Opening Host Entertainment: Michael Beers
Wednesday, August 7, 12:30PM-2:30PM and Thursday, August 8, 7:00PM-9:30PM
Michael Beers started stand-up when he was still in high school, and it was “love at first laugh.” Since then, he has performed in comedy clubs, theaters, churches, and on Zoom. His audiences include conference goers, children/teens, colleges, corporations, and even dive bar patrons. His flexible comedy style and instincts make him ideal for any occasion.
Michael is a part of the Comedians with Disabilities Act, a comedy troupe proclaiming to “change disability attitudes one laugh at a time.” Michael is the winner of the Norman G. Brooks Comedy Competition at the Hollywood Improv, the winner of Funny Fest (Calgary Comedy Festival, and has opened for comedians like Gilbert Gottfried. Michael is highly sought-after on topics including humor, disability advocacy, education, and community building.
Michael will join the Wednesday afternoon Exhibit Hall Preview for a comedy set and Thursday night at the Opening Celebration as host and comedy entertainment.
Opening Keynote Address: William Pike
Thursday, August 8, 10:30AM-12:00PM
William has had an extraordinary journey so far, from overcoming the loss of his leg in a volcanic eruption, to fronting a nationwide youth development program, exploring Antarctica, and inventing Pro Armour prosthetic covers that are helping amputees around the world. Opening the main stage, you will hear from this extraordinary speaker and adventurer in-person at the National Conference.
As an iconic adventurer, educator, businessman, and family man, William motivates and inspires by sharing his miraculous survival story on Mount Ruapehu, where doctors noted his survival as a miracle. He is the founder of a nationwide youth development program and Pro Armour, a prosthetic device that is the ultimate in prosthetic protection – giving those with limb difference around the world the freedom and confidence to do more. William will leave a lasting impression as he motivates, shocks and challenges you to step out of your comfort zone to achieve your extraordinary. His infectious enthusiasm for adventure and optimism is evident in his top selling autobiography, “Every Day’s A Good Day.”
Main Stage: Live Your Best Life: Nicole Ver Kuilen & Danielle Cummings
Friday, August 9, 10:45AM-11:45AM
Nicole Ver Kuilen is a disability rights advocate, cancer survivor, and social impact leader dedicated to using her talents for meaningful, systemic change. She founded the nonprofit advocacy organization Forrest Stump after facing insurance denials for nearly two decades, completing a 1,500-mile ultra-triathlon on a prosthesis built only for walking. Her innovative advocacy and awareness campaigns have sparked national change, laying the foundation for her current role leading So Every BODY Can Move (SEBCM), a landmark state-based policy initiative creating access to prostheses and orthoses for physical activity as medically necessary healthcare. She has served as the inaugural health policy fellow for the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP) and currently works as Manager of Public Engagement for the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA). A proud University of Michigan Ross School of Business graduate, she enjoys outdoor adventures in the Pacific Northwest and will be running the Boston Marathon in 2024 for the second time, as a professional para-athlete.
Danielle Cummings is a third-year medical student, accomplished triathlete, and dedicated community advocate whose journey has been shaped by resilience and a deep belief in the healing power of movement. Her journey began with a rock-climbing accident in 2017, which left her grappling with severe chronic pain. Through this experience, she discovered firsthand the transformative power of movement, both physically and emotionally.
Driven by her belief in movement as medicine, Danielle became a passionate champion for the So Every BODY Can Move Movement in New Mexico working to ensure everyone had the right to movement. In July 2024, after enduring 6.5 years of severe pain, she underwent a below-knee amputation. Remarkably, within just six months post-operation, she became the first person in New Mexico to receive a running leg under groundbreaking new legislation, opening unforeseen opportunities ahead.
In the following months, Danielle’s resilience and determination defined her path. She not only qualified for and competed in the USA Paratriathlon Nationals, but she also excelled academically as a medical student, volunteered at free medical clinics, engaged in research, and continued to advocate for the SEBCM Movement. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the transformative impact of movement, and the profound difference one person can make in their community.
Closing Keynote Address: Blake Leeper
Saturday, August 10, 12:30PM-2:00PM
Blake Leeper is an eight-time Paralympic Track and Field International medalist, world record holder and three-time American record holder. Over 400 meters, he’s the fastest adaptive runner in Team USA History and the only one to ever do it in under 45 seconds. From Kingsport, Tennessee, Blake was born without legs from a congenital birth defect and did not start racing until he was twenty years old. Blake hasn’t only conquered adversities but has transformed them into powerful motivation, achieving extraordinary logic-defying feats.