Hi there and thanks for stopping by Kev Talks!
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kevin Sullivan, but feel free to call me Kev. I’m just an average guy, or at least I try to be as much as possible.
I should probably explain what got me into motivational speaking. I was born with a condition known as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, or AMC for short. My condition causes abnormal fibrosis of my muscle tissue which results in general weakness and limited range of motion in both my arms and legs. While my condition is both permanent and irreversible, AMC is neither a degenerative nor genetic condition. My life expectancy also will not be affected.
I was born in the early 1990s, less than a year after the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. My right to participate in everyday life alongside my able-bodied peers was codified into law at just the right time. As a part of the first generation of Americans living with disabilities having these rights guaranteed from birth, I experienced both the successes and the shortcomings of this legislation.
Due to this landmark legislation, I was able to participate in school and later the workforce alongside my peers. Public rights of way and buildings were required to be made accessible to all. While we have made great strides since the stroke of the pen on July 26, 1990, many cities have lagged behind in upgrading their legacy public transit systems to full ADA compliance. Accessible housing can often be difficult to find and, in many cases, cost prohibitive due to accessible features often being sold at a premium.
My reason for wanting to come into your organization to share my experiences is simple; I firmly believe a more empathetic and understanding society will greatly benefit the millions of people living around the world with disabilities. My hope is that the audience will leave with a greater knowledge of issues facing the disabled community, while also learning about the amazing strides that have been made.
So much has been accomplished in just my lifetime, through medical and technological advancements, that I hope my experiences will help make a day where, as former President George H. W. Bush said upon signing the ADA, “the shameful wall of exclusion [will] finally come tumbling down.”
Inquire today about booking a speaking engagement. Whether you’re looking to create a more empathetic workplace, or build a more inclusive culture, I’m looking forward to coming into your organization to discuss how to create a more understanding world.