ALVIN LAW

CSP, HOF, DISABILITY HALL OF FAME

Expert on

  • Inspirational
  • Attitude
  • Inclusion
  • Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI)
  • Change
  • Accountability

Fee Range

$10,000–$15,000

Travels from

AB, Canada

Biography

Alvin challenges his audience members to examine their current perceptions of themselves, other people and the world around them so they can then overcome the same obstacles that Alvin was able to overcome – not how to live and function with no arms, but how to be a successful, compassionate, positive and engaged human being that leaves the world a better place than how they found it.

Born with no arms as a result of the drug Thalidomide, Alvin was adopted by a family who taught him to use his feet for hands – and who by doing so gave him the gift of freedom. Alvin’s mission is to spark a worldwide Attitude Revolution. Attitude Revolutions happen because people are inspired, from within themselves, to practice cultivating a more proactive and effective outlook on their lives. Alvin knows, and demonstrates to his audiences, that attitude is not about touchy-feely platitudes or ‘thinking positive’ – attitude is how we look at and interpret life overall. It is a skill that can be learned, and that must be practiced. It is a tool that can be used. Most importantly, it can’t be imposed upon people – it has to come from a genuine place.

Alvin uses his story to challenge audiences to rewrite the negative stories they tell themselves about themselves; to stop feeling like victims in their lives and get proactive; to stop making excuses and start making choices. His fusion of storytelling, musical performance and down-to-earth humour connect with his audiences at an intimate, intense and individual level. Over 7,500 organizations on five continents have used Alvin to ignite, engage and transform their people.

In addition to being a professional speaker, he is a trained broadcaster, fundraiser, award-winning musician and bestselling author. He has earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). In 2009, Alvin was inducted into the Canadian Association of Speakers (CAPS) Hall of Fame and in 2018 The Canadian Disability Hall of Fame welcomed him for his significant role in advocacy for people with special needs.  

Alvin has appeared on countless telethons and media features, and has been the subject of two award-winning television documentaries. Since 1976 Alvin has played a direct role in raising over $200 million dollars for charity.

Speaker Videos

CHANGE THE LABEL

Focus: team-building, employee engagement, employee appreciation/motivation

Format: opening or closing keynote; half-day workshop; breakout session

“We all have obstacles in life. It is ultimately the choices we make that determine whether they block our path to success, or strengthen us on our journey. We don’t need to be defined by past labels, we can change or discard them.”

After seeing Alvin deliver his keynote speeches, audiences come away realizing “All of us have something that handicaps us. We all have problems and issues we deal with everyday. It’s how we respond to these issues that counts. We need to focus on what we do have, not what we don’t have.”

In over 30 years of professional speaking, Alvin has never told his story exactly the same way twice. Although Alvin’s circumstances are unique, his story is universal. It’s easy for him to craft an experience that is relevant to your organization’s audience…so they walk away having heard the message you need them to hear. 

Alvin will tailor his talk to your audience and situation, and can give his presentation a title that aligns with your specific event. We’re happy to work with you. Contact us, and tell us your story.

OVERCOME ANYTHING

No matter who we are or what our job title is, one thing is true: we are all the leaders of our own lives. We are all creative problem solvers, and we all have unique value we bring to our personal and professional relationships. Thing is, we don’t always remember this about ourselves…or about our friends, family, co-workers, employees and team members. Caught up in the day-to-day grind, it’s pretty easy to forget.

Personal leadership? Responsibility? Resiliency? They are attitudes. And these attitudes can be learned by anyone. They can become habits we practice at work and at home, in our personal and professional relationships. And they can become tools we draw on to successfully face, and overcome, any challenge.

Combining lessons from his remarkable life of being born without arms with his unique insight into personal and workplace challenges, Alvin has developed a series of proven strategies for enhancing and sustaining attitudes of leadership, responsibility and resiliency both on the job and in your personal life. You’ll learn how to apply these time-tested techniques to spark your creativity, recognize your value and the value of those around you, and step into your natural role as leader in your own life.

Alvin’s humorous, high-energy, emotionally uplifting and unforgettable presentation is suitable for any organization from the boardroom to the factory floor, to any association or group looking for a unique and unforgettable keynote and life changing experience.

Always highly customized to the event, Alvin’s presentation is perfect for an Opening or Closing Keynote; Customer or Employee engagement and appreciation events; or helping your team prepare mentally and emotionally for team building or upcoming organizational changes. Alvin also rocks at Awards Ceremonies and Convention Luncheons and Evening Banquets.

And of course, in every presentation Alvin illustrates how to go beyond limits by performing his signature (and hugely popular) snare drum and piano musical performances.