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Thanks, Wright State University!
Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, at the annual QUEST for Community Conference. On Thursday night, I arrived in time to hear the tail end of a keynote address from Mike Farrell. Most know him from the TV series M*A*S*H. Fewer know of his work as an activist and humanitarian. After his keynote, I was invited to a private dinner hosted by Wright State University President, Dr. Kim Goldenberg.
On Friday morning, for the keynote presentation, filmmaker Joanne Caputo introduced her Audience Award-winning PBS documentary, "On A Roll: Family Disability and the American Dream" to the crowd of more than 300 attendees. Immediately after the film, I rolled onto the stage to a rousing one-minute standing ovation before I even said a word! Joanne's film, which tells a part of my life story, always touches the hearts of those who view it, and the energy in the room after this public screening was incredible. That set the stage for an audience that was very receptive and captivated by my keynote address. The combination of film screening and keynote is a powerful, inspiring program for any conference or event.
I want to thank Jeff Vernooy at the Office of Disability Services at Wright State and his entire staff for their wonderful hospitality. It was great to meet so many students with and without disabilities, and particularly rewarding to learn that many of them have read my book. And it is always a pleasure to visit the Dayton area and reunite with friends and loved ones in my former hometown. What a great week!
This Week's Show
When his grandson was born, Dr. Dan Gottlieb began to write a series of heartfelt letters that he hoped Sam would read later in life. He planned to cover all the important topics -- dealing with your parents, handling bullies, falling in love, coping with death -- and what motivated him was the fear that he might not live long enough to see Sam reach adulthood. You see, Daniel Gottlieb is a quadriplegic -- the result of a near-fatal automobile accident that occurred two decades ago -- and he knows enough not to take anything for granted.
Then, when Sam was only 14 months old, he was diagnosed with a form of autism, and suddenly everything changed. Now the grandfather and grandson were bound by something more: a disability -- and Daniel Gottlieb's special understanding of what that means became invaluable. His book, "Letters to Sam," is a lovingly-written, emotionally-gripping book that offers unique -- and universal -- insights into what it means to be human. Tune in for a deep conversation.
Greg Smith Speaks!
Whether the subject is personal development through building inner strength, disability lifestyle and awareness, or men's issues, Greg Smith is a great option for your next conference or meeting. Call him today at 877-331-7563.
The Extra Point!
As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world -- that is the myth of the atomic age -- as in being able to remake ourselves.
-- Mahatma Gandhi
Greg's work is supported by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. Does your state's DD Council support disability media initiatives? Why not? To find out how, call 1-877-331-7563.
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