Al Swain

Al was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at a young age. To most, the loss of mobility and eyesight would be reason 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 for more than he has taken.

Al brings his background of professional excellence to the podium. He defines his programs on disabilities, diversity, and multicultural concerns as having "irreverence, a dash of realism, and a liberal sprinkling of humor".

His keynote presentations and workshops have all met with standing ovations. He has been the featured presenter for the Bermuda ACCESS Week for two consecutive years, the keynote presenter for the Dayle McIntosh ILC Awards in Garden Grove, California, featured presenter at the Tennessee Mega Conference, and the featured presenter at the 2008 conference of the Arkansas Council on Development Disabilities. He was also featured in the book, Breakthrough for Parenting for Children with Special Needs and is a frequent speaker at the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum.

With such a highly recognized backgound, it is little wonder that Al has developed such a diverse and professional expertise. Some of his key recognitions include:

• National Center for Independent Living (NCIL) Disability Rights and ADA Training
• NCIL Enhancement Training • NCIL National Policy Summit
• National workshop for the Administration for Developmental Disabilities
• Coordinator of NCIL ADA workshop Service Academy Screening • Community Independent Living
• Research Utilization ADA and Multicultural Outreach Training

With almost 25 years in public service, Al has been rewarded for his out pouring of energy and skills and currently serves with the following organizations:

Member, Michigan Committee on Handicapper Concerns

National Council on Independent Living

Consumer Involvement Committee for the Library for the Blind

Michigan Committee on Disability Concerns

Disability Voice Planning Committee

The Administration on Developmental Disabilities

National Council on Disability