Born with no arms as a result of the drug Thalidomide, Alvin was adopted by a family who taught him that he could be whatever he wanted to be, and that anything was possible with hard work and a proper attitude. Using his feet for hands, Alvin found a sense of freedom. Alvin learned to perform routine activities including eating, dressing, playing sports, and becoming a musician. He also learned to play the drums, piano, and trombone. Alvin is a trained broadcaster, fundraiser, motivational speaker, award-winning musician, and bestselling author of the book, Alvin's Laws of Life: 5 Steps to Successfully Overcome Anything.

Alvin has shared his story and his mission to spark a worldwide “Attitude Revolution” since 1981. Alvin uses his story to challenge and inspire people to rewrite the negative stories they tell themselves about themselves. Over 7,500 corporations, organizations and groups on five continents have used Alvin to ignite, engage, and transform their groups. He has earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), an honour possessed by less than ten percent of professional speakers worldwide. In 2009, Alvin was inducted into the Canadian Association of Speakers (CAPS) Hall of Fame.

Prior to his career as a professional speaker, Alvin worked for non-profit groups, in advertising and public relations, the civil service, and has even run for public office. He has appeared on countless telethons and media features, and has been the subject of two award-winning television documentaries. In addition, Alvin has played a direct role in raising over $175,000,000 for charity.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Alvin talks about his failures and triumphs throughout his life. He also discusses in detail his 5 Steps to Successfully Overcome Anything;  which Alvin believes are the secrets to meeting and conquering life's many challenges. Alvin proves that life may not be easy, but with the proper “road map” everyone with or without a difference can be victorious. “We all have obstacles in life. It is ultimately our attitude that determines whether they block our path to success, or strengthen us on our journey,” Alvin states. 

Best known for his portrayal of Walter “Flynn” White Jr. for five riveting seasons of American Multinational Channel (AMC) Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning dramatic thriller, Breaking Bad, RJ Mitte is an actor, advocate, and philanthropist. RJ carved out his niche in Hollywood by breaking down stereotypes and changing people’s mindsets with his easy-going demeanor and positive outlook on life. As Walt Jr., RJ acted as the Cerebral Palsy-afflicted son of Walter (Bryan Cranston) and Skyler (Anna Gunn). As Walter continued his descent into drug manufacturing and trade, Walt Jr. finds himself torn between his father’s deceit, his mother’s protectiveness, and his own developing sense of independence. Walter Jr.’s Cerebral Palsy on the show was embellished; meaning RJ had to learn how to walk on crutches and slur his speech to create a more dramatic version of his own disability.

At the young age of three, Louisiana native RJ was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, though that has never deterred his drive to succeed in television and film. After moving to Los Angeles due to his sister’s chance encounter with a casting director, Mitte landed roles in various shows such as, Showtimes’, Weeds; National Broadcasting Company’s, Vegas; the CW Network, Everybody Hates Chris; and, co-starred on ABC Family’s primetime hit show, Switched at Birth. He then was casted in his life-changing role on Breaking Bad.

Concluding Breaking Bad, RJ reemerged on the big screen in Dixieland, in his first leading role that did not highlight his difference. Following this he starred opposite Wesley Snipes in “The Recall” and was also seen in Tiempo Compartido. In 2018, he starred alongside John Cusack and George Lopez in River Runs Red. Never one to shy away from an opportunity to take his talents to new avenues, RJ was thrust into the global spotlight as the celebrity face and model of GAP International’s Lived in Spring campaign. He also made his way to the catwalk, modeling in Men’s Fashion Week in Milan, Berlin, and New York City for designers Vivienne Westwood, soPopular, and Ovadia & Sons.

Throughout the years, RJ has been an inspiration to others with cerebral palsy in hopes of removing the stigma associated with disabilities. To bring awareness to his own issues with bullying and prejudice, RJ has engaged in public speaking and serves as the official Ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Hospitals for Children and partners with Shriners to spearhead their #CutTheBull campaign to advocate on anti-bullying for children with differences. RJ is also involved with the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), as a member of the union’s IAPWD (Performers with Disabilities Committee).

Interviewed by our Founder and President, Alexandra Nicholas, RJ discusses his life with cerebral palsy, his acting career, how his diagnosis and his career can overlap one another, and how he became an” overnight fashion sensation,” according to Dazed and Confused Magazine. Rj also shares his thoughts about actors without a difference being cast into roles that are scripted as a character with a difference and his celebrity ambassadorship for United Cerebral Palsy International Nonprofit Organization. Through RJ’s celebrity advocate status, he has proven that having a difference is more than just okay and should be celebrated, “So many people try to hide their disability. They try to lock it away because they think disability is not sexy, disability is not flattering, but that is not the case. Even though you have a disability, that does not make you disabled [in other ways]. It gives you insight. It gives you knowledge. It gives you something that someone without that will never learn.”

Dave Steele is an award-winning poet, author, public speaker, singer, and advocate for the blind. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in 2014, this genetic eye condition left Dave “severely sight impaired.” Together with his wife, Amy, the family grappled with the difficult diagnosis as RP quickly left Dave an unemployed father of four. Feeling the stressors of financial debt and the loss of his independence, Dave turned to social media for support with his RP journey. He was also struck by the numerous misconceptions and stories of injustice being experienced by so many blind/visually impaired people all over the world. When a member in one of these online groups learned of Dave’s singing background, they invited him to perform at a meeting for those living with RP and Usher Syndrome. The experience inspired Steel’s idea for his “Stand By Me RP” song. Using the classic song by Ben E. King, Dave altered the lyrics to relate to how he felt losing his own sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa. In December 2014, Dave sought permission from the band Elbow, to alter the lyrics of their song “One Day Like This.” With the band’s blessing, Dave performed his version of the song at Joanne Milne’s “Breaking the Silence” book launch.

Dave created his own “Stand By Me RP” Facebook page in 2015. Since it’s conception, the page has become one of the largest social media RP groups in the world. As his eyesight continued to decline, the words did not stop flowing. Dave began writing two to three poems per day about his struggles and experiences. Part creative genius, part therapy, Dave’s writing became a catalyst for helping others and himself through RP. Dave’s first book, Stand By Me RP Volume I, was released in February 2016. That same day, he received the call that he had been matched with a guide dog. During its first week, Stand By Me RP Volume I, went on to become the #1 poetic release in both America and Australia.

 In March of 2016, Dave left his family for 10 days to be trained with his guide dog, Christopher, a yellow Labrador retriever. He released his second book, Stand By Me RP Volume II, in February 2017. It became the #1 poetry release in Europe within its first day. In February 2018, Dave’s third book, Stand By Me RP Volume III was released, completing his trilogy. Dave has been featured in a short film by Cambridge university called Blindsighted. He has also appeared on a special called the Blind Poet for RNIB radio, BBC TV, ITV and That’s Manchester TV news.

His advocacy work continues to be recognized both locally and internationally. In 2018 Dave was honored by Henshaws with the “Impact Award” and was the recipient of the Pride of Bury “Community Hero Award.” He currently serves as a local ambassador for Henshaws and as a global Ambassador for the American company, Two Blind Brothers.

In November 2019, Dave landed in the USA to kick off his first American Book Tour sponsored by Low Vision Specialists of Maryland & Virginia and The Low Vision Shop. The three week tour included a wide variety of speaking engagements (keynote speeches, book readings/signings, meetings, and more) and visited major cities throughout the Northeast. Dave’s presence uplifted the crowd throughout every step of the journey. Some of the book tour visits included  the New York Public Library, Rhode Island College, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), National Federation of The Blind Maryland Conference, Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services Conference, The Sight-Loss Support Group of Greater Baltimore, VisionCorps, and much more. 

Interviewed by our Founder and President, Alexandra Nicholas, Dave Steele discusses his diagnosis with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP),  his self-authored collection of  700 poems and songs dealing with the fears and struggles associated with sight loss, a bit about his guide dog, Christopher and how they became partners in navigating Dave’s world. Through his works, Dave hopes to erase many of the misconceptions associated with blindness.  Dave’s mission is an inspiration to all those with a difference; he states that his work “helps those who are being isolated by a condition that strips us of our independence, lets them know that they aren’t alone, and helps educate loved ones on how we feel.”

Dr. Gregory Snyder majored in Molecular Biology with certificate programs in Neuroscience and Spanish at Princeton University. In June 2013, Greg suffered a traumatic fall while hiking with his dog, which resulted in broken vertebrae and a spinal cord injury. After two spinal fusion surgeries and a lengthy Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, Greg got stronger each day and learned how to adjust to a life as a T9 paraplegic – to become independent again. The experience of immediately becoming a patient with a chronic health condition enlightened Greg as to the real difficulties and inefficiencies of our healthcare system. After rehabilitating for one year, Greg finished medical school at Jefferson Medical College. 

Currently, Greg  is an Attending Physician of General Internal Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, which is part of the Mass General Brigham Health System. He is also an affiliate faculty member at Ariadne Labs, an entity that studies the implementation of best practices for healthcare delivery and works for innovative startups that are attempting to improve the quality and access to health care, including through telehealth.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Greg shares his story and the lessons he has learned as a paraplegic doctor. He discusses how as a patient, along with his perspective as a doctor, he was able to gain an understanding of the requirements one must need to receive quality care. Greg is a strong advocate for doctors to see differences in today’s medical field. He states, “We could find value in the subtle difference between being a patient learning from a doctor and being a doctor learning as a patient. This will make for good, patient doctors.”

Daniel’s Music Foundation was founded by the Trush family in 2006 to empower individuals with developmental and physical disabilities by combining music programs with community and socialization. We believe in inclusion, diversity, and the right of all individuals to creatively express their best selves.  

Music in various forms played a critical role in every phase of Daniel’s recovery. From the songs that kept him connected to reality during his coma, to the keyboard playing that helped him regain his motor skills; and even the music history class he took that ultimately inspired him to help others. Most importantly, it was music that maintained his connection to the people around him – and to the very essence of life. 

Interviewed by our Founder and President, Alexandra Nicholas, Daniel and Ken Trush share about Daniel’s difference and how he recovered against the odds with the healing power of music. Daniel and Ken additionally discuss the mission of Daniel’s Music Foundation, their online episode series Smile-O-Meter Friday, and next steps for Daniel's Music Foundation, which recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. The interview also highlights the Trush family's strong advocacy for disability awareness.

You can find out more about Daniel's Music Foundation and Daniel’s journey by  visiting: Daniel's Music Foundation (danielsmusic.org).

Daniel Trush: President and Co-Founder for Daniel’s Music Foundation

Daniel is the President and Co-Founder of and inspiration for Daniel’s Music Foundation and along with his family, is actively involved in all aspects of the organization. Surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm at the age of 12, he is a talented songwriter and performer and is the man responsible for naming DMF’s key performance indicator, the “Smile-O-Meter,” which focuses on the changes in attitudes and outlook reported by DMF participants—a measure the organization takes very seriously. Most importantly, Daniel is the life force that drives DMF and he serves as the ambassador for the mission. He is a living example of acceptance, kindness, and joy.

Ken Trush: Co-Founder/Chair of Board of Directors for Daniel’s Music Foundation

Ken Trush is a non-practicing CPA and is a partner at Spring Advisors, an M&A advisory firm that works with marketing agencies, design & development firms, and consultancies. Prior to Spring, Ken was a founding shareholder, CFO and EVP of Corporate Development at Agency.com, a digital agency that grew to 1,700 employees in 14 locations in 6 years (1995-2000). 

Ken is also a Co-Founder of Daniel’s Music Foundation (DMF) and serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors. Ken works closely with his son Daniel, the DMF management team, and staff (20 total employees; 6 full-time), in the development of the music programs and in the marketing, development, and operational areas of the foundation. He developed the concept of "The Danny Awards" during the summer of 2019, an annual celebration of musical talent from around the world and is the driving force behind their Virtual Community.

Kendall Renee is a singer, songwriter, recording artist, and Lola’s dog mom from Southern California. Her music is her greatest passion, but Kendall’s music is all about the message. She strives to write songs that resonate with her listeners. Kendall strives to make others feel understood and less alone with her songs, as she felt these emotions in regards to her food allergies. Kendall is anaphylactic to 95% of all foods and must use a feeding tube in her stomach to receive nutrition. Kendall is also severely allergic to airborne particles of all nuts. Kendall carries auto-injectable epinephrine with her at all times – and has used it to save her life eight times to date.

None of this has stopped Kendall from pursuing her dreams and career. She released her first album, Original in 2016, dedicating its message to individuals with various differences. Alongside her career as a songwriter and artist, Kendall travels around sharing her songs and story in the hopes of inspiring others going through their own medical struggles. She believes that disabilities can be turned into “superpowers” and can be used to do great things in this world.

Aside from her music career, Kendall was also a highly competitive US Figure Skater for thirteen years. She is currently working on a project to showcase the stories of different individuals with disabilities. Kendall has partnered with Aerie by American Eagle Outfitters, as a changemaker to create a music video showcasing the stories of individuals with special needs. The song and video, for Aerie, focus on bringing hope and inspiration to others worldwide.

Kendall is also a food allergy awareness advocate, working to educate the public about food allergies. She has been a powerful voice within the food allergy community for many years. Kendall serves as a FAACT Ambassador, for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team. She has shared her story in the media on several occasions including: Good Morning America, The Young Icons, ABC7, KTLA, Ability Magazine, and more. 

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Kendall discusses her life with anaphylaxis, how she advocates for individuals with differences, the body positivity she exudes on social media platforms, and her music.  Through her songs, Kendall hopes that every listener realizes that it is okay to be different and that there is nothing wrong with the original. As Kendall states in her song, Original, “Wise beyond your fears, resilient beyond your years. Don't forget you’re original.”

Kendall Renee | (kendallreneemusic.com)

Jay Blake is the founder and president of Follow A Dream. Established in 1999, Follow A Dream is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization with the mission of demonstrating the “Power of Positive Thinking, Self-Determination, and Teamwork.” He is also the only totally blind crew chief in the worldwide sport of auto racing. Jay has more than 15 years experience as a professional auto mechanic and more than 25 years in drag racing

While working as the head mechanic of a transportation company in 1997, Jay was involved in an industrial accident that caused him to lose complete vision, smell and taste. At the age of 31, he was faced with relearning how to live as a completely blind person.

Refusing to give up on life, Jay aggressively participated in rehabilitation. After being released from Massachusetts General Hospital, he enrolled in an intensive program at The Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts. With renewed self-determination, Jay began to follow his dream: owning a professional auto-racing team.

He soon learned that even without his sight, he was still able to do what he loved most - work on racing engines. Turning his dream into a reality, Jay combined his renewed participation in drag racing with his desire to spread his true-life success by inspiring others, both with and without disabilities, to accomplish their goals through the power of positive thinking and self-determination.

Today, Jay is responsible for Follow A Dream organization’s management, operations and community outreach programs, as well as performing mechanical work on the race car. He leads his team of racing professionals in NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car competition, where they won the 2012 East Region championship and finished the season ranked 11th in national points. When Jay is not racing, Jay spends time at vocational schools all across the country, speaking to students, and spreading his message of inspiration. 

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Jay shares his personal experience of overcoming adversity, the story of how he achieved his dream of auto racing, and how he motivates others through his speaking engagements. He also discusses his “5 Tools for Life Success,” which are meant to encourage individuals to pursue their life goals with passion, self-determination and a positive attitude. Jay’s mantra is full of zeal and purpose. He states,  “I actually had a choice to live or die, and it was an amazing experience. And I chose to live, and the rest is history.”

Mike Berkson is a founding member of HandicapThis!, an inspirational leader of the Keep On Keeping On Foundation, motivational speaker, aspiring film-maker, and an entrant novelist. He is also a movie connoisseur and has seen over 12,000 movies. Mike was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and his family was told “not to expect much.” Nonetheless at age three, not only was Mike talking up a storm, but he had a thirst for vocabulary. Mike virtually has no movement of his arms and legs, which limits his control and independence, but Mike’s unmatched wit, amazing stage presence, and good nature is limitless. 

At age twelve, Mike met Tim Wambach. Tim was hired to be Mike’s one-on-one aide and help Mike with the tasks of daily living. Throughout the years  Mike and Tim have formed an unmeasurable bond and have been through some of the most amazing adventures together. 

Mike and Tim created the Keep On Keeping On Foundation to help those living with severe physical disabilities, like cerebral palsy. They have helped families pay for therapy, equipment, home modifications, and motorized wheelchairs, all in an effort to help both the child and the family. Mike and Tim’s motivational speaking success ultimately gave the pair the opportunity to spread their message of tolerance and inclusion through their live show called, Handicap This! Recently, Mike created, Making Minds Handicap Accessible: The Digital Classroom Experience, a digital classroom learning tool, which helps spread the message of the importance of social emotional learning and empathy.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Mike talks about his unique journey with cerebral palsy, his friend Tim, and his role in HandicapThis!, a two-man show. Mike also touches on mental health and the struggle of accepting one’s self when one has a difference. Throughout the interview, Mike discusses the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and tolerance. Mike’s advice is to, “Throw out the book about how to handle someone with special needs and look at the individual person, not just the disability.” 

Portions of Mike’s biography were provided by: Our Team | Handicap This!