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Chris Burke - Everybody wants to grow up thinking that they can do anything that they want to in life. In some cases, they are successful, but it takes shear determination and the desire of caring parents to let a child strive for the top. That sounds fine to most, but when the child has Down's Syndrome, the trail looks even more challenging. Not so for Chris Burke.

Patty Duke is an Academy Award winner, Past President of the Screen Actors Guild, best selling author, and has been delighting and challenging audiences for more than 40 years in the movies, on stage and on television. Her first major role came as she portrayed Helen Keller in the Broadway version of “The Miracle Worker.” After a two-year run she was selected to star in the movie version of the same show. Her Oscar winning performance launched her career as one of America’s finest young talents.

Robert David Hall is seen weekly on the hit CBS series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” Now in his fifth year as Coroner, Dr. Al Robbins, Robert has combined his long-running Hollywood presence with a gifted ability to advocate for those with a disability. Robert has been appointed the National Chair for Disability Affairs for both the Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA, serves on the Board of Directors of the National Organization on Disabilities and has won numerous awards that have recognized him for his continuous contributions.

Geri Jewell was best known to millions as “Cousin Geri” from the ground-breaking NBC sitcom, “The Facts of Life” but her continuous visibility in Hollywood has landed her roles on the HBO hit series “Deadwood,” “Young and the Restless” and the Living Channel’s “Strong Medicine.” She continues to be one of the most requested speakers on diversity and disability and has entertained audiences throughout the country.

Montel Williams can be seen daily on hundreds of television stations during his syndicated “The Montel Show.” Like many in the field of entertainment he was forced to keep his Multiple Schlerosis private. After many years since diagnosis he is now speaking out. Montel is a compassionate and powerful speaker. His recognition as a strong military leader and active participate in the entertainment industry gives him an educational and entertaining foundation in which to build a powerful presentation.

Louise Ashby is a young woman from Great Britain who ventured to the United States to become the next supermodel and actress. No more than three weeks had passed before that all came to a screeching halt -- her beautiful face had been almost completely destroyed. Having survived 18 reconstructive surgeries, a brain injury, the loss of sight in one eye and 252 bolts, screws and metal plates in her head, she has again resumed her career path. Her book, “The Magic of the Mask” details her recovery. Her on-going television appearances just goes to prove that we can reach our goals, just that sometimes there may be a delay in getting there.

Roger Crawford is one of the pioneers of speakers with a disability. Born with four deformed limbs, he was given little encouragement by doctors that he would enjoy a “normal” life. Roger brings to the podium his story of positive attitude, determination and success. Inducted into three halls of fame for his championship tennis and speaking accomplishments, he continues to amaze audiences with his programs on attitude, self-limiting thinking, and achieving success. His story has also been featured on “CNBC,” “Good Morning America,” “Inside Edition” among many other television broadcasts.

Kevin Frankeberger - What happens if you made your lemonade out of the lemons given, but years later the pitcher breaks? If you are like Kevin Frankeberger, you pick up the pitcher and refabricate it with a new batch of juice! Many have made the verbial "lemonade out of lemons" but to do it twice in one lifetime is a different kind of feat.

Terry Healey is a cancer survivor who endured over thirty surgical procedures in an effort to reconstruct his face, which was disfigured by a fibrosarcoma when he was only a junior at UC Berkeley. Through a long and arduous process, Terry realized that the scars on the inside had become far more disfiguring than the scars on the outside ever were. Today, at the age of 40, nineteen years after becoming disfigured, Terry is a professional speaker, author, businessman, board member of The Wellness Community, and honorary board member of The Cancer League, Inc.

Michael Hingson’s life changed dramatically on September 11th, as was the case with many Americans. He and his Guide Dog “Roselle” were the lucky ones, however, in that they escaped the World Trade Center attack. As a WTC survivor and as a Guide Dog user, he was thrust into the international limelight. Michael and “Roselle” have since become well-known as representatives of the strength of the human/animal bond, and have been successful in communicating the power of that bond in many media interviews and public presentations. Michael has traveled with a Guide Dog for 38 years and embodies the lifelong partnerships created by Guide Dogs for the Blind and those they serve.

John Kemp is widely respected for his many achievements, both in the corporate and non-profit worlds. As a person born without arms and legs, John inspires others to achieve the impossible through knowledge, experience, vision, personality, and persistence. Mr. Kemp graduated from Georgetown University in 1971 and from Washburn University School of Law in 1974. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Washburn University School of Law in May, 2003.

Zoe Koplowitz is the author of the award-winning book, “The Winning Spirit-Life’s Lessons Learned in Last Place” and holder of three world records -- all for the longest time taken to complete a marathon. Diagnosed 25 years ago with MS, Zoe has now completed 20 New York City Marathons. Frequently interviewed by Katie Couric, Zoe has been selected as 'Five Great Women Who Make America Run' and the first non-celebrity to be featured on the 'Milk on the Lips' campaign.

Nelson Lauver was determined to overcome illiteracy forced upon him by Dyslexia and an educational system that chose to label him “unteachable.” Nelson had dreams for his booming radio voice but the inability to read and write was stopping him from meeting his goals. At 29 years old he sought help through an occupational rehabilitation program. Through professional and exhaustive evaluations, it was determined that as a means of compensating for his reading and writing disability, he had unknowingly fine-honed his listening and speaking skills to extraordinary levels. The little boy who teachers had given up on is actually quite brilliant.

Glenn McIntyre was a college graduate, married, and a newly sworn-in police officer, at 23 years old. He had everything including a beautiful motorcycle on which he had toured the continental United States and Alaska. Then the unthinkable happened: a drunk driver smashed Glenn’s life, instantly disintegrating his body. Through years of rehabilitation and positive thinking, he has become a survivor and his presentation “Live Your Dream” inspires others to meet their goals.

Peggy O'Neill is a dynamic professional speaker, author, coach and advocate for positive living who just happens to be a little person, standing 3’-8” tall. A certified psychotherapist, Peggy’s keen insights, passion for evolving human life and uncanny ability to connect with and elevate students have made her a popular presenter throughout the United States.

Juliette Rizzo was the 2005 Miss Wheelchair America, and she continues to tour the country as one of the forerunners for women's health and disability advocacy. With a strong background in communications and public relations, she is an outstanding speaker on disability issues. Although currently working in the DC area, Juliette was recognized as “The Best of Texas” and was a Texas Associate of Texas Mayor's and County Commissioners. She has been recognized nationally for her writings and speaking.

Debra Ruh is an award-winning leader in electronic and information technology (E&IT) accessibility, and is world-renowned for assisting both public and private entities understand ADA, Section 508, Section 225, and other Accessibility Legislation. Her trend setting company, TecAccess, hires employees with disabilities from around the world to help others meet their immediate, and long-term, IT/Web accessibility goals.

Rachel Simon completed her fourth book in 2002. What was to follow is what every author dreams about, a bestseller. Studio executives were knocking on her door to adapt her book into a television production. Ms. Simon is the author of the recently released Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, “Riding the Bus With My Sister: A True Life Journey,” starring Rosie O’Donnell as her sister Beth and Andie McDowell portraying her. Anjelica Huston is the producer.

Randy Snow was 16 years old while working on a farm when a one-thousand pound bale of hay crashed down on him, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Narrowly escaping death, the result was a broken back, paralysis and the end of walking forever. There were many trials ahead and more lessons to be learned as the simplest tasks took on monumental proportions. But coming to the realization that it was more painful to stay the same than it was to change, Randy began to accept his new life.

Al Swain rapidly lost his sight as a youngster. He was soon after diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at a young age and lost his mobility. To most, the loss of mobility and eyesight would be enough to give up. For Al, it was the incentive to create and build upon what was given to him. In turn, he has given back far more than he has taken. His resume reads like a "Who’s Who" having championed for the Independent Living Center Movement, a member of the Michigan Governor’s Commission on Disability, a frequent Youth Leadership Forum presenter and an active speaker on numerous disability and multi-cultural topics.

Mark Wellman - A 100 foot fall and a subsequent spinal cord injury would have side-lined most, but for Mark, who has always had an adventuresome sprit and been an “extreme” athlete, his permanent injury was more of a starting point rather than a finish line. He has since become the first person to scale the 3,000 foot face of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, using just his arms. He is also the first person to sit-ski across the 50 mile long Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

Gail Williamson coordinated the Talent Development and Industry Relations Division of the Media Access Office (M.A.O) and is currently an administrator with a Los Angeles-based organization for people with developmental disabilities (M.A.O. is a non-profit disability resource to the entertainment industry under the direction of the Governor of California’s Committee for the Employment of Disabled Persons). Her work is heralded throughout the disabilities community and applauded by individuals, television and feature film producers.

Michael Aronin knows two things: he’s got a killer sense of humor and he has cerebral palsy. But Michael growing up never let his disability get him down - in fact it hardly even phased him. While an undergraduate at Towson State University he was elected President of the Student Government Association and has gone on to be one of the hardest working comics in the country.

Kathy Buckley - Riveting. Truthful. Challenging. Just some for the words that describe Kathy Buckley, otherwise known as “America’s First Hearing-Impaired Comedienne.” Kathy Buckley is more than a popular comic. Her humor has a higher purpose. As quoted on the PBS television production, “Look Who’s Laughing,” “My comedy disarms people. I truly believe that the only disability out there is attitude. I love to make people laugh, but I love it even more if I can teach them something at the same time.”

Fred Burns - When Fred comes on stage with his psychedelic painted crutches, you know that you will be in for a real comedy trip. His “off-the-wall” look at disabilities and today’s world in general has kept audiences laughing for almost fifteen years. Born with Spina Bifida, Fred knows physical difficulties, but in response to the most asked question, he’s quick to reply, “I don’t know what it would be like to be able-bodied, I have been this way all of my life. To me, this is normal.”

Jeff Charlebois, born and raised on the east coast, was the perfect example of an all around guy - high school star quarterback, tennis, basketball and golf player, and All American diver on his swim team. It wasn't until the beginning part of his junior year that he was involved in an automobile accident causing a broken neck and spinal cord injury. Hospitalization and rehabilitation consumed every day of the next six months. Jeff returned to school and was graduated before taking on college as a wheelchair user. After his first two years of study he was accepted and transferred to Wright State University where he enrolled in a new bio/engineering program dealing with spinal cord research. The program was highly acclaimed and was featured on a segment of “60 Minutes.” While participating in this promising study for SCI patients, he continued his studies that lead to a B.A. degree in psychology and business, two subjects that certainly fueled the mind of this aspiring comedy writer with plenty of material.

Tanya Lee Davis has developed the reputation as one of the funniest women on the comedy circuit. In addition to her national reputation here in the states, Tanya is extremely well-known throughout Great Britain where she tours several times a year. Tanya’s program is lively and can have a real cutting edge.

Chris Fonseca - To be a first in Hollywood is not an easy task, but comedian Chris Fonseca has earned that title. He is the first (and only) person with a visible disability to entertain on "The Late Night Show with David Letterman" something that had not been done in the show’s 18 year history. Chris allows his Cerebral Palsy to be the foundation of many of his stories. He notes that this helps to break down many preconceived barriers about CP. For fifteen years now he has had collegiate, corporate and association audiences rolling with him in the aisles.

Tyler Fortin is a resident of the Vancouver, British Columbia area, and he has rapidly gained a national following. In 2001 he was rewarded for his comedy as the recipient of the Media Access-Norman Brooks Comedy Award. The award is annually presented to an outstanding comedian from within the disability community. Several previous winners include Chris Fonseca, Geri Jewell, Kathy Buckley, Fred Burns, and Kenny Johnson.

Kenny Johnson contracted measles at the age of two that resulted in the gradual loss of sight. It was just about the time his father was ready to teach him to drive that he realized that his sight had diminished to just light and dark images--and he wonders why he never got his license.

Brett Leake is one of the pioneer comedians with a disability. A veteran of eight appearances on “The Tonight Show,” Brett is one of the most requested comedians. Brett is an extremely funny comedian and bills himself as “the squeaky clean comic.” Reflecting on how he sees the world, Brett’s humor has entertained corporate, collegiate and non-profit audiences throughout the country.

Michael Lee - By combining past experiences with his humorous point of view, Michael Lee shares his story and many valuable lessons learned as a result of a burn accident that at the age of 13 left him totally blind. As a seasoned comedian and corporate speaker, Michael shares his experiences on “Achieving Your Dream,” Leadership from a Canine Perspective, and Understanding from within.

Richard Pimentel is a nationally renowned expert on Disability Management, Job Recruitment, Job Retention, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Attitude Change. He is not only technically proficient, he is also an exceptional communicator whose audiences praise his ability to combine information, humor, metaphor, analogy and storytelling into an informative whole that does not just present the information, but really communicates it in a memorable fashion.

Alex Valdez brings twenty-five years of speaking and entertaining experience to his audiences. Alex is a real pioneer having been the first comedian with a disability to gain national recognition. Winner of the first Norman Lear Comedy Competition, presenter of over 2,500 comedy shows and keynote speaker to over 250 organizations, he has won the hearts and admiration of his audiences of all ages.

Greg Walloch brings a new dimension as a comedian, keynote presenter, author and actor. He was voted one of New York Resident's Top 100 New Yorkers. Some folks also on the list: Edward Albee, Woody Allen, Norah Jones, Susan Sarandon and Jon Stewart. Recent articles about his performances have appeared in Unzipped, A&U and OUT magazines. Here are what several have said about him:

“...Boyishly mischievous performer...utterly endearing. Brave, welcoming and playfully conspiratorial, but tinged with an undercurrent of danger...Especially funny...Simultaneously tough and disarmingly sweet..” - Stephen Holden, The New York Times

Nancy Becker-Kennedy, injured in a diving accident at 20, suffered a broken neck with spinal cord injuries resulting. With the assistance of her electric chair, she returned to college to complete both a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Communications. She went on to become a news producer for public television, a published playwright, award winning writer and composer, as well as an actress appearing regularly for 2 1/2 years on daytime’s General Hospital. She even became the first primetime player who is quadriplegic appearing on the ABC series, The Louie Anderson Show.

Mark Goffeney is a native San Diegan whose talent and ambition have helped him to achieve ongoing success as a professional guitarist, speaker and television personality. Mark has been recognized for his work internationally and was nominated for an Emmy award in 1998 for his principal role in the Fox Network commercial, “Feet”.

Afi-Tiombe Kambon defines her profession as an actor and oral historian of African-American history. Her one-person readings and plays present a program of great impact. “I want the audience to be entertained, enlightened as well as educated by my performance.” Afi-Tiombe has studied African-American history for over twenty years. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Black Studies from Hayward University and is pursuing a Masters Degree in Theatre Arts and History.

Gloria Lenoff has Williams Syndrome, a developmental disability that is much less recognized than the other chromosome deficient disability, Down syndrome. She also shares a common thread with many who have WS, she is a musical savant. Despite her inability to either read or write music, Gloria can sing in 26 languages and has a repertoire of about 2,700 songs. She can also accompany herself on the accordion.

Lynn Manning, born in Fresno, raised in Los Angeles, is an award-winning playwright, poet, actor and former World Champion Judo player. He accomplished this after being shot and blinded in 1978. He has appeared on TV shows such as Popular, Sienfeld, The Sinbad Show, and Dream On. He has been featured in commercials for Nike Shoes, Hewlet Packard, Sweppes, Bank Of America and Sprint Long Distance. Lynn wrote and stars in the independent short film, “Shoot!,” which world premiered on HBO/Cinemax this past August.

Light Motion is a two-woman integrated dance company that is in a league of their own. They simply stand alone as one of the finest and most exciting dance duets. Established in 1988, principle dancers, Charlene Curtiss and JoAnne Petroff join together to form an internationally acclaimed dance team which is refreshingly creative, exciting and physically demanding.

Dat Nguyen is an award-winning guitarist, songwriter and composer. As a recent music major at the California State University at Fullerton, he has already been featured at The Orange County Performing Arts Center, the San Francisco Conservatory, the University of Southern California and Rice University.

David Roche inspires, entertains, and teaches with remarkable warmth, humor and dignity. He has transformed the lessons of a lifelong facial disfigurement into a compelling message that leaves audiences prepared to face their own challenges and to better understand the differences in others. The story of David’s heroic journey from shame to strength has been an inspiration from appearances at the White House to corporations to academic facilities throughout the country.

James Sterrett-Bryant was recently awarded two Gold Medals in the Operatic and Broadway Division of the Disabled American Veterans National Creative Arts Festival Competition. James’ performances were highlighted at the National Awards Ceremony and concert held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was also featured at the 2004 National Conference of the American Legion Auxiliary in Washington, DC.