| Biography of Al Foxx | Speaking Topics | Speaking Endorsements |
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Booking Information |
Al Foxx is an individual like you or I who suddenly had a motorcycle crash and was told he would never walk, not be understood when he talked, and never be able to drive. Al beat the odds-He drives to his speaking engagements, limps unto the stage, and gets paid to share his story and insights. Al Foxx is a professional humorist, inspirational/motivational disability speaker, and author.
Here is his story: Born in Detroit in 1961 and raised near Seattle, Al Foxx was a typical strong-willed, athletic teenager-until his life was changed forever in a motorcycle crash in 1980.
He earned his GED and quit high school during his junior year so he could get a job to buy the things he loved. At that age, snow skiing and backpacking, cars and motorcycles were more fascinating than chalk boards and textbooks. Al obtained a job as a hot tar roofer to earn the income he wanted to support his lifestyle.
Al loved going to rock concerts in the 1970s. On his way to a spring concert in 1980, after leaving the house of his fiancée, while speeding down the road, his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck that ran a stop sign right in front of him.
He spent the next month in a coma and woke up with a brain injury and the left side of his body partially paralyzed. Roofing was no longer an option. Al spent the next 7 years in physical and speech therapy, and going to college. Fifteen years after his motorcycle crash, still limping noticeably when not using a cane, Al had graduated from Seattle Central Community College. He was going to Western Washington University when he realized college still didn't have anything for him. He devoted himself to standup comedy.
Al won first place in the 2000 "Laff-Off" at Giggles Comedy Club in Seattle. By highlighting the humorous aspects of his disability, he makes audiences comfortable with his disability. Al decided he wanted to do more than make people laugh. He wanted to motivate them to overcome their own obstacles, to help them take a look at their own 'motorcycle crash', and to challenge individuals to honor and respect those who have a disability. Thousands have now heard the lessons Al Foxx has gained in rehabilitation.
Because of Al's unique situation as a humorous speaker who has a disability, he gives excellent disability awareness presentations.
Mr. Foxx is not a disabled mountain climber. He is not a disabled Olympic Sports hero. Nor is he a famous personality who has a disability. Al Foxx is an individual like you or I who suddenly had a motorcycle crash and became disabled. He has learned how to live above his calamities and become an extraordinary person.
More Biography information
Speaking Topics
All of Al's presentations are insightful, inspirational, and with plenty of humor to keep the attention of the audience.
Delighting in Differences
Dealing with people who are different is a universal problem. Using his own experience of being different, as well as the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Al Foxx shows how to view every person as extraordinary, so that we can erase the attitudes that divide us. A special version of this inspirational talk is available during Black History Month, or for anyone focusing on racial differences, people with disabilities, and during talks promoting equality between men and women.
Disabling Disability Myths
Anyone who encounters people with disabilities will benefit from this presentation. Al Foxx has spent 24 years living with a half-paralyzed body and brain injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash at age 18. Al’s insights and practical, down-to-earth suggestions can help employers, co- workers, and everyone understand the myths about disabilities and how to communicate in a satisfying way with people with disabilities. Attendees who have been around people with disabilities their whole lives say Al gave them new insights while making them laugh.
Winners Don’t Quit
Regardless of what age they are or what they are doing, the more confident people are the better they do. Al Foxx tells how a paralyzing motorcycle crash stole his self-confidence and how he learned to restore confidence by filling your own and others’ “self-esteem buckets.” Al shares the power of goals and how he relearned to talk, walk, and drive. “Life,” he says, “is like a book.” His message is: Your life is a book. You are the author. Write a happy ending.
Other Topics
Go to www.alfoxx.com for other presentation topics.
Speaking Endorsements
"From speaking in high schools to the workplace, Al will bring a refreshing perspective to living and working along side people with disabilities."
Fran Hooper, Costco Wholesale, Training and Employee Development
"Over 220 people attended and their reviews were excellent. The story of your perseverance in your recovery was wonderfully told and I believe demonstrates what an amazing person you are. It is an excellent service that you offer and one any organization wishing to educate themselves on disability awareness would greatly benefit from."
Pat Delaney, Special Events Committee, State of Washington, Department of Labor and Industries
"The conference planners and I greatly appreciate your contribution to the success of the conference, and we look forward to partnering with you in the future to improve the health care quality of those we serve."
Linda A. Ruiz, Regional Administrator-Seattle, Western Consortium Administrator
"Great job in speaker selection. The message was delivered effectively and humorously. Please continue to focus in on the real diversity issues. Less fluff and more events like this!"
John Deere Employee
"I absolutely enjoyed this guest speaker. He spoke of things that impact us all, whether you are a disabled individual or not. I would wager that there are still people that we work with day to day within our office that do not get it. That they think their problems are bigger than other and that everybody owes them something. After listening to Al, it makes our little problems seem truly petty."
John Deere Employee
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Biography
Speaking Fees
Booking Information
Booking Questionnaire
Speaking Endorsements
Comedy Show Endorsements
Presentations
Winners Don't Quit
Diversity Awareness
Disability Awareness
Letters of Recommendation
Costco Wholesale
Community Transit
Texas A& M University
Dept of Veteran Affairs
Cornerstone Services, Inc.
Tacoma Community College
Woodinville Treatment Center
Brain Injury Assoc. of Washington
Department of Health & Human Services
Seattle Medical and Rehabilitation Center
Seattle Military Entrance Processing Station
If you go to Testimonials, there are other Letters of Recommendation
Need More Information?
Give us a call, toll-free 1-888-550-FOXX
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