Michael was one of the first disabled students fully mainstreamed into

the British Columbia public education system in 1968. Besides learning

the academic curriculum, he faced other more daunting challenges that needed consideration.

 

These challenges included how he'd hold a pencil to print, being included in the school's social fabric when he had trouble talking, being given the same equal opportunities to participate physically in extra-curricular activities, and having other students see past his physical differences to involve him as a friend.​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​

As a man who lives with Cerebral Palsy, he has been labelled as disabled

by society and spoken in approximately 4,400 schools. ​​​​​​He fully understands

the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public school system

for all students, not just those with special needs.

​​​​​​

Using his first-hand public and post-secondary school life experiences and academic knowledge, he will share his advice and insight on why all

students must create social inclusion for everyone, including themselves. He

will present strategies for creating and fostering a school environment

that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students and faculty.  

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Michael's conference and pro-d-day keynote presentations are designed to be captivating, thought-provoking, and perspective-changing for

administrators, principals, teachers, special needs teachers, teacher's assistants, and P.A.C. members.