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There is Always a Way

"It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive."

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Mike May's Inspirational Speaking

Michael May has given hundreds of presentations to both corporate and nonprofit organizations around the world.

collage of Mike May pictures, left to right. Mike giving a college commencement speech, Mike close-up, Mike speed skiing

Mike May has been in training as a start-up CEO since he went blind at the age of three. Out of necessity, Mike developed the attitude that, "there is always a way." He illustrates this philosophy through stories of playing flag football in elementary school, intramural soccer in college, living in a West African village, crashing the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics, starting 4 companies, traveling worldwide and raising 2 boys with his wife Jennifer. Mike's sincerity and humor are contagious in leading one to truly believe that there is indeed "always a way", not just because he is a bline person who has triumphed in the face of adversity, but because he has led a fascinating life using an ingenious combination of alternative tools and techniques.

What attendees are saying about Mike May's presentations

  • "I am looking around and see that I am not the only one tearing up. Thanks for touching my heart and inspiring me to do my job better."
  • "You are the best speaker we have had in the 10 years we have been hosting this event for our distributors."
  • "A week after your keynote and our teachers are still buzzing."
  • "..the most powerful personal message I have ever heard."
  • "What makes your story so credible is that you live the message."
  • "Your presentation was the best that I have ever seen and I've seen a lot."

Mike May has been the subject of national TV stories over the past 25 years. His first start-up company, Finial Technology, captured general and audio industry attention for the development of the world's first Laser Turntable in a race to beat out compact disc technology in 1984-1987. As a blind downhill skier, Mike was in the media for his exploits for setting the speed skiing record for a totally blind person (65 MPH) and winning 6 international medals including being in a Warren Miller feature ski movie and on ABC Wide World of Sports. President Reagan recognized Mike May personally at the White House along with the US Winter Olympic team. Mike was on President Obama's White House delegation to the 2010 Paralympics and he met with the President in 2009 regarding accessible technology for the disabled.

left: Mike and President Reagan, center: Mike and President Clinton, right: Mike in the White House Map Room with President Obama, Vice President Biden and others

There was another media blitz with the development of the GPS technology for the blind on all the networks and magazine shows in 1995-1997. Mike burst onto the national scene again in spring of 2000 after he had two surgeries and regained some vision after 43 years of total blindness. This incredible experience is another in the litany of pioneering adventures Mike May brings to the public through the media and his presentations.

A BBC documentary on Mike's experiences entitled "The Man Who Learnt To See" won the Royal Television Society's award for "best single programme" in 2002.

A book about Mike May, Crashing Through, by best selling author Robert Kurson was among the top 50 books on Amazon in 2007 and a major motion picture by Fox is in the works. Mike was on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR Talk of the Nation,, HBO Sports and the list goes on.

In a San Jose State University commencement ceremony speech, Jon C. Iwata, IBM Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications gives his take on Crashing Through and Mike's journey into vision.

Mike speaking with his Seeing Eye dog at his feet

Potential Presentation Topics

"There is Always a Way!" Seeking challenges, problem solving, finding work-arounds, making the most of work and play.

Creating orientation literacy for the blind through the use of GPS Navigation and Location Information.

The Status and Future of Adaptive Technology for the Blind

Making commercial products and Services Accessible for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Excellent Orientation and Mobility is Key to Social, Educational and Career Development

Availability and Cost

Mike typically makes just one presentation per month in order not to interfere with the development of his company. A discounted fee is available to a limited number of nonprofit organizations.

For information on booking Mike May for a corporate Event, contact The Agency Group. For speaking at nonprofit events, contact Kim Casey

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