk about living with blindness. It'd be like a white person giving a talk about the black experience in America. It's just wrong.

Good Luck